Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-12-21

irably in his own country, and knew, as
they say, "men and things" His in.
innate friendship with one OF the finn
prevented any remarks as to the frequency
OF his visits; and he made the additional
apology for possible intrusion. that he
was very much at his leisure. and some
times thought of connecting himself with
the business. | must admit that was
quite interested in him. and felt pleased
when sometimes he would bring me some
tsvorite book about which we had con.
versed and exchanged views. or ask my
opinion on some magazine article that
was engrossing public attention. / had
never given thought to his relations in
lite-whether he was married or single ::
he had simply been TO me pleasant
episode among my daily labors and the
hash OF his blue eyes and his frank smile,
when saluting me, at first considered as
merely among The other usual Incidents
of my daily life.
Ii was during somewhat extended
conversation. one day, some weeks after
our first acquaintance, that the thought
flashed across my mind that he had seen
trouble and was unhappy in connection
with his affections. His opinions o! the
female sex. | discovered upon probing
him little, were not very enthusiastic or
rose -colored. Sometimes, when speaking
OF marriage and its relations. thought
his remarks rather cynical and bitter /;
and once or twice he criticised some OF
my Young and fashionable pupils very
severely, seeming to have q very poor
opinion of them aS TO their usefulness as
probable wives and mothers. naturally
always defended my sex; and once when
laughingly exressed my belief tha, il |
ever should see the woman destined 10 be
bis wife, it would no doubt b. one of
those same pretty, useless, fashionable
creatures against whom he rallied so
bitterly-a look of pain passed across his
face. that set me to thinking that had
touched sore spot in his experience.
We bocane very good friends, event
ually; indeed. | am afraid that should
confess to the truth. we indulged q little
in harmless and pleasant filtration.
know that l was always pleased
10 see him: and / SIN sure that he
often fingered beside me in manner
savoring little of devotion. Still this
was only on the surface; and | grew
more and more certain from melau.
choly that often possessed him. that there
was some secret connected with his do
mestic lie. of an unhappy character.
At last. from an accidental remark OF
one of my employers. l discovered the
skeleton III his closet" lie was 4 mar
ried man, but separated from his wife. l
think that felt little psined at the in
formation; and certainly could not help
the coldneSs of my manner when next !
met him. He saw the change, and asked
with his eyes for an explanation, though
not with his tongue. Had he taken the
latter liberty. it is very possible that |
might have told him, and then-this stCry
would never have been written As it
was, a few hours thoroughly calmed me /;
showed me something OF the impruden ce
of which had been guilty. in making so
close an acquaintance with n man about
whom ] knew literally nothing; and
reused all the woman within me, in pride
and dim suspicion of revenge.
That revenge was much nearer than |
could possibly have dreamed; and unlike
most revenges. no sorrow is entailei by
the recollection. But OF that anon. Fol.
lowing the discovery, the first thing did
was to enlarge i. by ascartaining particu
lars-how. is matter ct no consequence
10 connection with this story. What
additionally discovered. however, is Of
consequence.
lie had married q petted, wayward,
beautiful girl-thc only child of wealthy
parents, who had by injudicious manage
ment tostered every weakness of her
character. lie had formed her acquaint-
ance. and married her after short court
ship, while on visit to her native town,
and after few months removed TO the
city where he now made his residence.
He had brought her home to the house OF
his mother, who. with his sister, was of
the true New England type. They were
thorough going, practical women. notable
housekeepers, slightly Puritanical in their
beliefs, aud holding very little sympathy
with youth and inexperience. The young
wife was impulsiye, unused to discipline
of any kind, careless. ignorant of any
habits of Industry, but warm hearted aud
affectionate. No doubt very trouble.
some relative to the stzid. methodical
women with whom she took up her resi-.
dence.
Unfortunately for the wife, also, her
husband had been taught to look up to
his mother and sister as the best of
women, and had fondly fancied that
when his new treasure came under their
control all those little weaknesses OF
which he had soon become aware after
marriage, would be cured by their ex-
ample aud advice. But his sanguine
loo,..aI 10 Il Iieo M