Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-06-15

That night, alter hlIla nad o'oPP'0
into quiet sleep. her sister sat a long
time thinking how she could manage 10
pay tho physician for his services ana
how they should get along through the
r.s, nj the winter. IL was now the
twent y.ninth of January.
Tomorrow is my birth day; won
der what shall have for present.
Lena said. almost bitterly, then added
II never need expect any more birth
day gifts :" but presently these Thoughts
ceased, and tlustiul cOntenled leeling
took their place. The next morning she
woke early, and after kindling the fire.
che discovered that they had barely
wood enough to last that day. What
should she do God will provide viii
trust my mothers God." she said. She
cheertully prepared their simple break
fast. and then after helping her sister 10
dress. they sat down together ana
thankfully parIook of their frugal meal
"Did you know this is my birth day
mo" said Rilla, 81 had not thought
of it. and how sorry am that you can
not have u present" Lena's eyes hlied
with tears. bat she said nothing. Going
to 4 trunk, she took from it q gold neck
lace which had been her mothers gilt
inst one year ago. She looked at IL
lovingly, lingelingly. How could she
prt with il? She hal been thinking
that she must sell il in order to buy iueI;
but when she looked at ii, 1t brought her
mother and lormer happier scenes 50
yiyidly to her mind, that she put 1t care
fully back in the box from which she had
taken it, saying, Il cannot part with 1t
now; will wait little longer, and
now we must leave these poor orphans
for \ time.
\ festal night 10 Mr.. FIetcher's stale
ly mansion. All that wealth could puf'
chase. or Taste devise, 10 add to the rlcn
maguiicence OF the scenei Tor Mr.. ana
Mrs. Fletcher felt that they could not DO
too much for their daughters pleasure on
her nineteenth birth day. Graceful ana
beautiful as were the many forms gath
cred in those splendid rooms, lnez
Fletcher shone preeminent. Such
sweet holy light dwelt in her glorious
eyes, they seemed to draw their radiance
from a never dying iount Of love and JOY
Ol clear gray or hazel, they had the
most bewitching curtains OF long dark
lashes, which, when she was looking
downward seemed TO rest caressngly on
the fair cheek below; but when she was
animated and her eyes were raised, the
light seemed actually TO fash from them.
Anon, a sad and dreamy expression
would veil their beams, like emanations
from some hidden fountain oi love and
tears.
Ernest Fletcher had, by industry and
shrewd calculation, become very wealthy
and he loved his only daughter with all
q fathers love. Though TO others ne
was cold, and seemingly unfeeling, her
lghtest wish was a law to him. 1t hap
pened that Inez and her father were
alone in one of the parlors. As ne gazed
upon her lovely features. he thought
that her deep, sad eyes looked more sad
than was their wont. "What troubles
my darling?" said the fond father. 81
wan. YOU to look, and to feel very happy
to night"
81 am not happy father and sannot be-
though you do so much for my happl'
ness"
"And why rot, Inez; ?"
The young girl hesitated moment ana
then gently laying her hand on has
shoulder, and looking up into his iaee'
said, Dear father, don't be angry with
me, can't help thinking OF poor Cousin
Lena tonight. You know she and are
Of the same age, and while | am sur
rounded with kind friends. and every
thing to make me happy, she is poor
orphan, and for ought we know, she and
Rilla may suffer Tor the common necess'
aries of life. Oa father. let me DO
: something for them. Ny heart aches
for nv poor cousin whom have always
loved"
Mr.. fletcher looked very stern, and
, was silent. Inez had never known to
what extent her lalher had wronged his
brother family, and go she could not
, know the gnawing remorse which her
words had aroused in her fathers heart.
Again she earnestly entreated him to DO
something Tor the relief OF the poor
orphans. I'll think oil it, child; go back
!, 10 YOUR friends now," said MIR. Fletcher,
much moved.
. Going 10 his study, he sank into d
. chair and gave vent to emotions whicn
would no longer be restrained. Ills
heart, which had grown harder tnan
adamant, had become somewhat softened
by his daughters words. He thought OF
the past SO iraught with blackneSs TO
him. and of his brother whom he had SO
irreparably wronged, and OF the orphans
against whom he had so long steeled his
heart. The color came and went in his
cheeks as these narrowing thoughts
burned into his very soul. Pride. humil'
T ;a,ion and remorse had mighty struggle