Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-03-23
THE TEST OF LOVE.
By FANNY FERN.

By FANNY FERN.
"For charly's sake take me in." salt
the lively little Mrs. Gray. with tone o
much distress, as she peeped her blighI
face into my room. "lf you'll credit it
my husband hasn't spoken live consecu
tive words since tea time and am quit,
undecided whether to have the rosfraised
so that | can breathe ireer. or 60 into s
violent fit OF Mysteries. Matly." she said
with n ludicrously solemn air, al should
not be surprised il had married the
wrong man. Now, Edward is one OF The
best creatures iu the world there, that's
just it," she said. jumping up. hes toe
good. | can't think OF fault he has
he's awfully correct-a living reprool to
me. Do compassionate me. Matty.
have what the old ladies call model
husband Now, isn't it pity that good
ness and stupidity generally go ogether?
said she. laughing. Ned IS SO matter
Offact. Now, il | am reading book,
and come across a passage that delights
me, always want TO put my arm around
the authors neck and kiss him.
well. | read It TO Ned. and says he
quietly (without looking up from his
newspaper). yes. it's pretty good Oh,
dear, he never gets up enthusiasm about
anything He lacks feeling It's really
piliable. Matty." Ohrowing herself on The
sofa with suppressed yawn).
"All isn't gold that glitters. Mary and
there are gems, too. OF whose value the
possessor Is sometimes ignorant. These
butterflies that dazzle in society are mostly
nero moths at home. Abroad, they are
refined. polished. graceful. full Of re-
partee and wit; but by their own hearth
stone. silent. moody. selfish. exacting.
unnteresting. You'd never recognize
them You remember Vivian -
Well. that's his mental daguerreotype
in private he is the most unlovely oi
mortals !"
"Well. this worlds humbug. then.
said Mary. "or I'm one OF its restless,
dissatisfied ones; and, by the way,
Matty, how came you 10 be an old maid?
"Simply. because you appropriated
the only man ever wanted" was Matty':
quiet reply.
The blood rushed to Mary's temples
she was by Matty's side in an instant,
urging her to a full confession.
"Ab. see. my little lady. your heart
is In the right plaoo after ALL, else you
wouldn't be jealous. I've great hopes o.
youl blessings often brighten when We
imagine they are about to take flight
Your husband never spoke word o
love to me In his life-I only wish he had
shan't enjoin secrecy upon you as to my
preference. because know you woult
not have II known for q kingdom. so
am safe. But, seriously. Mary. yor
don't know how 10 value Edward. 4
few more years over your sunny head
and a little more experience OF The world
and you would no. barter him f3r th'
most brilliant idol your Imagination eve
set up for your heart to worship"
That day was nearer than Matty proph
esied. Mary. shortly after, was takel
dangerously i'll. For weeks she BALANCED
between lie and death. Whose suppli
eating eye sought the physicians wit
such fearful anxiety? whose hand, wit
more than woman's tenderness. smooth
ed her pillow and shaded her eye-balls
who, with upliited finger. crept sofll
about the house, hushing every nois.
football? who surrounded her with ever.
comfort and luxury that affection coul,
think of. OF money (hardly earned) coul
procure? Who. when wearied with busi
ness cares. still kept tireless vigil. I'll
the stars faded away, at the bedside o
the poor sufferer
Who grasped the physicians han
saying, "save her 1t is life or deat
with me, as we'll as Mary" Who bu
the matter of fact" Edwards
One day. after Mary was convalescent
| called to see her. Thank God, yo
are spared 10 us said /, touching m.
lips to her forehead.
"After Him. thank my husband" sai'
Mary. with eyes liquid with feeling. al
this sick room have learned lesson
never shall forget. Oh. Matty there
may be deep. strong love in the heart
whose deeds, not words. are the inter
prefers. Please God TO spare my life
my poor love shall be his reward 70
this"
Mary kept her word.
"A druggist is not Inappropriate