Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-02-01

They were invited ono night TO dine
at Mr.. Stuart's house. just themselves,
and his two old-maid sisters. After
dinner, not even The laws of politeness
could keep the ancients awake, and
Mrs. Milton was busy with a book of
eugravings; SO Stuart led Maud away
into the distant conservatory to look at
his flowers.
II asked you, the other day. if you
considered me your friend" he said
abruptly.
You have been very kind" she
answered, longing to break from him
and run of; but feeling how useles it
was to proIong this unequal struggle.
81 want you to let me be your friend"
he repeated, looking down at her. with
smile, which made his face fairly
handsome. He was pale, but perfectly
composed, holding her hand fast in his
own, while he spoke.
The poor little fingers quivered piIe-
ously, but did not attempt TO release
themselves from his grasp. Then Maud
stole one shy glance at his face; their
eyes met; and something in the express
sion of his checked partially the nervous
timidity which had shaken her.
II want to be your friend" he
continued in the same gentle voice;
"but, remember, there can be no real
friendship, without perfect confidence
on both sides. Are you sure that you
trust me?"
II know-I can-I do" she said.
steadily, though he felt the hand he
held grow cold as ice.
She could not see his face now. lie
had turned i.~aside. The lines about his
mouth quivered, and the earnest eye
became misty and dim; but the expires.
sion Of deep pity and sympathy for her
was there still.
II have been silent during this
fortnight. he continued; "but am not
blind! Oh, Maud! do you think me
selfish enough to buy my happiness at
the expense OF Yours?"
She knew then that he had been
studying her, that. at least, portion of
the truth was clear to him. Her mother
this was the one thought in her mind
her mother. She could not even re-
member Rupert she could only recollect
that she had. perhaps. lost the one
means of rescuing her mother from
shame and prison.
"Mr. Stuart, sne said. quickly, con,
scious that il she stopped to reflect, she
should be utterly unable to speak. Il
have wanted to tell you'll have had no
opportunity want to tell you every
thing"
He drew her to a. seat. and sat down
beside her. quietly.
Tell me-" he answered; "speak to
me just as you would to an elder brother.
See, you are not afraid now?',
As he bent toward her, she raised her
eyes. 1t was impossible to fear, when
she looked into his.
IL have not meant to be deceitful," ;"
she said.
There is 40 need 10 assure me Of
that, Maud. But wait moment. Let
me tell you something first-something
that will make it easier for you to speak.
l know more than you suspect. know
all"
mot alp Not about my motherP"
cried Maud, hardly knowing what she
said.
"Yes! But for your sake" he added
hurriedly, as Maud buried her face In
her hands, and broke into choked, con-
yulsiye sobbing. that she strove valniy
to subdue, II have shielded her. The
promissory note was brought to me TO
buy. A business man would not have
expected anything else. ] bought II al
once, butwithout betraying Mrs. Milton
"Ohl thank you, thank you" cried
Maud, looking at him. for one moment
with inexpressible gratitude, and then
hiding her tace again in her hands in
shame and horror.
He paused an instant; pity in every
look; but regarding her still with that
same encouraging smile.
IL have asked you to be my wife,
Maud" he went on quietly. Your
mother told me only that you had once
had girlish fancy for another. Wait,
child, ,"(for she involuntarily shrunk
away from him, )"wait-yon are not
afraid of your friend. If there had been
no stronger feeling than fancy to com-
bat, Maud, | should not hesitate. L
think that in time l might teach you to
care enough for me to make your lie
pleasant.
He stopped again. for he knew that
his voice begun to sound unsteady, but
stopped no longer than might have
served TO draw breath; then spoke as
gently and firmly as before.
"But there is more than that, Maud,
and am thankful that l have seen it {;
else. in my selfshness, might have
done 3 great wrong to your heart and to
my own soul. But there is time yet.
So, if you will, you shall tell me every