Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-05-30

wouldn't "A said a word if she who is
making the cake and she who would eat
the cake had been the identical individ-
ual."
Rachels mask shook 4 little. but she
vas brave girl. "Ol, am sure
Georges wife will be nice lady, and [
dare say we will all like her very much"
she answered.
Rachel Molfatt's words were fully
verified. George Reynolds wife proved
to be a very nice lady--a little delicate
creature, all pink and white, whom it
was impossible not TO like, because she
was so thoroughly amiable and lovely.
"Who is the lady in white with the pink
/ flowers in her hair?" asked the bride OF
the bridegroom, the evening of their
reception, as Rachel Moflatt entered the
room. somewhat late "She looks very
lovely, but shouldn't think she would
like TO wear flowers off the Judas tree.
Don't you know ~ she asked, answering
the inquiring look of her husband. that
is the name of the tree that bears those
white flowers. | am great botanist-
don't YOU know that, my darling?"
The darling co,ored, seeing Rachel
Monait aud the pink nowers,e and remem-
bering certain words uttered beneath the
shadows ofthe pink branches.
Rachel MonAlt was q study to another
man at George Reynolds reception.
Walter Gibbs's eyes followed her where.
ever she moved, and he went home
thinking of the mystery OF womanhood
as il revealed itself il Rachel Moflatt and
pink flowers.
The Judas tree had never bloomed hut
once when George REYNOLDS and his wife
came to Medbury TO live.
George don't Get on so well as |
could expect" Sqnire Reynolds said;
and Mrs. Reynolds hiuted to halt dozen
neishbors. hoping it would 90 no further
than between herself and the one with
whom she talked. tha, Georges wife
was a well-meaning. good-hoarted little
creature, but, bless her heart she didn't
know the first thing about housekeeping,
aud she hadu'l any knack OF making the
most Of her means.
George Reynolds wiie sent for Rach
Moflat one day. II would have come
down my self, " she apologized, "bnt you
see wa not able" and Rachel, looking
into her lace, saw that the pink had all
faded ont. leaving only the whtenesS OF
tbs previous year. You see, dear, she
went on with winning irankness, 81
wasn't brought up TO anything useful.
and the housekeeping don't go right, and
George aud have moved ont, thinking
we could manage better, and it would
be better Tor the baby. remember that
beautiful lady-cake you made for our
reception, and the praises that were in
uverybody's mouth about your cooking.
and now, my dear Miss Moifa,t, would
you mind showing me = little, and see If
can't learn to manage belter, and make
Georges home more comfortable; |
thought had rather ask young person
ike YOU than Georges mother even
And 50 Rachel MofTalt found herself in
George Reynolds kitchen, instrncting
the child wife in the mysteries of cook
iug, and trying 10 impsrt to her some of
her rare kuack," as the people called
il.
One day, as she came out OF the little
gate and took her way toward her own
home. gentleman passed her on
horseback. Looking up. she saw man
with iui beard and good figure; q
stranger she thought him until he
wheeled about and exclaimed, Your
not running away from your shadow
again, are you, Miss Rlchel?" And the
stranger was no other than Walter
Gibbs.
Rachel laughed this time without
effort. They are harmless things, as
sou said" she replied; and then she in.
quired kindly after his health and stay
in Medbury.
IL presume that strangers occupy the
cottage yonder?" Walter Gibbs remarked.
pointing to the cottage that Rachel bad
jus, lett.
George Reynolds lives there" Rachel
answered live been up 10 assist KATE
Mrs. Reynolds-in canning fruit"
Rachel Motfatt's lace did not color or a
feature change. Either her mask was
perfectly worn, or that look had ceased
10 be a mask.
Walter Gibbs, during his star in Med
! bury tell into his old habit OF walking in
K ichel Moffalt's shadow. Looking into
her face as on that evening year before,
be mis- ssed the resignation it had worn
then, Tor in it was real pleasure.
One day he sought her with strange
nervousness and abstra clion in his man
ner. Rachel was very grave too, and
Walter Gibbs saw that she had been
weeping. He looked into her lace with
the tender solicitude that only men who
love and women who have been loved
know. and Rachel explained hastily.
Did he no. know? Had he not heard ?
George Reynolds wife died suddenly
that morning of heart-disease.