Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-08-15

MS WAS tue iehI pIeSsiuS hoofhJ
upon Rays heart az she moved about
the little cottage, busy with her duties
She had made frank confession to
her grandfather of her own share in the
mornings escape, and while regretling
the deprivations the loss ol her unc'e's
gift entailed upon her, he spoke no word
of chiding.
Five long years. speeding by for some,
dragging wearily for others. found Hope
but little changes, though there We're
great ciapges amongst the people. Mr..
Selwyn, at an advanced age. had yielded
to the call of Nature, and passed peace
fully to his long rest. and Ray was with
her Uncle Ralf. a most reluctant depend
ant upon his bounty.
She sewed for her pocket money and
clothing greatly against her uncle's
wish. But there was no opportunity for
her to obtain employment ut Hope. and
she could not resolve TO leave the place.
Here Bernard Hilton had lett her. Here
he would seek her il he ever returned 10
his native land. Hero his innocence
must be proved. This last was the hope
that made her patiently endure her life
in her unclc's home aud submit passiyeiy
to Julius Mervin ; hated presence and
attentions.
Winter was reigning with unusual
severity, when one morning, Ray, seated
in her own room sewing. heard a
trampllng OF ieet in the hall, a confused
miugling of many voices, and at last,
above all, the voice of her uncle. call.
ing -
"Rachel. Rachel"
She hurried down stairs to see litter
laid on the floor. and upon that the dead
body OF her cousin Julius. Her uncle
his voice iull OF agony, snppressing his
grief with an iron will-turned 10 her as
she came trembling across the hall.
His horse slipped upon the ice, Ray" "
he said, in moaning cry. Can we
take him TO his room?"
Silently she led the way, while her
uncle. leaning heavily upon her, contin
ued =
I'VE have had him at the bank, with
two doctors. There can be nothing
done. He is dead. Oh. my son, my son "
Il was sorrow no human power
could comfort, aud Ray, moving
ID mechanically 10 perform necessary du-
ties, could only offer mute sympathy her
own heart cold with horror and despair.
She had not loved her cousin, but all
womanly feeling grieved over his sud
den, awful call into eternity. She was
dark ening the windows. pulling down
the heavy curtains. STOPPING sometimes
to caress the white head bent in sorrow
at the bedside. when the undertaken
came in, and whispered to her to take
her uncle into another room.
"You can have the table and whatever
else YOU wish moved to my uncIe's
room next this" she said, opening the
door as she spoke. Uncle. you will
come 10 your room with me. will you
nol?"
The old man rose heavily. and follow
ed her. Just as they reached the larger
room. the man carrying The little table
let it slip and a writing desk npon 1t
came crashing to the floor, breaking at
every joint.
The man, hastily apologizing, replaced
t.1e pieces upon the table in the chamber
OF death. But Ralph Mervin approached
the table.
I'VE must take care OF the papers
he said. Then he gave a cry OF horror
and de spair that brought Ray to his side
Her own lips blanChed as the aged
shaking hand pointed to roll OF bank
notes sticking partly out oil q false
bottom to the desk.
The stolen notes." The old man
cried. 81 know them well. My son
was the thief. Oh! Heaven. have mercy:
Even in her joy at this revelation
Rays heart ached for the stricken father
who had sunk upon his knees beside the
table, quivering in agony OF grief and
horror.
She could comfort him even then as
no one else could. knowing his poor
heart found solace in her presence.
The days OF mourning were doubly
sad to The bereaved father in the dread
tul certainty OF his sons foul treachery
But he caused paragraph to be inserted
in the papers calling Bernard Hilton to
return, as his innocence of the crime OF
which he had been accused was proven,
but not mentioning the silent witness OF
another's guilt.
June had come, when one morning
Raw, coming to her uncle's side, her
sweet face wearing smile long slrsn-
ger there, said softly
1T is my birthday Uncle Ralf. and
have q gift TO show you"
She opened her hand to show. lying in
The palm. an old fashioned locket studded
with diamonds. IN the months oi
mourning. Ralf Mervin had been told the
history of the locket. so he cried. quickly
BERNARD has come home again
Where is hep"
....a. u his call Rern I'd