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

"Will you keep your promise 10 me'
viii you trust me entirely, no matter il
what ask sounds unreasona ble?"
She replied only by the movement OF
/ her head.
Then let everything go on as it has
been doing. Trust ME just as you
would your brother-no less, no more"
IL will" she whispered, IL will"
al shall never claim an unwilling
wife---you may be sure OF that. / know
you would try to do what was best; but
| want you to be happy. There is no
wish in my heart so strong as that. Do
believe me, Maud"
She did, wholly, aud she tried to
thank him; but the tears came up again
and choked her.
1--WE understand each other, now" he
continued. Il shall explain in my own
way to your mother. You will not be
troubled. Treat me as your truest
friend, and leave the future in Gods
hands,
She. could not understand his full
meaning but she knew that she could
trust him.
Winter came-spring-summer. Mr..
Stuart continued a frequent visitor at
Mrs. Millions. The days glided so
smoothly by that Maud might have been
almost happy if she could have heard
from Rupert; but it was hardly time as
yet, for Z letter from him; and she was
not certain, even if one came, but that
her mother would intercept il.
Mrs. Milton app cared perfectly satisfied
with the course affairs were taking, and
was kindness itself to Maud. What had
been said to her the girl neve or asked.
Strange to say. after awhile. Mr.. Stuart's
society was her one consolation. Some
how whenever she looked in his face. her
courage came back, and she could have
faith to believe that the end was not yet.
One lovely evening, in the late sum-
mer, Mr.. Stuart Joined her as she stood
in the garden.
MAUD" he said abruptly. there's :
steamer in, with Australian passengers"
She interrupted him by little cry.
She knew now what be had meant by his
promise, that night. when she had told
him the truth about her girlish pas..
A few minutes later she comprehend ed
the full change which had come upon
her life; for Rupert Arlington was
holding her in his arms. Douglas Stuart
walked away. and left them together.
After awhile they were both calm enough
so that Rupert could tell her of the tele-
gram that had summoned him home; OF
the offer he had received of share in
we'll established business, which would
enable him to claim his wife without
delay; land sill, he said, Through Mr..
Stuart"
Douglas Stuart had, indeed. redeemed
his pledge. This man never won battles
or founded monarchies; nor was he con-
sidered by his friends remarkable per.
son, in any way. Still, l often think,
that when we see each other, face TO face,
in another world, many'a renowned hero
will hold slight place compared to his.
For he earned that place-he Is dead,
alas by the cheerful sacrifice OF all that
is hardest here 10 relinquish, the one love
of his life.
In the depths OF the forest, at Beech
wood. there is mighty tree. on whose
trunk may be still seen. though years
have passed since they were cut, the In
itials of Rupert and Maud, within true
lovers heart. Often. as the afternoon
wears on, two persons, husband and
wife. 90 there, and look at 1t, and then
lovingly at each other, and think rever'
emily of one who is dead. They are now
the owners OF Beechwood. Douglas Stu
art having lett it to Mrs. Arlington.