Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-06-13

in her face, and tried TO make my escape,
but Tom held my hand and would not
let ii 60.
Aunt Desire prophecy almost came
true, did 1t not, Sadi? Only il was
brother instead of lover that was
brought in on board and laid at your
feet. What a pityl" said Mrs. 0ben-
reiser
What's all that aboutP" said Tom,
while Mr.. Justin lifted his eyebrows.
"Some of Aunt Desires nonsense
that is ALL" said +.
"But | want to know Sadi needn't
be having any lovers. want her M
self, Have you got lover. SadiP"
mo, no, Tom; don't be silly"
"Well, | knew nobody but women
ever came TO see YOU"
| felt rather than saw Mr.. Jusiin's
amusement al this hcme truth.
Your aunt thinks thst Sadi will get q
husband just as quickly II she sits IN The
chimney corner tending The baby and
mending Your stockings all the time, as
she would il she went about and enjoyed
herself like other girls"
IL agree with Aunt Desire" said Mr.
Justin.
"Oh, indeed Perhaps you arc like
those very sensible men that she knew
in her youth, who looked for nothing but
solid qualities in their wives"
Il hope So" said Mr.. Justin. looking
straight and serious into Mrs. Obenreis-
er's mocking face. looked up at him
gratefully, and his face grew suddenly
bright with that rare smile. 1t was rs il
the sun had all at once flashed through
red curtains into dull. empty room. He
looked absolutely handsome for the FIRST
lime.
Then Sadi would do for you excel
lently," said Mrs. O5enreiser.
Come now" said Tom, that's going
it little too steep. Sadi hasn't been
married twice, il you have. and she has
some delicate feelings left"
Mrs. O5enreiser was going to be very
angry, but Mr.. Justin said gently. "A
sick boy has privileges" and the storm
blew over.
l had become accustomed by this
time 10 Mr.. Justin's quiet way OF always
stepping into the breach a, the critical
moment. He spoke very little at any
time, but usually to break some awkward
pause in the conversation; but bis mere
presence in room gave me sense OF
security.
In spite of his own perfect self posses
sion. could not meet him with quite the
same freedom after Mrs. Obenreiser's
call as | did before. Tom grew better,
and Mr.. Justin's visits became less fre
quent-the idea which had begun 10
suggest itself TO my mind that part of
them were meant for me was nipped In
the bud. | blushed more than ever over
my innermost thoughts. Two years be-
fore. we had placed Ton in the counting
room of factory in which Mr.. Justin
was book-keeper.
Tom had Immediately conceived
boyish passion for him. and OF course
had heard his praises every day. had
never met him, except for brief intro
duction in the street. until Toms accident
made US intimate friends.
1t seemed to me we must always be
that, we had so many thoughts in COM
mon. l was not in love yet. or at least,
il were, the feeling wore different
face from that which had been looking
for.
IL haven't seen you TOR three days"
said Tom to him fretfullY. "By-and-by
you wont come at all. have tired you
out"
mo. my boy, You are better now. and
find can not quito stand the night
work"
Night. What do you mean ,"
"Oi course. il | spend so many hours
here, have 10 make il up some time"
"Oh, forgive ne, said Tom; will
never ask you to come again. Will yon
Sadi?"
Not unless he likes it," | stammered.
81 ike i, too WELL" said Mr.. Justin in
very low voice.
What's that you said'" said Tom.
Nothing worth repeating. Tom. l
will come again soon." said Mr. Justin.
and he went away at once.
A few minutes after, went into Aunt
Desires sitting-room, and found Mr..
Justin standing on the hearth-rug before
her in a very detected attitude. For once
his upright, cheerful mask (if it were one)
seemed TO have fallen away from him,
Il thought you were gone," said l in
some confusion.
Il thought so myself; but / needed
some advice on very knotty point. and
as l passed your aunt's door she looked
rs if she could give it."
Ibid you leave Tom aloneP l will go
to him." said Aunt Desire. leaving us
alone in barelace way altogether IN
worthy OF her principles.
"Oh. DEAR" | thonght, "you are worse
than Mrs. Obenreiser," and it must have