Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-12-18

least modern. We had each maid and
the free use of the horse and carriage
After making this provision for our COM
fort, Aunt Betty excused herself from
making company OF US, and we were Tree
as air to erjoy ourselves as We chose, pro-
vided we did not interfere with her maps.
We chose to make great many pleasant
acquaintauces, guided conscientiously
by Aunt BettY's wishes, and the result
was that returned TO Lowbridge in the
summer engaged to Mr.. Clyde Sherring-
ton. He was wealthy, handsome, agree
able. well-connected. Every body said,
Gertrude has doneiwell..for herself"
That autumn Aunt Betty died. Patri
cia WAS to come into possession of her
fortune in q year, when she was twenty
one-lull and undisputed possession OF
one hundred thou and dollars.
1t was arranged that we were all to
come to the Hermitage to liVe. We did
50. and had lived there quietly, as WAS
becoming, for nearly year, when PatrI-
cia made the acquaintance OF Mr.. Gage
Redmond.
He WAS wel.-cOnuec,ed, but poor as
church mouse, people said $50 of course
he was after Patricia's fortune" mamma
declared.
"PAuicis is rich and beautiful. Pray
don't let her marry fortune-bunter,
mamma" said |. looking up from letter
| was writing to Mr.. Sherrington.
Il would not, if could'help it; bu,
what authority have |, Gertrude ?" said
my mother. In few months Patricia
"ill be in undivided possession oil her
fortune. We are here only by courtesy.
The hermitage is her home. | have no
right to control her whatever"
What can't be accomplished. openly
must be done by stratagem, mamma. 1t
is probable this Gage Redmond is after
Patricia's money. She is great prize
uatTimonially. Well, you say | am pref.
.ier than Patty. Suppose play decoy ?"
What p cried mamma.
mir. Redmond is dark and reserved.
| am fair and volatile. Don't you. think
he would appreciate my style OF beauty
it took little pains to make him do
so?n
But Mr.. Sherrington ?'
IL will tell him. He will not object"
IL think he will"
"Oh, no. He will be interested in the
good of the family. He comes to-day"
The next train brought Mr.. Clyde Sher-
rington.
How delightful that the spring is al
hand.h he said; "the sunshine growing
warm, and the. grass springing ! passed
bit of wood coming up from the station
that is full OF arbutus. We will have
some delightful walks, Gerty, l am very
tired OF city life"
Yes, Clyde, dear; bat you seeI have
been obliged TO make little plan which
will interfere somewhat with this ar
rangement," | replied quickly. In
TACT. Tor the family good, you know, l
want to lend you to Patrcia'"
Lend me TO Patricia P'
Yes; while lure away a most ineli-
gble suitor she has. Mamma and l con-
clude it is tho only way" / added.
Patricia has q fortune OF one hundred
thousand dollars, you know"
Yes"
well, we think this Mr.. Gage Red
moad is after her money. He is only "a
briefless lawyer. We can't afford to let
Patty make such match as that. and so
am going 10 try and hrt little while
with Mr.. Redmond. Now, You won't be
bear and say no, will you, dear? Aud
youll try to help US by devoting yourself
a bit to Patricia. won't yous"
| sent Patricia off in the morning to
find arbutus with Mr.. Sherrington, while
| waited.to receive Mr.. Redmond.
When he came.,I was in the garden
and had ordered lunch sn hour earlier
than usual. My pale blue silk looked
beautiful on the lawn grass.
Pray come and see my tulips, MIR.
Redmond" ! called, as he walked up the
avenue.
He came, pleased enough. and as he
was especially fond OF flowers had no
difficulty in OBTAINING him more than
halt an hour.
Then, seeing him look at his watch,
observed:
I'VE won't wait lunch for Patricia, Tor
Mr.. Sherrington Is with her. They have
gone roaming off after spring flowers,
and may not be back this three hours.
Come in and have bit OF salad, with O
cup OF chocolate, Mr.. Redmond. l made
the chocolate myself and can recommend
t."
So kept him for another half hour,
and he left, pleased with his visit.
Patricia and Mr.. Sherrington came
back only fifteen minutes after the usual
lunch hour, the former so delighted with
profusion of pink arbutus as hardly tc
heed when servant informed her thai
.Mr Redmond had called 10 gee her and