Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
Tbe Cedar CBeSt.

AVS NNNNi WV"
The REYNOLDS country seat stood on
the banks Of TIE Hudson; more en-
chanting spot could nowhere DC found.
with its terraces sloping dowa TO the
waters edge, covered with beautiful
green sward resembling the finest velvet.
The house itself was a stately old build
ing of gray stone. two sides Of which
were completely covered with ivy and
other graceful vines. The interior was
not less beautiful; the rooms were large
and handsomely furnished. and the spa
eious halls, which ran through the entire
house, were hung with pictures of the
Renyolds' ancestors.
Mr. Charles REYNOLDS, the only sur
viving member Of large family, had
married beautiful girl much younger
than himself. but she died year after
the marriage, leaving him an only child
8 daughter. Mr.. Renyolds adored this
child, and we'll he might, for she indeed
was alovely girl. and beauty was not her
only attraction, for the possessed $ true
woman's heart, anda spirit so brave that
few equAled her in that respect. At
the time we write Kate was only eighteen,
having just completed her education;
she had Just returned home. but, finding
il oppressive in the city, they repaired to
their summer residence. Kate had in
Vited a sehool-mate TO spend part of the
summer with her. and the invitation had
been eagerly accepted by Maud Conyng-
ham. for that was her friends name.
1t was late in the afternoon; Kate and
Maud were standing out on one of the
little verandsS, waiting for Mr.. Renyolds
and admiring the scenery, which indeed
was grand. The sun was slowly sinking
in the west, casting its reddening glow
over the water, which lay but 3 short
distance from them. Ny readers, per-
haps If you had been present at that
scene you would have paid little heed TO
surroundings, for think your attention
would have been attracted TO the two
mAidenS who indeed presented a striking
contrast. Kate was bright, sprightly
brunette, with dark, flashing eyes, and
features by no means perfect; bot the
whole expression Of her countenance was
so frank and intelligent that she could
not but sttrsct admiration; while, on the
other hand. Maud was perfect blonde,
with golden hair ripping in soft. loose
waves over her well-shaped forehead; her
eyes were dark violet, shaded by long
lsshes, and had such a pathetic look in
them that they were often termed 'ir-
resistible."
Ii was nearly dusk. and yet Mr.. Ren
yolds had not returned.
Il do wonder what has kept papa
so lAte3 ! am afraid he will have to
remain in the city tonight" said Kate.
Really, Katie, will It be safe for rs to
remain in this house by ourselves? Tbs
idea is becoming alarming" said Maud,
after short pause.
Kate proposed they should go il the
house, as the air was becoming chilly.
They were walking along one Of the halls
when Kate suddenly e1elaimed,--
~Maud, wouldn't ii be fun TO have an
adventure tonight, or something ike
that, you know, 50 that hereafter. where
ever We go, We should be pointed out as
the girls who did so and So, or saved
SOMEBODY'S life, Or"
Hush, KateT interrupted Maud.
"DOn't you hear somebody walking9'
At that moment the butler approached.
and. making a low bow to his mistress,
asked her permission 10 go on an eIcur-
sion which was TO be given that evening.
Kate thought for few moments whether
il would be safe 10 allow the only man
servant TO leave the premises, but at
length she said
~Wel, William, you may go; but don't
stay too late, for remember that We are
the only ones in the house"
The butler walked off, after thanking
his young mistress, and the two girls
were left alone.
An hour or two passed, in which our
two heroines had been amusing them
selves in various ways; they were about
to retire when they recollected that they
had neglected to close one of the win
dows; after going in the direction of the
window, which projected out at one of the
corners Of the house, Kate was about to
draw in the shutter, when she felt a
hand on her arm, and. turning around.
she saw Maud standing beside her, pale
IS death, and trembling like an aspen
,aaf Kate led her 70 nna of tha sofas