Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-01-22
Stlette1 Storp.
AN embroidered STOCKING,

ouo was very PAettl -uub lDelo Cauc
time when don't think cared in the
leas, for her besuty-her soul WAS so
much more attractive than her body.
She WAS no humble wild-hower maiden,
but q woman who had received a mag
niiicent dover Of blue blood, including
talent and the highest attributes to eharac-
ter. and al that culture could develop in
beautiful intellectual woman was hers !;
all that wealth could bestow on her she
possessed. She hsd the good fortune 10
have no singularity OF nature, but all
was symmetrical and harmonious
whole.
l loved her. and | possessed the hum
bleness OF true love. The more inti-
mate.y knew her. she made me con-
scious Of things that were mean in my
self. Out Of this feeling grew jealousy
OF other men.
A bitter jealousy. She was of too
sunny aud generous temper to pick for
flaws. nor could she know a man as
other men knew him.
She could not understand that Doctor
COsgrove was as irritable in private as he
was suave and agreeable in public, and
l would not tell her that Captain Lang
dale seldom pays his debts. They were
but two of her many admirers. and they
were both handsomer and Shower than
myself. In time, was miserable on
their account.
l cannot now, in cool blood, accuse
her of coquetry; but Stephenie St. Jean
was of French blood on her fathers side.
Besides speaking that language perfect
ly, she had the French woman's secret Of
fascination. A trihe more in yivsciiy,
when surrounded by gentlemen, made
her utterly irresistible.
saw and fell the charm. and could not
content myself with the thought that in
the quiet hours We passed together |
knew myself dear TO her. Many a win
ter evening had We set together on the
little velvet sofa before the drawing
room fire, secure from intrusion, her
beautiful head resting on my breast. con-
tent in her eyes. happiness in her smile,
and vet, swearing her to be the proudest,
and most delicate of women. was
madly Jealous of other men.
For months, l would ~. sec her alone.
She was one Of large family. and she
had fsvorite cousin, Lily Lswton, who
was Der constant companion.
She was very young, and bright,
sweet little thing; but, Of late, she had
seemed dropping. as if ont of health,
and Stephenie had been unusually pro-
,ectiye and kind.
For Siephenie's sake. often took Lily
out to drive. though her exceeding sim
plicity often bored me.
could not but wonder that Stephenie
associated with her so constantly; but
Lily worsbipped her magnificent cousin,
and the latter delighted in being kind to
those weaker than herself. Kitten,
she called Lily, and there had been some
thing especially kittenish in the girls
round. bright gray eyes, and playful,
graceful ways.
Her especial charm was gone now.
She was pale faded, spiritless little
thing. S,ephenie kept her. constantly
under her wing.
Kitten must have green fields and
pastures new" she said. The May
suns are getting strong, and l, too, long
for a country trip. We are going to
Branchyille, and shall be absent week.
Mind yOL are good boy till we come
back"
| smiled, but on the wrong side OF my
fsce.
"A week sn I N murmpred.
"a week end one day." she laughed
"I shall be gray-headed when you
come back" said. smiling at my own
vexation.
She laughed more gaily than ever
then a shadow fell over her face.