Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-04-23

| on nave an eACeeuiuRlJ pretty seI-
want" said Clavers Lorraine, when Ma
hide had opened the door for him, one
day; zone does not often see that pure
oval in blondes"
Miss Carlyle was brnnette, but then
she was ia love with Clayers Lorraine,
and flushed little.
"Yes, Malmlde has a dollish pretIiDess; !;
she is good girl neat aud industrious.
When are the McVeighs expected ?"
"In September, think. About this
girl-Mathilde, did you call herP-she
certainly has good blood in her veins
90 am not sure about blood. White
lilies grow out of black soil, you know.
One thing is certain, Mathilde has not
enough good blood in her to make her
lazy. Is Eunice McYeigh's engagement
out ?"
Miss Carlyle began TO wonder if it paid
to save Mathilde. Servants with purely
oval face might prove expensive, But
that was a summer cloud. One day q
rose dropped from Miss CarIyle's hair,
and Clavers Lorraine picked ii up and
kept it. 1t was an amber rose, very rare,
and very becoming, and Lorraine had it
in his hand when he left the room. Five
minutes later Inez wen, into the dining
room where Mathlde stood by the open
window, blushing daintiy, with rose in
her ha!r--an amber rose, very -are. and
very becoming.
did you open the door for Mr.. Lor-
raine. Mathilde P''
"Yes, Miss" The girl dropped her
eyes. and colored exquisitely.
Inez went straight to her cousin, car
mine spot in either cheek.
"You met Clavers Lorraine at the
door, Mic; did he have a rose in his
/ hand r'
Mic yawned and stretched himself
"A rose? Yes-no-let me see. He had
lambent fire in his eye, and tender
psthosin his voice, and an elastic triumph
in his step, and no doubt he had su intense
yearning in bis heart; bat don't think
he had rose in his hand. Why?'
"Are you sure?"
"Of course am sure. Don't be saw
age. Inez he may have put it in his
pocket"
Miss Carlyle went back to the dining
room. She had pu. her hand to the
plough. Mathilde must be saved.
"Who gave you the rose in your hair,
childP7
Matbide's long lashes fell and her lips
quivered. Miss Carlyle had never seen
her halt so charming.
"a gentleman-I must not tell, he said.
Are you angry. Miss ?"
"No, Mathilde This gentleman. has
he given you anything but roses ?"
"Yes, Miss; ribbons sometimes, and q
necklace; but never wore it," soObed
Nsthilde.
HAS the gentleman ever told you be
loved you?' Inez was remorseless'
The carmine spots faded.
"Oh, yes, Miss. but didn't believe it,
| didn't know it was wrong. ~ Poor
Mathilde brake down sobbing piteouslY.
Listen to me, child. You must for
get this fine gentleman. He will bring
you nothing but harm. You must send
back everything he has given you. Do
you understand me. Mathilde P'
"Yes, ma'am," whispered the girl.
through her tears.
The next day Clavers Lorraine asked
Miss Carlyle to marry him. That lady
surveyed him icily.
This display is entirely unnecessary,
Mr.. Lorraine"
$50 it seems. You are sure you un-
derstand your own heart. Inez?"
Perfectly"
VERY well; 80 be It," and Clavers
Lorraine went abroad.
Inez locked at her cousin through q
mis-. NJ nnshed tears.
's hnve nothing in the world but you,
Me. You s''eli be great painter, aDd
will he your patroness. You will never
iorsake me, will youP"
Mic dropped his cigar with an injured
look.
Don't be cruel, Iuez. Fm sure I've
never shown any disposition to desert
you, have IP"
mo, no, you have always been kind
and good" Miss Carlyle spoke dreami-
ly. "But men are so false-so false.
Mic"
Exactly, Inez. That's the reason l
prefer women. I'd rather spend my life
right here in your house, than knock
around among Ulen like other fellows. l
would indeed. They're beastly mob,
Inez-most inhumsnely beastlY."
Miss Carlyle smiled, a shadowy, trem-
ulous smile.
81 don't mean to let you stay right
here in my house. Mic. You must 60
abroad. When you are famous, and the
world is better for your pictures, you
shall come back, and we will grow
silver-haired together. II is bleak sort
of world. Mic, don't you think soP"