Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-12-24

speak with q oheerfulness in strange
contrast with her sunken cheeks and foot
sore gait. Every now and then, In pass
Ing through sbe more frequented streets,
they would strike up some old ballad
tune with q vigor and power OF eIecu-
Ion which even his frost-uipped fingers
end weary limbs could rot wholly destroy
while the girl, with sweet though very
sad voice. accompanied him with appro-
pirate words. But ,heir attempts were
miserably unproductive. In such bitter
weather few who could help it would
stay away from their warm 6resides; and
those whom stern necessity kept out d
doors seemed only bent on dispaiching
their several tasks, and 10 have no thought
or time to e1pend on couple OF wander
ing trampS singing BY the roadside. Still
they toiled on, every now and then max
ing fresh pitch" some likely corner,
only too often ordered 10 "move on" by
stern policeman. As they drew nearer
to the city and the hour grew later, the
passers.by became fewer aud father be-
tween. and the poor wanderers felt thai
il was idle even 10 seek for charity in
those deserted. silent streets. At last the
Old man s;oppe1 aud groa1ed aloud.
What il it. grspdis,her desrP Don't
give fl now. VIXEN We have come 80 far.
Lean on me-do; Pm hardly tired ST all
and daressy We shall do better to-mor-
row."
Tomorrow !" said the old nsu bitter
ly; "lo-morrow 1t viii te 30 late. /
don't mind hunger. aud / dos's mind
cold bat the shame VI II, The disgrace
after hsviug struggled against it r'l !bese
years-to come 81 last to the worthouse
1t isn't for my self mind-beggsrs must
not be choosers; and. | dsressy, better
mon tbso have slept in . cs,usl ward
but you, my londer little Lily. The
,hought breaks my helrt! il hills me-"
And the Old msn sobbed aloud.
Dear graadfsthcr. you are always
thinking OF me. and never OF yourself.
What does il matter. sitter alp It's only
the name OF The thing. Pm sure don't
mind it one Bit" Tne shudder OF horror
which passed over 90 girls frame gave
the liz 10 her pious lslsehood. Il dare
say il is not 50 very bad; and. after al,
something may happen to prevent it even
now ~
What can happen. short OF miracle,
in these deserted sTeetsW
We'll, let us hope for ,be miracle,
thea, dear God has never quite deserted
Us 10 oUr deepest troubles, and | don's
believe Ho will forsske w soy"
AS she spoke she drew her ,hin shaw
mo re closely srouud her, sbivorins in
spite of herself uuder tho cold blast.
which seemed 20 receive 10 check from
her scanIy covert pgs. Again The pair
crepl on. and. passing beneath the loiIy
wall OF S.. Wiolred's church. stood be-
rea,h it for a temporary shelter from the
driving wind aud snow. While SO stand
ing they csught Tho faint sounds of the
organ solemny pealing within.
Noble music" said The old man, ss
the 6nsl chords died away; noble mu-
sic aud $ soul in the playing. That man
whoever be may be, should have gen
erous heart"
Hush, grandfather, ,"sad the girl. "he
is beginning to play again"
Scarcely had the music commenced,
however, than the pair glanced at each
viher in tresthless surprise.
Lily. darling. do you hear what he is
playing" " said the old mau in an excited
whisper.
"A strange coincidence" the girl re-
piled.
"S.rangel ii is more than strange!
Lily. darling. who could play that song|
The melody came to an end, and all
was silence There wss moments
pause. and then. as il by & common i'm
pulse, the old man drew his bow across
the strings, and the girls sweet voice
csrolled forth the second verse OF the
song. Scarcely had they ended, when
door opened at the loot OF the church
tower just behind them, and Michael
Fray, bareheaded, with his scanty locks
blown about by the wind, stood before
them. He hurried forward and then
stood still. shamefaced, bewildered. The
song had called up tho vision of gallant
young sailor, full OF life and health, as
Michael had seen his brother for the last
time ou the day when he sailed on his
fatal voyage He had hurried forth, for
getting the years hat had passed full OF
tender memories OF happy boyish days
to find, alas! only couple OF wander
ing beggars, singing for bread.
IL beg your pardon" he said. striving
vainly TO master his emotions; you sang
song just now which-which-a song
which was iavorite of dear friend OF
mine many years ago. Will you-will
yoa tell me where you got itP"
"By the best ot sll titles. sir" the old
fiddler answered. drawing himself up
with touch of artistic pride; II wrote
il myself, words and music BOTH"
NAY, sir" said Michael, sternly, "you
rnh iha dead A dearly loved brother OF