Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-02-26

and uncle had at their hospitable board
nearly every relative they owned in the
world, and some whose connection with
their family even the Herald's college
would be puzzled to trace up.
They had around them, also many OF
the friends of childhood's happy hours
friends not seen for twenty years, but
who it appeared, had never forgotten
them. and intended to pay them visit
season after season until further post
ponement was impossibe-a unanimity
of sentiment which resulted in the re-
msrkable coincidence OF everybody
coming at once. But all were in good
humor; and as l was seated next to
Maud. and there was plenty OF cham
pagpe, enjoyed myself thoroughly.
As We talked. noticed something
about Msud-her remarkably fine color
and delicate satin skin-and ventured
to compliment her upon it.
She started and looked at me curious
ly.
Some people think it very fine, she
said vivsciously. IT'S real. l don't use
no enamel, anyway
This speech. need hardly say, Jared
upon me because did not approve OF its
grammatical construction, and, more
over, it contained an element OF coarse
ness and suspicion; so there was little
silence, for in fact am sensitive, and my
feelings were hurt.
But Maud went on eating her dinner
snd by-theway she had capital appe-
tite-and presently said:
Look here, Cousin Tommy, what do
you think OF you and me going TO the
show tomorrow By the show she
meant, of course. our international ex-
position. i hate all these people here.
They arc bores and humbugs, and l want
10 ge, rid OF them
i shsll be delighted. Let US Start
early in the morning
That nigh. | am afraid lay thinking
a good deal more of my beautiful but
uugrammalicsi cousin than was we'll for
my peace OF mind. Somehow | con-
necled her with the lawsuit. l had
always Intended if won it to marry as
soon as could possibly make choice,
aud now as considered the matter. and
my chances. and old Blodger's sanguine
views, | began to believe failure was
impossible.
l don't know. it might be only fancy.
but Maud had seemed rather taken with
me already, and with fifty thousand dol
lars in my pocket, | yeniuTed to beli9ye
thst ny attractions. would be so height
ened as to be irresistible.
We started for the grounds about nine
O'Clock, and by ten were among the
throng in the main building-Msud in n
rolling chair, and myself propelling her
from point 10 point. perspiring but happy.
The minion in the straw hat and blue
band. whose chair b al engaged, dis
missed with graiuitY and instructions
TO absent himself for the rest OF the
morning. Aud up and down, and round
aud rouLd, Maud aud | went, until we
had done the place petty thoroughly
as | viewed the matter; and then she
suggested trying the open air.
The grounds-you will recollect, If you
have been there-are not remarkable lor
shade. and some OF the grades are pretty
steep; so that soon found pushing my
beautiful enchantress at the speed she re-
quired was rather more suitable work for
= lirst-class locomotive than mortal
man. But when halted or slowed up,
she became impatient and cried: Good
gracious! declare you amt worth o
cent! Why don't you lind the man the
chair belongs to and make him push it, ii
you are so tired p
This was cruel; but she was far too
lovely to be vexed with, and | toiled
away again, with my head down, streams
of water pouring from my forehead, my
face burnt by the sun till it looked like a
coal of fire, and my back aching fright
fully.
Suddenly Maud noticed the famous
New England log-cabin, which she in
stantly pronounced the prettiest thing
she had seen, and ordered me to wheel
her toward it. approached as closely
as could, and stopping st the palings, |
raised my head. stood in the presence
of Oliver Macintosh
He greeted me coldly. and then no.
ticed Maud. He smiled with delight and
stepped toward her, and when she recog-
nized him they interchanged greetings OF
the most affectionate character.
Tommy she said, you seem perfectly
worn out. Let Cousin Oliver wheel me
little while you rest yourself. Do not
look SO sour now-you must do as wish,
because have something particular to
say to him.
HIS alacrlty WAS astonishing. In a
minute they were gone in the direction of
the women's pavilion, while was left to
brood alone over the fact that Mackin-
tosh was enjoying himself behind that
chair for which had maid and no doubt.