Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-01-08

derness iostered In the womhn's heart
and gratitude in the girrs. John wa
always a good son, but from the date o
Sarah's misfortune he seemed TO develop
uew excellences. lie neglected no duty
about the farm. but at the same time h'
made bis presence felt in hundred new
ways in the house.
"He's IS deft as 3 woman" his mother
said, and sometimes | seem scarcely to
miss Sarshs help. don't see how hs
finds time to do it, bnt John just takes
the heft Of the work off from me-"
And so he did. and this is the way be
showed his love. When the women
arose in the morning. the fire was made
and ihe kettle singing; wood enough for
the day at the door; the cows were milk
ed, and the table lifted out 10 lis proper
place ready to be set for breakfast. And
so ten years had passed, and Ssrah's
health slowly came back 90 her, but the
crutches could never be laid aside.
Mrs. SlCcum thought sud not wrongly,
,hs, there wasn't such another pair as her
children 10 be found IN the parish. John
at thirty was 4 splendid man, and Sarah
ut twenty-five, albeit her iHirmity had
somewhat tempered her mirthtulness,
was . noble woman. 10 Johns clear
gray eyes there was wis,lul look that
seemed 10 be pleading for something's
look that one seldom sees in any but the
eyes Of women and children.
One night the meaning Of the look was
expressed in words. There WAS no ro-
nance abou, it. no delightful moonlight
walk in the lane when his simple declars-
tion OF love was made The three, Mrs.
S.ocum aud the Young people. sat one
autumn evening by the kitchen ire. All
three were pairing apples for drying
when Suddenly a. IT the thought had
never ocurred TO her before, Mrs. Slocum
ssid:
John. I'm growing old, and it seems
to me you ought 10 be thinking OF getting
married."
"Wen. mother" John answered simp-
", | have been thinking of it good
while"
A faint glow stole over Sarah's cheeks
and faded out again, leaving them psler
than before. but no one noticed 1t. and
Mrs. Slocum said:
Been thinking of 1t, have you. John
And who is the girl. I'd like to know. that
you calculate to bring heme to take my
placer"
al wasn't thinking Of bringing any one
TO take your place, mother-no one could
DO that; and indeed. sm not sure ut all
that the woman / would marry would
think of me"
stuff and nonsense, said the old lady,
irascioly; las il you were not good
enough for anybody! Not take my place
eh7 know all about sons wives. She's
smart enough, and will be turning things
upside down, and Sarah and me out
Is that Betty Smith, / suppose. She's
smart enough. I'll allow; too smart.
Way don't you speak. John ? Is 1t Bet
typ
NO, mother, it is
"Umphi Jane Carroll, I'll warrant,
ups,a.t thing 50 you've been taken up
with hex boarding school airs. A rice
aousexeepar she'll make. stunning d
piano all day and the wheel idle
No. mother. its not Jane
"Weu, who IS it then? Can't you
speAk? / never knew but one girl Id
hse son ID marry, but I suppose you
can't have her. Why don't YOU speak 2
Joan laughed little quiet laugh. aud
SAID, Mother, if you'll give roe chance
III tell. The giri Of my choice Is righ'
here by your side. Sarah, I've loved you
.bese dozen years. viii you marry meE
Sarsh's head sunk down on her arms,
and she ssid never VOID, until the old
lsdy said rather sharply:
What's the matter. Sarah Aren't
YOU going 70 answer the boy? Isn't be
good enough for you? You're the only
gi.l ever thought good enough for him
ba, since you've been lame, Id kind o
gwen ~ the idea. What are you going
10 say 10 him?
Sarah looked up through her tears, anc
said, 20. John. l DO love you-love yor
too much TO lie you to my misfortune
Find some one else, John"
al shan's do iin said John; IL mad,
up my mind long ago. only somehow
between you and mother | was afraid Il
speak. Bat if I'm satisfied with you.
don't know what you have got to say
against it."
Sarah Stsnhouse never repented be
coming Mrs. John Slocum, and the ole
lady said it was such comfort that Johr
didn't marry out OF the family.
Not Disappointed.
,,;,a NJ n hov noorlr dresaed AM