Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1879-04-08

than am.
YES, | remember. "Well, dear, I'm
glad that Johns wife brought up such a
fine family. I'm only on old maid, but
| do love children and young folks
But a chill fell upon the kindly old
heart when home was reached at last,
and four fashionably dressed ladies gave
her a strictly courteous greeting.
But for the warm clasp Of Fred :
hand, think she would have returned
to the station by the same carriage she
came in, so wounded and sore she felt
Not one kiss she thought. land
Fred kissed me at the train, night atore
all the folks
Fred slipped a silver coin into the
hands of the servant girl who was to
wait on his aunt, promising another if
she was very attentive, and himself e,-
corted the old lady to her room.
1t was not often that the young man
Indignation found voice, though it grew
hot over many shams and acts of hard
selfshncss in the house of his mother,
but he said some words on that day that
called blush to the checks of that
worldly woman.
1t was not a very busy season, and
finding Sabina was likely to have a sorry
time if left to the other members of the
family. Fred asked for a holiday, and APP
pointed himself the old ladys escort.
He was too proud to care for the fact
that the quaint little figure on his arm at
tracted many an amusing glance; but
gravcly stood by while a new dress for
Dolly, the dairy-maid, and a city neck
tie for Bob, the ploughman were pur-
chased.
He gave undivided attention to the
more important selection of a new black
silk for auntie herself; and pleasantly ac-
ccptcd 4 blue silk scarf, with large red
spots, that was presented 10 him, apprc-
ciating the love that prompted the eft,
and mentally resolving TO wear it when
he paid a promised visit to the farm.
lie drove Aunt Sabina to the Park.
lie took her TO see all the sights.
Once or twice, meeting some of MS
gentleman friends, they had thought
The queer old party j, some rich rc-a-
tion, Gorham i, SO very attentive, and
delighted Sabina by their detcrential at
tcutiou.
Once-Frcd had not countcdon that
in a picture gallery. Conclia Caldwell
sauntcrcd in aIonc.
She had heard of Sabiua, through the
diSgustcd comments Of I.ucilh, and knew
she had no property but a miserable
tarm:' but she greeted Fred with a smile
far more cordial than she usually gave
her admirers.
\ little lump came into Frcd's throat.
Then he graycly introduced the stately
beauty In her rgstliug silk to the little
old-tashioncd figure ON his ann.
My aunt Miss Gorham, Miss Cald-
well.
They admired the pictures together,
and the young lady was cordial and
chatty.
A~ thcy came down the steps, Miss
Caldwell said
You must let your aunt drive an hour
or two with me, Mr.. Gorham lam go
ing to do some shopping, soIwill not tax
your patience by inviting you to join us;
but | shall be pleased if Miss Gorhm
will dine with me. and YOU will call Tor
her this evening.
Then she smiled again, made Sabina
comfortable in the carriage, leaving Fred
forty times deeper in love than ever, as
she intended he should be-.
He Is a very prince of men, she
thought. land III give him one day Of
rest. Bless the dear old soul. she has
just such blue eyes as my dear grand
mother
Then she won Sabina confidence, and
found she was worrying about the pur
chase of certain household matters that
would not 20 in the black leather trunk.
and that She did not like to worry Fred
about it,
She drove to the places where the best
goods could be had, keeping guard over
the slender purse against all imposition,
till the last towel was satisfactorily chosen
and directed.
Then she drove her home. and brought
her to the room where grandmother
was queen, knowing the stately old lady
would make the countrywoman welcome.
In the evening that followed, Fred 5
heart was touched and warmed, till,
scarcely conscious of his own words, he
told his long-cherished secret, and knew
that he had won love for love.
Aunt Sabina stayed two weeks. and
then left for home, to the immense relief
of the Gorhams, and carrying no regret
at leaving any but Fred and Conelia.
1t was not even suspected that Comeha
spent four weeks in the height of the
summer season listening to the praises OF
Fred at Sabina's farmhouse, and even
Fred did not know it till he came too,
after she was gone, and had his share OF
the pleasure of hearing loving commen-
dation of one he loved.
lie wore the necktie, and made HIM
self SO much at home that Sabina wept
some of the bittercst tears Of her life
when he left.
TO have YOU both and lose YOU She
sobbcd.
Next time we will come together
Fred whispered, and so consoled her.
But. alas. the next time Fred came
was IN suDerintend the funeral of the