Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1879-02-25

hEounu INTO her aru- one lmDenlateiJ
came 10 the door. for though her brother
often called. he seldom got out OF hi.
wagon. He used to say, mo one can
call me an old man, Sally, am sure. bu.
reckon It's the 'rheumatics' makes me
kind of stiff"
But this afternoon he got out, and
following her into the pleasant sitting
room. sat down in the armchair.
Delighted with such an unusual occur
renee. the old lady made an extra effort
to entertain him, and having exhausted
all the topics concerning his affairs, she
began TO talk OF her own, entering al
last into q somewhat lengthy account OF
the capture aud subsequent, destruction OF
mouse thai bad got into her chamber
the night before.
Mark had not paid much attention TO
anything she said. Something very dif-
lerent was evidently on his mind, and be-
tore she had finished the mouse story. he
bad N ade two Intellectual attempts to in
terpose a question. Each time he got as
lar rs "Sally. how do you like-r but
his sister wen. porseveringly on, until be
abruptly said:
"ConIound the mouse, Sally! How 60
you like the young minister"
a little surprised, but not at all taken
sback by the suddenness OF the question,
Sally said:
"Ah, we are very fortunate. Not many
such young men now-a-days," and then
Sally gave 3 deep sigh.
We'll, what is the matter with you,
then?' said Marx.
20. was only thinking" said the old
lady, solemnly, what pity Ills that
good young folks who like each other
can't come together and be married as
they used 10. Ah! times are changed
and she heaved another sigh.
"Umph ~ said Mark "What has that
to do with The minister"
Just this. Max Goldsmith" >" said Sal
ly, as bending forward. she rested her
arms upon her knees, aud looked up into
Marks face. 1T is as plain rs A. b. c.
that the young minister likes your Mary.
and you won't let him have her. And
now. in a day or two, be goes away for
from three 10 tour weeks. and if be can't
have the ooe he wants here. why, he'll
have to try and find wife somewhere
else, for Oi course parson without
wife isn't worth much TO country parish,
and that you know as well as | do, Marx
Then, as for Mary. it ho does so, it Will
break her heart, THAT'S all"
"Umph!' said Mark, rising and walk
ing to the windoT. What's 10 be doneP'
well, don't really know, unless you
have the sewing circle at the Old RedP' :"
The thought OF it made Mark start, and
yet by the nervous twitcbing of his mouth
Sally concluded he was trying to consent
to il.
A; last he said We'll, tell the child
she may have it ii she wants to-" and
thsn be went out OF lha house, without
speaking another word, leaving Aunt
Sally with her lnind lull of business and
her heart lull OF j,y.
And 50 the sewing circle met at lbe
"Od Red" And OF course the minister
stopped 70 talk with tho squire after the
rest OF the folks had gone. And OF course
Mary sat down Oy her fathers side 10 hear
what ho had to say.
There was q pause at last in the conver.
sation, and the minister, reaching his
hand across the table, laid it on the old
mans arm, saying;
Squire. YOU have got one thing that
want?"
Name it," said the Squire, clenching
the table with his hands. and COMPRISING
his lips as though be ielt the crisis had
come.
Not your broad acres, sir, but Jour
daughter"
"She is yours said Mark in a clear,
ringing tone, then suddenly rising, be
placed the minister's and Mary's hands
together lie tried in vain for a moment
to speak; at last. laying his own hand on
the young minister's shoulder, and look
ing upon Mary he said:
Hes got just what he asked for. But
I'll treat you both alike. II you want
anything. ask
With tears glistening in her eyes. Mary
threw her arms about the old mans neck,
and said
Yes, father. there is one thing. Prom
ise never TO say 'Psbsw' to me any more"
II PROMISE" said Mark.
And Mark Goldsmith had learned his
lesson.
"Gif Der Cheese a Pdir Chance"