Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1879-04-03

.
1t was the lame horse that kicked the beam
and decided his fate. Friday morning that
meddling qusdruped having been 6ound
lsmer than ever. the deacon could do no
less than offer to escort Mrs. Vance home.
She could do no less than to accept the Of
fer gladly. BY some mysterious law of Sc
quences, this led to second offer and an
acceptance, and almost before he knew Il
Deacon Phoenix had pledged himself t.
escort the widow for life
Next morning, thanks to the ungraclous
weather, he WAS aroused by sciatic tor
lures. To an elderly gentleman, newly
betrothed to blooming lady greatly his
junior, such an awakening was peculiarly
trying. He thought ruefully of the early
visit he had promised Mrs. Vance. Should
the pains increase, he must defer II indenn-
iteiy, or limp Into her presence on crutch-
es-sn alternative too suggestive Of advan-
ciag age. Mrs. Dubbs aiterward said she
had never seen him 50 nearly out Of sorts,
A. on that evening when she took 10 his
mail. Among the letters was one that
caught his eye at once.
Dear Friend, Ny poor tired father is at rest
Tie was seized with paralysis the mort ming afler
you lett US, aud passed away paiBlessly in
lew hours. How little anticipated this event
when we talked together! Ny hands were full
then now they are very empty. NV work here
Is done. II you still believe | could make hap
py the kind friend who has always been our
benefactor, | should be glad to see you.
Yours, sincerely, OLIVE WAYNE.
Mr.. Ph1nix read this missive. re- read II ,
shut Il into the book OF job safe from pry-
ing Mrs. Dubbs, and dfummed uneasiy on
the closed Bible. What a predcament |!
Must he thrust back upon Olive this gilt for
which he had SO lately sued? Must he thus
humble her? He writhed at the thought
Must he thus humble himself3 BItterer
than all, must he relinquish this tried friend
OF lifetimep Having reached lfe's au-
tnmn, must he reject life's mature and ap-
propriate fruits for the rhubarb and green's
OF spring-timeg Alas yes; he must fulfill
his engagement, for was he not An "hon-
orable manr' He would write at once 10
Olive a candid statement of the case.
But while he ided at his desk on the
morrow. Mr.. Torrey came TO ask the loan
OF a horse TIL his own should be In running
order, and the deacon laid down his pen
with q sigh Of relief
Feeling that he ought to tell his brother
in-law OF his contemplated marriage, at
dinner he led the conversation back to the
conference and Mrs. Vance.
by -the-way, met the widow this morn
Ing riding with John Vance," remarked
Mr.. Torrey, casually. "You remember
him-the brother next to Charlesg He's
just come from California, with his poe cts
full"
"Ah?"
"les. shouldn't wonder II he took the
widow. Some say they're engaged al
ready"
OF course the deacon knew better than
that, nevertheless he delayed his tender
confession. And he did not write the let
ter. Time enough for that after he had
paid Mrs. Vance the promised visit. The
latter lady hsd certainly the first claim
upon his attentions.
Unfortunately several days OF tormenting
pain ensued. during which the deacon 5
patience was put TO pretty severe test !;
but he was AZ last able 10 seek the object
OF his hAsty choice. He found her In her
dooryard. playing croquet with a tall, we'll
dressed gentleman.
80 happy To see you. Deacon Phoenix,
cried She. with yoluble embarrassment, and
so glad TO Introduce Mr.. Vance, dear
Charles brother. Do come n."
II hope my isrdy coming does not seem
discourteous, Mrs. Vance said he in az
fable formally. while the stranger hasten
ed TO suddenly recalled engagement. Il
have not
''No-oh no" broke In the widow, ner-
yously.
Il have not been we'll. Otherwise, un-
der our present interesting relations
''Oh, Mr.. Phoenix ~ interrupted she,
throwing herself upon a cricket at his feet.
'Do you know, anu so afraid | am not
the one to maze you happy? And my
friends say the discrepancy Ia our ages is
too great. Ought to marry against their
wishesl"
''fou must decide that question. dear
madam" responded the deacon, with sup
pressed eagerness. The finger OF Proyi-
dence was in this. He held his breath to
make sure which way It pointed.
Then If yoa don't mind rery much,
Deacon Phoenix. perhaps it You'd be bet
ter for US TO part As friends. Oh dear ! |
hope you'll forgive me il I've done any.
thing wrong"
The deacon hardly heard the closing
sentence Tor the glad beating OF his heart.
MY dear child, you have done quite
right; do not reproach you" said be,
with 4 smile OF infinite beneyo,ence. 1T
is natural that youth should choose to wed
with youth"
And that age should wed with age
he added, mentally, as, with an adieu al
most psternai, lie drove away In the direc-
ton OF Miss Olives.