Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-11-23
AT THE GARDEN GATE.

Jane, Dudley stood at the garden gate
that lovely evening in September, gazing
up the road with anxious eyes. The
faint light Of the rising moon lay like a
blessing on the golden head, and the air,
filled with the fragrance of mown
hay, caressingiy touched her fair young
face. Never pre,tier maid waited on
lover. And vet John Hallam step was
slow and his face clouded as he emerged
from the shadow of the trees and came
toward her. Janet opened the gate and
stepped out TO meet him. "Well,
John ::"s she said, and her voice trembled
ever so little.
The young man took her tiny hands in
his. and looked down upon her-she was
wee thing-with almost frown upon
his brow. Uncle Roger is as obstinate
as d mule" he said. IL have just come
from a most wearisome interview with
him. He insists that shall either take
up my drudgery again at Mink IL Otter's
or some other equally agreeable establish
ment, and forfeit all claims upon him, or
give him the promise he asks
WELL" said Janet, again, gazing
steadily up in his face, and this time her
voice did not tremble at all, but her
lovers did, as with half averted eyes he
made answer: Il should hate TO 60
clerking it again after being my own
master so long, and, TO own the truth,
patronizing my old chums somewhat
whenever we met and it seems too bad
to let such fortune go TO strangers, as
Uncle Rogers declares it shall if | don't
come to terms. But then the promise he
exacts is so absurd.
absurd" repeated Janet, slowly.
'Is il so absurd, when you think Of it
calmly: Your uncle wants to make sure
OF pleasant companion for FIVE years,
and at the end of that time, wishes to
chose a pleasant companion for that
pleasant companion, and thereby secure
for himself two pleasant companions for
the remainder of his life which sounds
like something out of one of Ollendortt' S
books for beginners, or a riddle" she
continued with laugh that had no
merriment in it. "And so be offers you
great inducements to become that COM
panion. And, John, you have always
been discontented because your station in
life was not high one, and more of the
worlds gold had not fallen to your share.
And now that wealth and position are
offered YOU, it would be absurd indeed
to refuse them for the sake of poor
country school mistress.
Janet, you are cruel
"Perhaps l AMIN the way surgeons
are cruel; but | really think, John, the
cure ior your hurt is to accede to your
uncle's wishes"
"And part with you -
And part with me. and it is only too
evident that that worthy gentleman con-
siders me totally unworthy the honor of
becoming that pleasant companion"
The young man dropped her hand and
caught her in his arms. "You do not
love me after all" he said reproachfully.
II do love you" she replied, at the
same time turning her face away from
his kisses, land | have loved You ever
since we first met, but | have become con-
vinced that as poor man you would not
be success, John, and therefore l say
obey your uncle, live the life for which
you have longed, and get the fortune"
by heaven, | will not give you up"
exclaimed Hallam, stung by her quiet
sarcasm. "But, Jennie, dear, listen to
reason. Promise to wait for me, and