Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-01-27

education.
At the first glance at Viola Hale, Lull
did not like her; but in a few moment
after she changed her mind and seemet
almost fascinated by the handsome gov
erness, for she was strangely, wicrdly
beautiful, with great black eyes in which
slept words of passion, ripe red lips, teetl
like milk and without a blemish, ant
hair that touched the floor when she wa
standing-hair blue black and with ar
inclination to curl.
Her complexion was dark, almost
bronze in hue, but there was rich blood
in the cheeks, and her form was the very
perfection Of grace and beauty.
Her age was hard to tell; at times sht
seemed like a girl, and then again she
might not be far wrong if she said she
was nearly thirty.
From her entree into the mansion she
ruled, and yet no one seemed to know
that she held the reins but Col. Sanford
soon became her slave. Lulu seemed
wholly under her influence, and no one
seemed conscious that she made her power
felt. She was an accomplished musician,
and sang with depth Of feeling that
would captivate any listener.
When at length Capt. Fred De Lancy
came again to visit Sanford Hall on fur
Tough and met Viola Hale, he seemed, to
Lulu's surprise, not to take a fancy to
her.
"That woman has history, Lulu, and
a dark one, mark my words for it." he
said.
"She is very beautiful. Fred, accom-
plished, eet.tempered, and, and"
"And what, LULU"
"And do not like to have you find
fault with my sweet governess.'
"Then will not She's an angel
only has a history" and the persistent
man could not be changed in his opinion.
The next day Fred proposed horse
back ride, and when the horses were
brought round. Viola Hale appeared in a
habit that set off her wondrous beauty
strangely.
Refusing the offer Of Fred to aid her,
she laid her hand on the pommel and
leaped lightly into the saddle from the
ground.
"She's been in a circus, I'll wager,
said Fred, in low tone as he lifted Lulu
to her saddle, and he was more convinced
of this when he saw the perfect manner
in which the governess managed the wild
horse she rode.
When Viola Hale realized that the
young captain did not exactly like her, it
was hard to tell; but she suddenly began
to tnrn her battery of fascination upon
him in manner that threatened to change
his mind regarding her. But fortunately
his furlough was soon ended, and he de-
parted for his command on the frontier, a
happy man, because Lulu Sanford had
promised to become his wife when she
was a year and half older and Col. San
ford approved the match; for the young
officer came of good family. and was a
brave and dashing fellow, possessed no
evil habits, and yet was the richest man
in the army.
A year passed by, and Capt. Fred De
Lancy was visitor at Sanford Hill. and
delighted at the wonderful progress Lulu
had made under her beautiful governess.
"Have you picked up any links, Lulu,
that connect her with the past" said
Fred.
"For shame, Fred! She is all that is
lovely, and / believe that papa is really
in love with her; and assure you /
would not object to her for step-mother.' y
"And does she care for your father,
LULU
Il thought so once; now / believe she
only admires and respects him."
"He has lost heavily Of late, he wrote
me-"
"Yes. You'll not get the rich heiress
you expected to, as papa is now barely
well off,"
81 have been more fortunate, for my
wealth has increased, and after / marry
YOU, Lulu, | shall resign from the army
and settle down to take care of my vast
estates"
81 am glad to hear you say so. for l
have no desire to see your brown curls
taken off by an Indians scalping knife.
But here comes Miss Hale"
As Lulu spoke the governess swept into
the room, and more than ever gracious
was she to Capt. De Lancy, and during
his entire visit did she devote herself to
him in such kindly way that when he
again returned to the army he admitted
that be had misjudged her and believed
her to be thoroughly true woman.
81 would like to see Miss Sanford-my
bow has sent her some little trinkets he
has made for her." said Capt. Cah, the
gypsy chief, appearing at Sanford Hill
one day. two years nearly after his de-
parture.
In his hand he held basket, in which
were some shell and wooden ornaments
skillfully carved.
Miss Lulu has not been very well Of
late, and it's pity, as the captains COM
ing home soon to marry her; but Ill tell
her you are here" said the butler, and he
soon returned with word that he was 70
come into the library.
In an easy chair, book lying closed
upon her lap, sat Lulu Sanford, looking
pale. and with haggard expression in
her beautiful eyes.
at was very kind Of your SON to re-
II a. r.