Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-02-10

to take her to the address she held in her
hand.
at must be a mistake, or he has
brought me to the wrong place. Oh,
dear, what shall do" she sighed, as he
drew rein before large, handsome house,
presenting well.hghted front, in one Of
the most aristocratic positions Of Mayfair.
But cabby reassured her, and she soon
found herself, surrounded by boxes and
bundles, facing the formidable gentle
man who opened the door.
Save for suspicious shortness Of a
certain portion of his attire, which reached
only to his knees, where they were met by
stiff leather leggins, the worthy woman
would have dropped him courtesy.
Past the doctor Office hours, ma am.
he said, in response to her feeble appeal.
Ats much as my place is worth to take
in your card"
"But have no card. He'll see me.
rm-Tm-
But she did not finish the sentence
only stepped inside the door, and stood
under the full glare of the hall lamp.
The man looked askance at the singular
apparition. Her hat was crushed and
bent, her dress bore evidence Of the dust
of travel, and in her hand was a huge
bandbox, containing the hat which was to
astonish the Londoners.
Indeed, ma am" the man began,
but the old lady walked steadily on to the
door, beneath whose threshold she deserted
stream OF light.
The hot flush had by this time burned
out of DR.. Notions cheek. The morn
ings dawn dissipated the foolish fancies
of the night. His duties for the day
were over, and he was free to seek Violet,
whose wonderful eyes would light up as
he entered. and whose lips would perhaps
brush his checks with their velvety
carcsses.
He sprang to his fec. to seek her, when
the door softly opened, and turning he
saw-could it be dream, conjurcd up by
his restless fancies of the night before
has mother Close behind was the wholly
wondering, half-apOloge,ic face Of his
butler. Ii took him full minute TO
realize it was no dream; and then, honor
TO his manhood a sudden. overwhelming
tenderness swep, away all else, and with
a glad cry of Mother he clasped her TO
his heart.
When she had grown calmer and more
at rest, beginning TO look around and
wonder and admire, a little feeling of
irritation began TO grow at his heart
Why had she come: Had he not made
all comfortable for her at home: Here
she would be constrained, unnatural.
And Violet, He could picture the aston
ished look which would creep into her
ewes when he said to her, This is my
mother" nay, more, the naughty curve
which would gather about her mouth, so
rich and ripe, and sweet. So the ques-
ton al his heart found words, and he
scarcely himself knew the innate irrita-
ton they betrayed:
Mother, why did you not let me
know YOU were coming:
IL meant to surprise you my boy" she
answered. fondly. "Can it be that |
have done wrong:'
NO. no. he hastily replied. "Come,
YOU must ca, and go to bed. You need
u rest"
But long after he had hidden her good
night. he sat and thought.
His mother had come to make her home
with him. This was clear. II he told
her he willed otherwise, she would obey
him.
For time he planned it outflow he
would tell her the city life was not adapt
ed to her needs; and then Violet need new
er know of the plain, humble, little wo-
man-who had not shamed to toll with
her own hands that his might be the hands
OF gentleman.
Oh shame on him, Could he ever
wash them clean even Of the thought !:
No, Violet should know the truth, He
could bear the scorn now in her eyes and
in her voice. as she would question him
how dared he look up to her, bnt his
mother should share his home and heart
10 the end.
1t was TOO late now to visit Violet to-
night, but he went up stairs, and softly
turning the knob of the door of the room
where his mother slept he noislessly ap-
preached the bed, and bending down,
touched his lips to the old, withered fore
head reverently.
She started up, with glad sob OF
JOY.
My boy! my boy. who thought was
not glad to see his mother"
He quilted her at last, wondering why
his own heart felt so light, and she fell
asleep with his hand tightly clasped in
hers.
"You did not come last night" said
his betrothed, when next morning he
sought her presence.
mo Violet" he answered, but am
come today to tell you how unworthy
am OF your love. Last night my moth
er came to me. Nay, do not start. l,
was no visitant from spirit-land, but an
actual reality. have never told you oi
my mother. Think ofit-a man so bles-
sed, and yet dumb all her life she toiled
with poverty-for whose sake think you:
Her sons that she might make gentle
man OF him. God prUspered him and en-
abled him to take all the burden from heI
shoulders, and so he thought he had done
his duty. He fed the body, but he lei