Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-01-25

hood. Papa does not want his boy to
be cheat"
Mrs. Wilcox sat down on the bed when
her husband had gone. All the mother
heart in her was crying out and tearing
itself with longing and pity inefable.
Arms and heart ached to enfold the
precious little sinner so grievously worsted
in the battle with temptation. He was
her baby-her latest given of God-dear
always-unutterably beloved with the
soil and bruises ofignominious defeat up
on him.
Mamma is very sorry that her darling
has been so naughty" she said, the wa
ter springing to her sweet eyes. "My
baby -boy-who says his prayers every
night at my knee"
She broke down utterly there, bowling
her head upon the pillow beside the mat
of curls dampened by the rain from the
culprit's eyes Bobby Boy put both arms
around her neck-pressed his wet cheek
to hers.
"Mamma, Indeed, will nerer tell
another lie-not the leastest hb," he
sobbed.
"God help YOU to keep your word, my
son. Every ialsehood Is like a drop OF
ink upon snow to your soul y
She stroked back his hair and COM
for,ed herself with him by giving him,
one after another, the passionate kisses
withheld through all these miserable
hours. Holding the chubby fingers in
hers, she talked to him few minutes
longer of his sin, and TO whom he should
look for forgiveness then bending over
him, she prayed in simple words and few
for the little one who had stumbled to
his own hurt. "Lie still and think it all
over. dear was her parting injunction.
When Meta, his grown-up sister, came
at six o'clock TO dress him for tea, he was
sleeping as peacefully as if falsehood and
temp,ers had never been heard of, and
the world were peopled by mothers as
lovingly compassionate as his own. The
touch of lips upon his awoke him. He
laughed ou, suddenly and merrily in the
face he thought so pretty-then his
glance iell-his lips trembled.
81 was awful naughty, sister. Did
YOU know it =
"Yes, dear. But you will never do 1t
again. Sister could not kiss little boy
who soils his lips with untruths.'
When dressed, he put question:
"Sis,er. when you were little and fool
ish-a long time a go-did YOU ever tell
q wee bit of ale :"
II hope not, Bobby Boy"
Grown people don't ever. | know,
pursuid the peni,ent; but thought
maybe-it came so easy, you see. Why
i, slipped out almost before l knew it,
after opened my mouth. | just won
dered if the some thing had ever hap
pened TO you. When YOU were rery
small, of course. pose, though, you
have always been great deal gooder
than me.
Meta smiled in pa,ting the round face
so droll-,o her apprehension-in It's
melancholy thoughtfulness.
"You need not sigh so dolefully over
it. You are going TO be always good
now. There is the tea-bell."
Hungry Bobby Boy was not disposed
to talk a, table. He noted and under
stood the grave gentleness Of his fathers
countenance and demeanor the chastened
loveliness of his mothers look; the
quiet tone caugh, by the other children
from Meta, who sat next 10 him. His
transgression had affected the spirits Of
the whole party. The very avoidance Of
all direct reference to it was significant
and impressive. 1t was something too
disgraceful for table-talk. A blackened
soul, Soiled lips These were the
figures most distinct to his imagination
as he crept after supper into the library,
and sat down at the allowed window look
ing upon side street. The boys were
playing noisily in the warm twilight.
Bobby Boy watched them, curled up on
the window. bench, one foot tucked under
him, his face more sober each minute.
He was sure his mother would shake her
head sadly were he to request permission
to join the joyous group of his fellows.
Nor did he care-yery much-to go out.
The recollection Of sin and consequent
suffering were too fresh. He had fancy,
also, that there was something salutary-
because bitter-in meditation at eventide,
when one grew more low spirited each
second.
Meta had visitor in the next room,
and scraps of their talk fell unheeded up
on the child's ears until the young gentle
man arose to go.
"Nust l consider your refusal final,
Miss Wilcox
"A prior engagement is a stubborn
fact, Mr.. Dorr. am truly sorry to miss
so pleasant an excursion. l know |
should have a perfectly lovely time. 1t
is too bad :"
Pretty Netta's eyes and smile added so
plainly, "To lose the happiness Of your
society :" that the applicant, if less quick
witted than Bobby Boy, was appeased by
the implied iattery.
On his way out, Mr.. Dorr bowed to a
young girl who was entering.
"Milly. you blessed girl !" cried Meta,
peeping from the window to be sure he
was out of hearing; 81 have had such
an escape! Would you believe. that