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

Bobby BOYS foot ached with his long


Bobby Boys foot ached with his long
sitting upon it. Iie put it out, furtively
lest Netta should hear him, and be re-
minded how short time before and how
complacently she had received his hum.
bic tribute-'You are always great deal
gooder than me :"
Mamma had joined the girls, and was
chatting cheerfully with them-not at all
as she looked at the covering little liar
under the counterpane up stairs.
But she doesn't know what sister has
been doing" thought the unseen Judge.
quaking in anticipation for Meta, should
the truth leak out in the course Of the
conversation.
Mamma" suddenly exclaimed the
daughter, "there are old Mr.. and Mrs.
Bartol do believe you are to be
honored by call from them"
IL sincerely hope not" was the ans
wer. "Papa and | had planned a walk
on this lovely evening, and our friends
the Bartols are given to long sittings."
BESIDES being insuferably prosy, in
terpolated plain.spoken Meta. "They
are coming in. Milly, YOU and can run
away, and they huttered through the
back parlor door.
Mammals face was overcast with genu-
inc yexation. Her sigh, "how provok-
ing reached the allowed auditor. Then
she advanced to meet fat old lady and
fa,ter bald old gentleman.
lis this really yourself, Mr.. Bartol |:
1t is an age since | have met you. | am
happy to see you both. Pray be seated. y
"Oh, good gracious - said Bobby Boy,
under his breath, sinking back into the
corner. actually sick and trembling.
When he could listen and think again,
papa had been sent for, and Mr.. Bartol
was apologizing for mingling business
with friendly visit. He wanted to buy
house owned by Mr.. Wilcox. situated
near his-Mr. Bar,ols-home. The
play of negotiation, of parry and thrust,
was courteous. as beftted actors and
scene. bu, Mr.. Bartors intention TO buy
cheap, and his hosts desire to sell dear,
were palpable to the unworldly caves
dropper.
II am sorry you hold the property at
so high a figure" finally remarked Mr..
Bartol, rising to take leave. Il must
consult the friend who commissioned me
to make inquiries, before | can say any
thing definite
Mr.. Wilcox was the impersonation Of
smiling indifference. 1.-The truth is.
my dear sir, do not care to sell at all.
The property is rising in value. and |
may remove to that part of the city my
self next year. | should lose on it were
to take less than the price | have
named"
When the guests had gone, Mr.. VIII
cox turned laughingly to his wife,
"Well, my love, you have lost your
walk, but your husband has made four
thousand dollars-clear'
"You think he will buy the place.
them"
IL know he will ~ He wants to set
tie his daughter there. She is to be
married next month. had hint to
that effect some days since. had the
game in my hands from the first. |
bough the property, three years ago. at a
low figure. The rent has covered inter-
est, taxes. etc. shall never live there
myself. 1t would not be convenient for
my business. have been anxious this
great while to sell. am already carry
ing more real estate than | ought to hold
"I am afraid Bobby Boy is less i'm
pressed BY the lessons of to-day than we
could desire" observed Mrs. Wilcox
sorrowfully to her husband at bedtime.
"He stole off to bed without saying
Good night to any one, and pretended
to be asleep when | looked into his room
Just now, answering gruffly after | told
him | knew he was awake. What shall
l do ifmy child becomes an habitual de-
ceiver :"
1--WE must watch his associations mar
rowly," replied the judicious father.
Everything depends upon the examples
and impressions Of ear ly life