Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-07-04

| ItOGthS.
"Alice, Alice come here and tell me
what this means" said Mrs. Lee, in fur
ried accents. The window curtains part
ed, and from behind them came out some
thing between a young lady and very
sweet princess-out of some sweet fairy
tale that ripples like music through Our
remembrance of childhood.
"Did you want me, dear: | was only
only looking to see how fast the snow
fell"
Yet, for all this pretense, very sor-
row full little princess look Alice kneellng
there. the tender mouth in quiver of
mute distress. Mrs. Lee forgot the note
with its curious invitation, and, leaning
forward, took Alice's hand, saying:
"Oh my child, you have been worry
ing about Cuthbert. what shall do
with YOU"
..Oh | had fancied that Cuthbert
would have done with this miserable
business Of travelling for other people by
this Christmas eve He said last year 1t
would be so and we were not to part
ever any more, and you and May were to
live with US, and we were to be as hap
py as the day is long. Bat now could
cry my eyes out, for Christmas will be
here to-morrow-and oh . not Cuthbert.
Mrs. Lee drew Alice into her arms,
and, nestled there, she sobbed out her
grief. Happy, happy eyes, however, ye
weep that have mothers heart to weep
on Not long did Alice yield to this
distress. Lifting her head, she smiled
and chide herself, saying
Selfish girl Il know that Cuthber;
loves me wherever he is. And have
YOU, sweet darling, and little May
Then the princess, very much cheered
up, fell to kissing the sleeper on the rug
beside her, and she woke up with scarlet
cheeks laughing, prepared for game OF
romp with "sis,er Alice
"But you wanted to show me some
thing, dear" said the latter.
"Oh, my we're all dreaming here !
And the young man waiting for an ans
wer, too" And Mrs. Lee handed the
note to her daughter.
"How queer! And who is Rogers,
pray"
Lets ring the bell for Jenny. Who
brought this, Jenny: And who is Rog-
ers: Is it meant for US, | wonder =
Jenny, thus questioned, acquits herself
wife credit, thus;
Bachelor Rogers man brought it.
Miss. Bachelor Rogers Is a gentleman
what lives on the block below, Miss, in
beau. tiful house, and his man says there
never was such master. He said the
note was for 'our folks miss when let
him in. Shall bring him up, miss :"
Decidedly"
John being brought up and questioned,
declared in the most decisive manner that
there was no possibility of "mistake. :.
But that the master had an odd way OF
doing things sone,imes;' and that some
how or another people always did get con-
fused. like and do QUITO -the-way things
at Christmas" And John finished up
his statement by glancing at Jenny, who
stood attentively examining the braided
corner Of her apron.
alice" said Mrs. Lee, thoughtfully
Il think we had better accept the invi'
tation. Suppose you write few words
aud say we should be happy to come
Perhaps Mr.. Rogers is going to have
Christmas tree, and wants May to come
You know we are strangers here, ant
maybe it's the custom to invite ones
neighbors.'
Alice, nothing loath, did as she wa'
told. And little May, catching the mag
ic words, "Christmas tree" danced about
meanwhile in a childish effervescence o.
delight.
John, on his return, found his master
still plunged in reverie before the fire
whose attendant genii, the shadows o.
home fitting to and fro around him in
mystical dance, seemed to promise-fo
even shadows grow prophetic on Christ
mas eve-something strange and swee
for Bachelor Rogers Christmas gift.
81 think" said the master, "you "
been gone a long time-haven't you
John. :"
"Waitei for an answer, sir" handing
the note
A little watt of perfume, stealing ou
from the same, took our friend by surprise
A strange, pleasant sensation-was it on
ly-seemed to fly out from the missive a
he touched it, and tingle along his nerves
"Light the gas, John, the tone bris
and alert. John, complying, fingered