Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-10-31

for you briefly, her mental character
She was the only child of a wealthy farm
er, pe,ted, and half-spoiled from her IN
fancy. But she was ardent and impul'
sive, with a deep. rich, loving nature,
which no extraneous circumstances could
entirely change. She had her faults, and
they were many, but her heart-and it is
a blessed thing when you can say this OF
man or woman-her heart was true
one.
"MATrE DARLING, SO wrote Grace
Hammond ten minutes later-"you are go
ing on the sleigh-ride, so just don't say
another word about It. Cousin Charley
told me that Mr.. Hunt sent you the invita-
ton about an hour ago. and I've taken
notion to play schoolma'am for you to-day
I've been on scores OF sleigh-rides this
winter, aud think IL will do YOU AS much
good to drop the mantle Of your dignity
on me to-day, as it will do my giddy self
TO assume it.
So throw OF that school hood from
your brown curls, my darling, and call the
old smile to the soft bloom OF your lips,
the old light to the summer bloom OF your
eyes; ; and in all the annals of youth, love,
and sleigh-ridcs, may there be no psgc so
bright as the one this day shall write in
the history OF Matte Palmer aud Weston
Hunt, most fervently prays your friend,
GRACE HAMMOND.
Not going, Grace! Why, you are
surely not in earnest" and a look OF
mingled chagria and disappointment
clouded the fine features Of the young
man, as he turned them on his compan-
ion.
Yes, l am, Charley. You see !
have made an engagement for the day
which renders i; quite impossible for me
to 90. l am sorry, but it cannot be
helped"
In spite of her efforts, there was a lit
tie thread of disappointment running
through the studied calmness Of the speak
er's voice.
"A fiddle on your engagement, Grace.
Why, this will be the grandest sleighing
party of the season. Come, now, don I
think for moment of staying at home
We can't do without you at all so go
and get ready in a hurry for we start at
ten. There's q good girl
Poor Grace it was very hard to refuse
the pleading of ,hose dark, handsome
ewes, for Charles Manson was more to
the girl than most cousins indeed, he
was rather nominally than really her rel
a,iye-although some marriages between
members of their respective families gave
the young people the privilege of this ap-
pellalion.
"Charley, do not urge me. I am
very grateful for Your invitation, and 1t
pains me more than you can imagine to
refuse it. But am compelled to do
this"
If Grace's manner was cool, it was be
cause her words cost her such an effort.
Very well, Grace. ofcouTsc, shall
not press my claims any farther. Excuse
me, if in my desire to secure your COM
pany, have been too imPoEtunate. Good
morning"
He took up his hat, and bowed with
his natural grace, but the old frank
smile, was not on his lips as he left the
room
80 dear, he is certainly offended with
me. Iknew it would be 50, murmured
the girl, as she sank back on the sofa,
while the tears brimmed over her brown
lashes, for Grace was making no light
sacrifice this morning.
81 am almost sorry l sent Matte that
note, but it is too late to recall i. Char
lev will take Jane Morton with him. |
know and it will be great triumph for
her to think he's sighted me"
As the fair, naughty face of the doc
tors daughter rose before the young girl
a sharp pang of jealousy quiveTed through
her heart.
But it was now wearing toward nine
o'clock. and Grace had little time for re-
fection.
Il must get Tom to take me over IN
the cutter. | can easily gain mamma
consent. she is so kind hearted, and Mat
tie is such favorite with her. Good
ness :" glancing at the small china clock
on the mantel, 81 must be off in twenty
minutes"
"Gracie, Oracle, how shall l thank
you: :"
Oracle stood at the window robed fol
her ride to the school, and waiting I'M
patiently for the sleigh to present itsel
at the front gate, when these words
whispered, because of the tears that la.
behind them, reached her ear.
She turned quickly. why, Matte
what has brought you over here :"
81 couldn't go without thanking yo