Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-11-28
DEACON HAYWARD'S SPEECH.

VIII tne cuhuIeu, BoOu tdlheI, AN
somebody was always calling on him 70
speech. With a large class afte
church in the morning. another in th'
t mission chapel, then, perhaps. meeting
in the depot for those who wouldn't at
tend any regular service, his Sabbath'
were all filed, and an hour of rest wa.
considered luxury.
One Sunday evening there was to be q
Concert in the audience room. The chill.
dren were to sing" Hold the Fort" and
some stirring speeches were expected.
Deacon Hayward came home from the
mission school, and, after thinking over
what he wanted to say to the little folks,
lay down on the sofa for an hours rest
before the meeting.
Mamie and Bobby, his two little chill.
dren, Immediately offered to brush his
hair and help him 20 to sleep. You
know, papa" said Mamie, "you ought
to lcok very nice tonight, and mamma
says you don't always brush your locks
carefully enough"
"very well, go ahead, children" said
papa laughing. " But look out that l
don't rest too long"
As he was very tired, it was not more
than five minutes after they began their
brushing and smoothing, before he was
sound asleep. But the children kept at
their work, only stopping now and then
to discuss point.
II wonder why men don't wear rib
bons." said Mamie. 81 Blue would be be-
coming to papa's hair
could he wear a bow on the top Of
his head. as you do :" asked Bobby.
Mamie looked at her father critically.
at might look we'll but then, papas
always in such hurry, it would be
hanging down behind. But Bobby we
might braid his hair and tie on rib.
bon."
Let's try it," said Bobby eagerly.
You braid that side, and | will this
There's Matilda Angelina's ribbons.
She don't get up Sundays; I'll borrow
hers" And Mamie rushed up stairs to
her playhouse and brough. down two. a
blue and red.
Now, Deacon Hayward's hair was
straight and, at this time, rather long.
Mamie and Bobby made braid little
behind each ear, about as large as a good
sized lead pencil, tying it at the ends
with their ribbons.
Won't papa laugh when we tell him
TO look in the glass ~ exclaimed Bobby.
Just then they caught & glimpse Of
their Uncle Harry with his new shepherd
dog, coming up the path, and away they
both ran to meet him. He was taking a
walk around the square before the time
for the evening service. Learning that
their father was asleep, he offered to
take them both with him, their mother
being already at his house. Of course
they were glad to 60, and papa and his
braided hair slipped out Of their minds.
Deacon Hayward slept on until the
sound of the church bell awoke him.
Hastily starting up, he looked at his
watch and saw it was getting late. New
er given to consulting the mirror,-for he
once said that he only wanted to see his
face long enough to keep it clean,-he
passed his hand over his hair in front,
gave his coat brush, and, putting on his
hat, started out. In the church he join.
ed the speakers, who were in the side
seats near the organ.
As he sat back, no one noticed him,
except to give friendly nod and not
until the first hymn was sung and the
call given for the opening address, did he
come forward. Then he stood under the
full blaze of light, and there were the two
little braids each tied with good sized
bow Of ribbon.
Dear children" began the Deacon.
But, what was the matter! What allied
the children Those in the front seal
laughed first Some of the little fel ows
put their hands on their mouths. and the
little girls went off into such a gigglinl
that the Deacon was fairly frightened
And the smiles spread, until, to his as
tohished eyes, the whole audience seem
ed to wear the same mirthful look. On
ly, there were two little pale faces in th'
crowd, and those belonged to Mamie anc
Bobby. They. too, had seen, and wer
looking helplessly at each other.
Fortunately, he had habit of twist
ing his hair around his finger when h
grew nervous. And now, at this crisis
as he put up his hand he felt the braid
Quick as Aash,-so he told afterward
it came to him what had happened
and he stepped back. There were tn