Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-05-23


"There," she said, "now do go Along to
your work. or shall be foolish enough to
cry again - and she looked very much as
If she might.
Hiram Graham had faint idea as 10
what the matter was, and he was very
willing to do as she bade him. lie felt
considerably annoyed that his wife could
not see the advantage Of the proposed pur-
chase that would so materially add to their
mutual property. And then he began to
wonder what she was thinking so silently
about, while she stood looking off toward
the distant hill. A little jealousy crept in
with the thought. The owner of that fine
mansion had once been n formidable rival
of his There could have been no reason
for her choice but the one she so slyly con-
fessed to him in the soft twilight OF sum-
mer evening ten years ago.
When he came to dinner, followed by
his troop of hands, he could not help no.
ticing how flushed aud tired she looked {;
but she was as cheerful as ever. The
morning cloud has passed, and with the
sweet spirit of self-sacrifcc that charact-
erzed her, she had buried her dead hopes
and had taken up the burden OF life rs best
she could.
Hiram Graham was not ignorant OF this
sacrifice, and 1t touched him keenly; the
thought OF it troubled him during the af-
ternoou. lie even forgot TO estimate what
the probable yield per acre would be a.
the heavy sheaves were showed of the
rear platform and lay so near together on
the shorn ground. He could not deny that
his wife had worked as hard as he during
the years past, and the economy he had
practiced had been mostly in her domain
lie had begun TO wish he had treated her
wishes little more respectfully. But he
could not help looking over to where that
forty acres lay. What a choice piece Of
land 1t was. How long he had wanted II !.
And now, when it was almost within his
grasp, must he let II go! And even were
he TO yield To J.nnie's wishes now, would
she not know that lie had done so reuct-
antly, and against his better judgment:
And during the afternoon he thought the
matter over aud over.
powers" he called out as tina, inii-
vidual was leaving the field at night, " If
the folks at hcme can spare Miranda, let
her come up in the morning and help my
wife"
"All right; she will be glad to come"
was the answer.
Harvest was over, aud Mrs. Graham
spoke OF discharging the girl.
You had better keep her to help you, "
advised her husband.
"No." said Mrs. Graham; when there Is
none but my own family, | can do the work
easily enough alone. believe like work, "
she added smiling; "at least am hlppiest
when am busy"
How long has it been since you have
been home to your fathers on vislt:' he
asked, abruptly.
Five years ago last June, when sister
Ellen was married"
How prompt was the answer: Perhaps
she had counted the time.
How would you like to go out and see
the folks this fall:'
What glad light came into her face,
and then faded, as she said. hesitatingly
How can go!'
Never mind abou. that. You have
earned play-dsy, and none OF my trans
actions shall hinder you from taking one.
You had better take the children with you ;
the folks will want TO see them. We will
90 to town tomorrow, and you can get
what things you need, and Miranda can
stay and help you get ready. You want to
get OFF as soon as you can, for you will lii 9
to make good long visit while you are
about il"
He appeared anxious to hasten her de-
parture, but Mrs. Graham was only too
happy at the thought of seeing the home
OF her childhood again 10 notice it at the
time.
but what will you do without US If we
make too long a stay
Don't mind me can keep old bachel'
or's hall, he added, laughing.
Two weeks after, Mrs. Graham had gone,
and Hiram Graham had the house all to
himself.
After the lapse Of five weeks he went to
the station to meet his wife and children
They had enjoyed the most delightful visit,
and were all well and happy, and as they
drove homeward there was much tc
be told, and many inquiries to be made
As they neared the house, Mrs. Graham
looked suddenly forward, while her hus
band watched her face and rubbed his
hands together in quiet glee. What wa:
that soft lustrous gray cleaning out from
among the green leaves! Was she dream
ing! No; it was the house with with it:
green shutters and portico.
"Why, Hiram Graham, what have yor
be en- doing?' She looked again. "And
picket fence. And the most charming
little gate! And graveled walk" ant
then she couldn't keep the glad tears from
coming.
"Come, Jennie said Mr.. Graham, teas
ingly, although his own eyes moistenet
with sympathetic happiness, don't feel Sc
glad aboutit. There, how does that suit?'
he asked, after they had entered the house
pointing to the bay window. 81 do no