Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-01-03

1t rather a mistake to Judge before hear
ing him."
" read the papers" said Nell, in the
quiet tone hsbitual TO her. Girls"
she broke out the mex, instant, with sud-
den vehemence, so unlike her usual even
tones, that it at once caused eager a,ten-
tion, girls, Ill tell you what it is;
ever since can remember, I've been
poor, puny, sickly creature, never actu-
ally unable to work, never able to work
with much comfort; but my necessities
have compelled me to exer, myself to the
utmost, and my religion has kept me up;
yes, my religion, nothing else" she added
with increasing fervor. II know people
tell a great deal about the will control
ing the body, and pout a nervous consti-
tutIons being 4 wiry one, and all that,
but know as well as know that am
sitting in this chair, that sll the strength
have comes from firm reliance on my
precious Savior. When | am tired he
comforts me; when l am downeast,
which is but seldom now, his sweet
words Of promise cheer me. Oh, he is
my loving Father, my tender Shepherd,
my dear, dear elder Brother, making
himself the equal of poor, frail thing
like me, and sooner than 20 and hear that
poor, d.luded man vent his strange un-
belief rd-rd-"
Nelrs face had flushed crimson, as
with unvon,ed ardor she had gone on,
and the fingers, which no matter how ex-
citing the topic, had rarely ceased their
constant play, had, for the moment,
dropped idly down, as impelled by an IT.
re,is,ible impulse she had spoken; but
as she reached the las, word, her voice
which had grown painfully tremulous
with suppressed emotion, chOked entirely
and burying her face in her hands she
gave way 10 uncomfortable sobs. 1t
was, perhaps, the be., emphasi, which
could have been put upon her impassion-
ed words, those sobs. so full Of love and
wounded sympathy for the Savior so
trusted and adored
Tears stood in Mollie's eyes as Nelrs
voice ceased, and Puss, from her elevated
seat. stitched on with locomo,ive-hke
speed, till all at once she exclaimed i'm
patiently:
"Oh, pshaw! I've done tina, wrong,
and i, seemed relief 10 her to be ena-
blei to change the subject by asking one
of the other girls TO lend her some little
ripping scissors.
The next morning Nell found the girls
had gone, as intended, to the lecture, and
all were enthusiastic over the eloquence
to which they had listened, particularly
the lively Puss, who declared no one
could find a word Of fault with what In
gersoll said, and she even " heard min
ister say that his arguments were simply
unan.werable"
What thinkest thou OF that, my
Mel! :" she added. her bright eyes dane
iuy with merrimen,, and her pretty cheeks
glowing with youth and health.
"Oh, couldn't answer him, of
course" replied Nell. good na,uredly.
"snd | don't want 10 answer him, but |
know know :"
For several days after Pass, with her
lively talk, and rehearsins of the scenes
at the theatre, 10 which she went with
more assurance than ever since the night
of the lecture, was the life Of the sewing
room. a. E, bright, chatty girl is likely
to be, but one morning she was absent,
and Just at q time, too. when they were
driven.
The next day Mr.. l.. announced with
a sober face, that Catherine Williams was
sick, rsry sick, the doctor had said, with
pleurisy and pneumonia.
After supper that evening, Nell qui-
etly put on her things preparatory to
going out. 1t was not meeting night,
and for Nell to 90 out in the evening e1-
cept TO meeting, was so unusual, that
Mollie inquired in wonder where she was
going.
ITO see Puss.' abe replied.
well. I'd 60 too" said Molly, :" if
wasn't so wofully tired but tell Puss
Ill certainly come tomorrow.
Nell remembered afterwards how th'.'
word grated on her ears, when Moliie &C
confidently asserted she would see hel
sick friend tomorrow"
When Nell entered the sick-room sh.
found Puss bolstered high in the bed,
and upon seeing her the sick girl sale
in q weak, waiting voice:
"Oh, Nell, knew you'd come, snc