Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-05-02

TO toss to his little son. playing in the
ward. a letter for his aunt. The child
bethousht himself an hour later OF the
commission, and discharged it. The
placid little lady gave a nervous start
us the address caught her eyes. She
read the letter in haste, and then stood
with bated breath. The happiness Of
her life seemed trembling in the bal
ance there must be an answer sent by
telegraph-but how?
Robert was gone even her pony had
been pressed into service. She would
ask All Toy, though 1t was cruel thing
to do.
Toy" she asked, hesitating at thought
of the hard service she desired to ex
act, will YOU take letter to the office
for me? | will give you ten dollars
I He put on his blouse, and caught his
hat. ME 60" he said with ready cheer.
fitness
30, YOU good, good boy" cried Fan
nv: "here's the letter and the money.
Go to the telegraph Office and give 1t
to the operator; wait two hours for an
answer"
He set off down the path at swing
ing trot, while Fanny took possession of
the kitchen. Night came and the sup
portable was spread before All Toy
limped in foot sore. but triumphant
with the reply for which he had waited.
Fanny babe him be seated, thanking
him with such graceful earnestness as to
bring a flush of earnestness to his yell
low face. Here is your money, Toy,
she concluded, offering him the prom
ised reward. He pushed back the gold
with an air of wounded pride. Me no
takey money; me no go for money me
so for you"
A new gladness frightened the brown
ewes, and Toy smiled in conscious de-
light, as being the cause of her happi-
ness. Her exclamation continue all the
evening. finding vent in exultant music,
and at midnight Robert found her wait.
ing him.
Either Of the children sick, dear -
he asked. alarmed ut her excitement.
No, but | have something to tell
you, she said, taking his strong, cool
hand in her tremulous grasp.
Bad news from Virginia, then ? he
continued with anxiety.
"No, good news, Robert; but it
needs explanation. Are you too tired
to listen ?"
he drew Ter down on his knee, and
expressed his readiness to hear her
story.
1t began four years ago, when there
was skirmish gear fathers, where
brother Franks company caught some
Federals. One was an officer who had
been a classmate OF Frank at West
Point, and being badly wounded, he was
brought 10 our house 10 be nursed.
Mother and 1 felt quite bitterly
toward him before he came, for being
an invader; bat he was cruelty hurt, and
at sight of his pale face we relente1, anu
cared for him as II he had been of our
own soldiers. He was real Yankee
but a gentleman, intelligent, accom-
plished, agreeable. He staid three
months, and was so brave and patient
that we grew fond Of him. When he
went away he wanted to ask me ques-
tion that / would not hear. / liked him
more than any one else, and it broke
my heart TO send him from me forever /;
but l would never mary n man IN arms
against nv country. When he told
frank, brother scolded, and got father
and mother to join him they laughed
at my scruples, and said l ought TO
have married him and made conieder-
ate soldier OF him. 1t was very bitter
TO have given up my happiness for the
good cause, and not 10 have my patriotic
feelings understood but l had forbid
den him 10 write, or 10 come to see me
again. All these long years / have
thought that page OF my life TUNED, but
to-day | received letter from Capt.
Ward. II was so strange, Robert. He is
a cousin of Mrs Sheldon, and came to
San Francisco. She knew nothing of
our acquaintance, ami accidentally spoke
Of me in his presence. He wrote me,
asking leave TO come to see me. The
letter Law in the Office week, and to-
day was the latest date that lie would
await nv answer. Hearing nothing
from me. he would sail on the eastern
bound steamer TO morrow morning.
IL was in despair you were gone.
and was half wild then l bethought
myself of our good. faithful Toy. and
the devoted fellow trudged through the
broiling sun to carry telegram and
bring the reply. 1t was very short,
only this: Coming, start tomorrow
morning Did l do right TO invite
him? Shall you make him welcome,
dclr?'
Mr.. Siddons stroked the soft brown
hair, and kissed the candid brow Of the
questioner. Fanny" he said with emo
ton, there isn't much gift OF express
sion about me, but there is plenty OF
feeling. Do you think me insensible to
all YOU have done for me and mine Be
sure, Won dear little reconstructed rebel,
that / shall take your gallant Yankee
captain TO lay heart, even il the migrate
ful rascal comes to steal the sun OF my
household system"
mo, brother, won't desert you and
your babies for any one but indeed, l
never hoped to be so happy again )" in
proof of which she sobbed on Mrs. Sid
dons's broad shoulder.
Just at mig hit fall the following day the
guest arrived-tall, dark, gentlemanly,
as Robert noticed when he advanced to
greet the stranger. The host was frank
~ cordial in word and manner; but
Fanny's smile of welcome was more
eloquent than speech, for Capt. Ward
took both her hands, and boldly kissed
her lips.
At supper Fanny duly presented her
errand boy ''This is our invaluable All
Toy, but for whose swift feet you and l
should not have met tonight He walk
ed that dreadful twenty-four miles yes
terday to please me, refusing all com.
pensation. Toy, this is my very good
friend, Capt. Ward.
The visitor graciously acknowledged