Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-10-03

OF his vile ana little Cnliuren, anu vi 'he
pine grove he had seen growing up to
tall stately trees from tiny seedlings, and
of the associations that made the old bed
room, with its quaint chest of drawers,
its curtained bedstead, old table, chairs
and desk so dear to him.
Another day passed, and still the
storm ragged, the plans for changes were
continued, and the old man was made to
feel that not foot of land belonged TO
him, and hardly the chair he sat in. Not
that Jim and Eliza were unkind to
him, or the less respectful, but the very
atmosphere of the place seemed changed
to him, and he went to bed at least an
hour earlier than usual. Jim said to
Eliza:
Father don't seem as chirpy as usual
hope he hasn't taken any cold. But
he is an old man, ard it can't be expect
ed that he will last much longer. | saw
him looking at mothers and sister Mary 5
pictures this afternoon. He'll join them
soon"
And the good wife looked as if she
would say Amen but like a wise wo-
man she kept silence, answering only by
an affirmative nod.
On the ,hi day, however, the sun
shone bright and clear, and the snow had
fallen in just sufficient quantity to make
good sleighing. Jim was early astir. the
paths all broken out and arrangements
made for cutting the pine wood the next
day, and the household were jubilant
over the return of the sunshine. But
Grandpa" sat silent in the armchair
and thought -" Shall let things re-
main as they are: Shall | give up my
bedroom. and let my woods-my pride
be cut down; Yes, yes, yes, am an
old man and shall soon go. | better let
the young ones have their way, even to
giving up my dear old bedroom. Only
a little while shall remain; give me
peace while dc"
Dinner came in good season, and then
Mr.. Lamson thought it would do him
good to take a sleigh-aide to the store,
and see his old friends. So he walked
out to the barn where Patrick was feed
ing the cattle and told him to harness the
old mare.
Mr.. jim just told me to harness her
for him he and his wife are going to the
Corner" said Patrick.
We'll, let him take Dick or Tom; |
want my old mare, and you can bring
her around" said the old man, as he
turned away and went to his bedroom to
put on his outer garments. As he strug- |
,led into his coat, he heard Patrick bring
up the sleigh, and tell Jim what he had
,aid about going TO the store.
Hey: What's that: = asked jim.
i Wanted TO go to the store: Well, ne
will have to wait till another afternoon.
Come along, Eliza; bring the children
tumble in, Jimmie. | guess Grandpa
wait this time. He drives altogether
TOO much for his health, anyway
And away they went, leaving the old
man prey to disturbing thoughts. Is 1t
possible that his sen jim could treat him
ike that
For an hour he sat in silent thought
then he took up a newspaper TO entertain
himsef. But j, had lost It's power, he
could not read, and was, at last, forced |
TO 20 to the barn and look at the stock,
and talk to Patrick. who was very ready !
to tell him Of all the work for the com
ing spring. Mr.. Lsmson heard him in
silence and asked no questions, for his
heart was weary with heaviness, and he
could no, arouse himself to take any in
terest in the conversation, and soon re
turned 10 the house.
Before the family returned, however,
he had determined upon the course he
would take. Jim had commenced alto
ge;her too strong and had evidently for
gotten that the deed was unsigned. In
truth. it would have been signed and re-
corded at once if Mr.. Munroe had not
urged him so strongly to keep the relns
in his own hands. Although over eighty
wears of age he was shrewd and thought
full still, and he thought that little trial
of the change would not come amiss.
He would have seen the pine trees cut
down without murmur, and perhaps
have given up his bedroom for the good
of the farm; bu; when his old Maggie,
that he had driven for fifteen years, was
taken from him in such heartless man
ner. he rebelled, and had now come to
the conclusion that he would destroy the
deed, but in order TO do it calmly and
without the appearance of anger, ne must
sleep upon 1t.
When the sleigh-bells announced Jims
return, the old man lifted his head, looked
out of the window and saw the family
enter the doc. without moving from his
chair, and seemed quietly asleep until tea
was ready. Then Jim told the news
that he had learned at the store, and
Eliza told what her sister said about the
dairy she had planned, that Jim had
been looking at some cows to add to his
stock, and so on. The old man made
no reply, but Jim did not notice that, so
greatly was he interested in his own af-
fairs.
After they were alone at night, Eliza
said:
"Jim, did you notice Grandpa at the
table: He did not speak one word not
even to the baby. My mind misgives
me about him. He looks as if he might
have a shock any moment. We ought
not to have taken Maggie this afternoon.
SA.aa.L;nn will come of II [ feel sure IL