Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-10-31

you know you are going to pass TINS I'd!
with the only son of millionaire and
who, by this invitation, gives very strong
evidence of having been captivatcd by
your naughty little self;'
Matte placed her hand on Gracc's lips
and shut back the tears from her shining
eyes.
Oracle she said, and the tones
tremulous at first, grew strong and deep
with pathos as she proceeded" must
be growing very weak, for it came so
hard for me to refuse that invitation this
morning. You know it is 50 long since
had any relaxation, any pleasure and
this hard, barren, toilsomc life seemed
closing all around me, and ! struggling
vainly through it, reaching my gaze out
for the light that never came, lifting my
hands up with sharp cry for the bless
iugs that never filled them. And some
how. that invitation was such mockery
to me for you see, dear, was growing
morbid, and | thought how they would
all 90 off light-hearted and happy, leav-
ing me choked in by the bare walls Of the
old scbool-room Well. | sat down and
wrote my regrets with heavy heart.
Just as had finished it your note came :;
and on, Grace, how shall | tel! you the
res; =
by saying nothing about it, Matte.
And now, do you 90 straigh; home and
dress for the ride. There comes Tom.
Goodbye, and a bright day to YOU, dar-
ling" There was quick rain Of soft
kisses on the damp cheeks Of Matte
Palmer, and Grace Hammond was gone.
am not one Of those, reader, who be
licve tha, the good doing" always brings
at once its own exceeding great reward ;
but rather that is oftcnlimes a blessed
legacy, which the present bears through
darkness and sorrow 70 dover the future.
And, therefore, cannot assure yol that
Grace Hammond passed an especially
pleasant day in the old red school-house,
which stood at the intersection Of the
four principal stage routes from Meadow
brook.
know that once during the morning
sudden mist dampcncd her hazel eyes,
for the wind brought the gay rythm Of
the sleigh-bells to her ears, and she heard
the joyous laugh of the young party, as
it leaped out, full and rich, on the frosty
air.
For moment the oaken desks, the
long benches Of black, brown, and haxen
heads. swan before her, and an 81 wish
Twas with them :" rushed inyoluntarily
to her lips. But then the after thought
followed quickly, &" 1 am glad Matte Is
there
And when the work was done, the last
one dismissed, and the short December
day reaching out its cold arms to the
night, Grace Hammond kaelt down in
that little school room, and thanked the
Great Father that He had given her
strength to make this sacrifice; that she
had lived His great royal law, in loving,
that day, her neighbor as herself.
1t was a merry party the great paEloT
of the old hotel framed in that evening.
Sweet breaks of laughter, the eferyesence
of glad spirits and youth, came over rosy
lips, and bright eyes glanced, and grace
ful figures flu,tercd about the long, old
fashioned room.
Don't you think it very funny Grace
Hammond isn't here, Jane asked a
young girl, as she came up to the corner
where the village belle sat, her head
leaned gracefully down to some compli-
mentary speech which Charles Manson at
that moment was making her.
"Wen, | don't know" And thai
lady twisted her diamond ring around
her white finger. u presume shC
would have come had she received an IN
vitation.'
There was quick, balf-imperceptibl
curl of the young mans lip, for, notwith
standing his alront at her refusal, Grac'
Hammond was TO his heart what tn
naughty lady at his side could never hav
been.
Il had the honor of inviting her, nay
SELF" was the reply that well nigh spran
t, bis lips and, with all his chivalry,
was difficult to suppress 1t.
But Matte Palmer had heard all thi
as she stood near, leaning over an en-
craving of rustic life, on whose natural
ness Mr.. Hunt was descanting, and he
face flushed eagerly as she turned t'
ward the trio, and her sweet voice al
swered:
"Grace remained at home to tai
charge of my school to-day, SO / couI
come here. 1t was very, very kind