Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-04-24
THE DESIRE OF HER HEART.

81 tell you Jack, the farm is not your
vocation. become more and more con.
vinced of the fact every day, and les,
contented with the life that we are lead
ing"
Breakfast was over, and We stood on
the farmhouse portico, arm in arm.
On the sill of the door sat baby, scream
ing with delight as she fed pair Of pc.
pigeons from her dimpled hands.
Our breakfast had been delightful
one-coffee clear as amber, bread like
snow, and steak done to turn.
All about US was green tangle OF
sweet brier and honeysuckle; the sun
was just rising above the distant hills,
and the morning air was fresh and sweet,
and filled with exquisite woodland odors,
and musical with the song Of birds. We
could catch glimpse of the barn and
poultry yards from where we stood, and
hear the plaintive lowing OF the kline, and
the dream-like tinkle of their bells.
felt vague sort Of conviction that
Jack had but little sympathy with my
spirit of discomfort, yet was determined
to carry my point if possible.
You are dissatisfied with your lot
l see that plainly, Nell," said Jack. a
trife sadly.
"Oh, nonsense," | put in. Not with
my lot. nor with you. only with the farm,
Jack. I'm tired to death with this prosy
humdrum life, and hate to see you delv-
ing and toiling like slave from one
years end to another. You were born
for something better, Jack-something
grander and nobler. Fancy man OF
your abilities sowing grain, and digging
potatoes, and raising stock to his life's
end ~
but, my dear suggested Jack,
lone must live and have bread and but
ter"
ITO be sure. Jack but why not earn
it in a more genteel fashion :"
Honest labor is always genteel,
Nell"
"Oh, pshaw, you misunderstood me,
Jack. mean that you have capabili-
ties for something better. You only
cling to the old farm to please your faith
er. when you could do a hundred-fold
better elsewhere. And besides, where
is our society in this place, Jack: What
chance is there for our children as they
grow up
Jack laughed as he glanced down at
baby, who was struggling furiously to
get pigeons head in her mouth.
"Ah, Nell. that is looking so far
ahead" he said; land, my dear, you
seem to forget that have lived here all
my life
Nc, no, don't forget. And pray
what have you done, jack"
LED an upright life and married
you
." But you didn't pick me up among
the clover blossoms, Jack, don't forget
that. You found me in town, and,
Jack, dear. am so anxious 10 get back
to my native element. | am tired OF al!
this. You can get on ever so nicely in
town, Jack and there we can get into
society"
II am not over fond of society,
Nell"
"Oh, but you should be for my sake,
Jack. | am fond Of it. hate to live
like hermit. Why, Jack, if We desire
to give little party tomorrow, we could
not for lack Of guests.
Dear me, Nell. why | could muster
scores"
"Of a certain sort, yes; but don
want them. Jack. am peculiar in my
notions. want no society but the best
the-,he-the sort Of society one gets In
to in town"
Fashionable society, Nell"
"Well, then, why not . You have
means, Jack, and | fatter myself that
we are fitted to move in any circle
Why should we bury ourselves in this
wilderness y
Sour means are not inexhaustible,
Nell
81 am aware Of that, Jack, but VIZ
have enough for the start, and Van
borough offers you good place in th'
bank"
"At limited salary, Nell"
"Oh, yes, but you can work your wa!
up, Jack-right up to the topmost rount
Of the ladder. Do let's 20, Jack ! l hav'
lived here to please you ever since ou
marriage; think you can afford to pleas
me little now."
Jack sighed as he looked out upon hi
ripening grain fields, but he drew m
close to his heart and kissed me.
That's true" he said; "you can
be expected to care for the farm as l do
Nell, l promised to make you haPP
when YOU consented to become my wife
and I'll try to keep my word. You sha
have it all your own way, Nell"
The continuous dropping of the waite
wears away the solid stone. had con
quered my husband at last, and the de
sire of my heart was about to be accom-
plished.
When Jack once made up his mind
do thing. he did it with all his nigh
The matter was soon settled. Cher
Hill, as we called the farm, was sold
a great sacrifice, and one sunny mornin
we turned our backs upon the breez
, down and golden grain fields, and jou
neyed cityward.
I'm afraid you have made gre'
mistake" said Jacks father, as he bat
US eood-by YOU'D better have stuck
the farm. You remember the old sayir