Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-09-11
FOUND HIS VOCATION.

"How sharper than a serpcnts tooth II Is,
To have "A thankless childl"
Quoted Mrs, Deacon Washburn, in her
weak, tremulous tones.
Harry, her eldest born, stood before
her, tall, dark, with blazing eyes and
firmly compressed lips. A handsome.
manly looking fellow he was, save for
the portentious frown which contracted
his brow. The expression u his counte-
nance indicated character and an indom-
liable will, with lines Of discomfort and
moodiness, such as dispositions like Har-
ry Washburns sometimes develop, under
certain circumstances.
He raised one strong, brown hand with
an impatient gesture.
$50 you are ready to take sides with
father against me =" he exclaimed, his
voice full Of suppressed passion.
Mrs. Washburn sighed in that weak,
tremulous which had marked every ac-
ton of her entire existence.
"Oh, dear! What can say to you"
she cried sppealingly.
"You can say that YOU believe am
scapegrace, if that is what you have In
your mind, OF course there is no blame
anywhere except with me. Joe and
Charlie are saints, because they haven I
spirit enough to draw lines for themselves
nor resolution to follow them in the face
of opposition. merely requested father
to let me study for . profession, and he
fred up at it, and said his trade had
brought half a dozen children up from
infancy; feeding and clothing them, and
that his trade was good enough for boys,
Bah As though had no right to look
above carriage-maker's shop because |
was born in one"
The youth spoke with intense bitter
ness. Wheeling abruptly, he would
have left the house at once, but slender
form stood in the doorway, and two deep
blue eyes met his in a glance which was
full of mingled sympathy and apprehen-
sion.
What is the matter, Harry ques-
toned the girl, ring Of anxiety in her
sweet VOICE.
Another fare up" was the senten.
tious response. Then in lower tone
lin going away, Pet. I've borne
this life as long as can"
Petronilla Wayne-the orphan child
of distant kinsman of Mrs. Washburn
reached both hands upward, and
placed them upon Harry's shoulder,
which were almost as high as she could
reach.
"Oh, Please don't go" she said
pleadingly.
A rift of white crossed her cheeks
But her words did not cause the younl
man to waver in his purpose.
"Do not demonstrate, Pet. I've though
it all over, and made up my mind wha
is best. l haven't been dutiful son a
home-I have brought disgrace upon m,
fathers name. He said so this YER
morning. He said, too, that was th
black sheep of the aock-beOause O
those boyish pranks Of mine, suppose
| hate to go, though, with you blaminl
me-"
His manly voice showed signs G
breaking, and he turned away his faoe !
hide the signs of emotion which he coul
not keep back.
: "I do not blame you, Harry. Pei
haps it is for the best for you to go, onl
l it will be very lonely for me. That
all"
The girl stood quite bravely. Harr
dared not trust himself to speak agail
Bending quickly, he kissed the quivel
iug upturned lips Of Petronilla,' leayin
one of his tear-drops upon her cheei
e Then he pushed almost rudely past he
and strobe out into the gray and mist
morning.
Pet watched him out Of sight. The
she saw Deacon Washburn, tall and grim
coming up the path.
Harry has gone, Uncle Joseph, 81
said, as the man ascended the steps.