Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-05-29
TO-DAY.
THE MAJORS vINDIcATIoN.


Miss Marble wish to speak with
you moment before you 20.
katherine Marble-or, rather Kitty,
as every one had called her for the last
90 years, the term Of her existence
paused as she was in the act of leaving
the post Office, Of which she was sole
clerical force, and turned toward her su-
perior officer TO meet the smile which
always made attractive the face of
Major Wynne when he spoke to any one-
friend or foe, though in truth the latter
were few.
The girl plump, pretty turnette, had
been assistant postmas;er" in the VII
lage pos,-Ofice for years, though the af-
fable Major had held his position for
but q few months since the death
of the former incumbent, man well
burdened with years, who had presided
over the distribution of letters and papers
for nearly two score years.
The noontide shadows had erept up
closely beside the buildings as If to
avoid the heat of the bright summer day,
as Kitty turned with questioning look.
Major Wynne's smile was as bland as
ever, but mis- voice had an uncertain
sound as he continued trife depre-
ciatingly.
The fact IS, Miss Marble, feel CON-
PEELED to state that the increasing duties
Of this office require ;ha; | should employ
not more efficient help, for ,hat-and his
smile grew more bland if fPossible--"would
be impossible to find. but some one who
could assume the responsibility of the
Office to an extent hardly within the
province of lady assistant"
Major Wynne's smile grew almost i'm
perceptable as he met the amazed look
which flashed from the black eyes Of the
girl before him, though her ripe, red lips
uttered no sound.
81 know this comes rather unexpe ct.
edly," he continued. finding that she
made no reply, "and places me in yer,
disagreeable position. The Office, as yor
know, will admit but one assistant. anC
there are various other things You coulC
do equally remunerative. You NIGH
teach school the coming fall, and winte
in District No. s, if you wish.
The girl fairly shivered, spite of tn
dingy school house perched on the bleal
hill, of the rows Of tow headed urchin
and unmanageable girls, sharp voiced
critical parents and the dull life oi coun
try farm houses compared with her bus!
pleasant life in the village, and her fac
mirrored her thoughts as she at lengt
answered
"Of course, Mr.. wynne, l can fin
no fault with your desire for other assis
tance than mine, and it is quite recessal
for me to earn a living at something.
shall be thankful for any kindness tow
ards enabling me to help myself.
Her measured, even tone was total
unlike her usually quick. alert mode
speaking. and the color had gone quicl
ly from her cheeks
"Who will succeed me ;" she aske
after a moments uncomfortable silenc
"Mr. Rawley's clerk, young Gray
is smart, capable fellow, and will
his best to please the public. I am We
sorry that
"Please say no more on this subject
she interrupted hastily. "When do
nv term Of Office expire :"
"WelI, 1 thought months noti
would be sufficient. Mr.. Gray viii con
into the Office Immediately, and by tn
time win have become familiar with t
details of the work."
She went out into the sunshine scare
ly needing its brightness, for this d
missal was a severe blow to he,.. s