Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-11-20

dead and she supported an invalid fathe
with her earnings.
Gale Csrdonne visited her at the cot
tage, sent her books and flowers. and h
sometimes walked with her in the wood
which stretched between Northbrook an,
the cottage.
Having seen 50 much OF the world, be
ing rich, handsome and pleasing tslkel
it was no wonder that she became fonc
of his society. He, in turn, was very
much fascinated hY her, and sometimes
wondered why. He had mingled great
deal in society ard bad met with many
beautiful and accomplished ladies, while
she was but quiet, demure, ordinary
looking country girl. However, he was
not the only man who had tried to find
his way out Of such qusndary.
He proposed to her one evening. They
were standing beside the cottage gate.
The stars were shining softly overhead ;
the young moon was just visible above
the low-lying hills; subtle, resinous
odor was waited from the woods !; the
frogs croaked in the meadows: an owl
called TO his mate from his perch under
the caves OF the mill
Why was Janet so long in replying to
Gale Csrdonne's passionate appeal Ho
saw the color come and 20 in her face.
he saw her lips tighten.
IL am 80 sorry :" she said at last, with
gasp, her frame trembling.
"Sorry !" repeated he, feeling little
dazcd. "Because have proposed to
you:'
because ] am constrained TO decline
your Offer" she said.
1t requ5ed bravery to speak those
words, dictated by duty, when love and
desire wan'.d so much to rebel.
"Oh" Jaouiaiei Caidonne, reddening
and bitirg his under lip.
His hand ~as Lf4wny one, and she
saw how tightly it closed on the upper
rail Of the gate.
alt knew the reason;' he asked.
You will no' insist" she said, appeal
ingly, catching her breath.
"Evidently 1t exists in myself" he re
joined.
"No, MT. Cardonne."
She spoke with rapidity, and with
quick fling OF her hand.
Perhaps time, Janet"
mo, she interrupted. at will always
exist.
He had used the word exist, and she
SCENE to think it Just the one to serve
her.
Janet, you are the frs, woman TO
whom ever proposed he huskily said.
" That is true, though have almost
reached middle-age."
II believe you, sir" she answered,
humbly, regreifully. 81 appreciate the
honor you nave paid me. am sorry"
He did not want her pity. he felt
like seizing her and hinging her down
the embankment; but, by great effort,
he curbed his temper.
Il am too polite TO insist upon know
ing your reason, he said. "You might
says ! have not the right to demand it,
and | don, know but that would te the
truth. am grieyously disappointed,
and il is such novel, and such a-a-
rrttched experience to me, that do not
know where 20 look for redresS-or for
comfort, rather. You wish me to un-
ders,and that a chasm yawns between
US"
(Which can never be bridged." COM
pleted she, her tone firm. though she
trembled, as he could see in the star
light.
he lifted his hand to his crava,, as if
to relieve choking sensation there,
Il can do nothing but submit" he
slowly, ruefully said.
He strode angrily down the path, but
stopped, turned and called out:
Good night. J,ueJ. y
The resigned, piiitul tone made her
heart ache as il had never ached before.
Good night, Mr. Canlonne, SHE fang
back, startled at the sound of her voice,
it was 50 unlike her own.
She stood alone a few minutes in her
agony, her fingers twisted into a knot, an
ashen pAllor In her face.