The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-02-28
LOIS.
The Pathetic Story of q Life Of
Self Sacrifice.

An old red m-hOuse, with its root
sloping toward the road, and rambling of
at the back in an undecided way until
stopped by the great barn, whose open
doors showed fnll mows and made a dark
setting for the vista of blue hills beyond
Along the side of the house were ranged
squashes and pumpkins, absorbing their
last allowance of sunshine, and the wide
south porch was hung with strings of pep.
pers and braided ears of corn. The front
door, with its fan light and iron llnocker
opened on a narrow path leading down tc
the road between rows of prim China asters
but the iron knocker was apparently sell
dom raised, for the path was grass grown
and an arm of the tall rose-bush had
reached quite across the door way.
South of the house the orchard stretched
away, the pyramids of gathered fruit
making vivid spots of yellow and red
against the brown grass. Through the
still air came now and then the mellow
thud of falling apple or the sound of dis
tant chopping, and over all lay the soft
haze of an October day, darkened here and
there by the smoke of a brush fire. The
house faced the west, and Just now all
its little Old-fashiOned panes We're winllng
there was good understanding between
them. The place seemed the very heart of
content; but down where the orchard
sloped to the road a sOrrowful little drama
was being enacted. 1t was a common one
merely the parting of two young hearts
something we smile over every day, think
ing how soon it will be outlived; and the
actors We're no tragedy king and queen,
only a little New England girl of sixty
years ago and her farmer lover
There had been tears and vehement
pleadings, but they were over now, and
the two stood gravely regarding each other
across the old rail fence. The girls clasped
hands rested on the fence and the young
man covered them with his strong brown
hands and made a final appeal:
Lois, think what you have chosen; think
what it will be to be shut up there with
your grandmother"
81 know what it will be better than you
can tell me; but that doesn't alter my
duty" answered the girl, steadily.
"But is it your duty" urged the young,
eager voice. "Your father is well able to
hire a housekeeper to look after things and
take care of your grandmother. There's
Sam Johnson's widow, she'd jump at the
chance of such a home"
l. A wan little smile glanced over the girls
face. "How long do you think grandma
and 'Viry Johnson would agree?" she
asked.
"Well, then. couldn't grandma go to your
uncle 'Bijah's?"
mo, David" was the answer. "You
know she tried that once and couldn't
stand the children; besides, she was born
in the old house and says she shall die
there. It's no use talking; nobody except
father and me will bear with her, and we
must look after her as long as she lives"
"And the Dunns live to be ninety" said
the Young man,
Her face paled little, but she said
."Yes," quietly.
so, Lois" he burst forth, "don't do it
1t will be living death. Come with me
Now that | have this splendid chance,
want you to share my success, for l know
/ shall succeed"
"I'm sure of it," said the girl, with simple
faith looking up to the sunburned face witt
loving eyes.
Those sweet eyesl As he looked down a
them and thought how soon he should bC
beyond their light, he leaped the fence
and, throwing his arms about her, drew
her closely to him.
But even the sweet sorrow of parting
was to be shortened for while the CIR
chung to him there came a shrill call o
''Lois! Lois !" followed by weak, i'm
patient blast on the dinner horn.
With few hasty words of farewell, sh
broke from his OBTAINING hold and raj
Swiftly UnTOuSn Une OTcnaIu. w men SD
reached the great fiat door stone, she stooC
moment with her hand on the latch ant
looked back. Up the road went SOLITARY
figure. How far he had gone already TIL
sun was down, the fields looked gray ant
bare, there was a chill in the air, and a
she shut the door behind her she seemed t,
shut out forever youth and hope and love
Grandma Dunn was in one of her wOrs
-roo95. "Where ye been, Lois" was tn
sl-laYp inquiry.
"Down in the orchard" answered Lois
holding out her hands to the blaze in tn
fireplace, for the chill seemed to hav,
crept to her heart.
"Was we alone? | thought once or twice
heerd voices" And the old woman
looked suspiciously at her.
"David Price was there" said the girl
quietly.
david Price was there, was hep" echoed
the shrill voice. "Well, if David Pric
wants TO see we he'd better come to vel
fathers house. In my day young mel
didn't expect gels to 20 philanderin' 'cros
lots TO meet 'em; and | shall tell him 50 tn
next time he comes here"
HE won't come again." Lois answere,
(oh, with what heavy hearty "He'
going away"
"Where's he goin' now?" demande'
G, andma Dunn, as though the young man
lie had been one round Of travel, wherea