Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-09-12
DARKNESS
By Nm. Henry WARD BEEoHER
icspy.sA. ~ By osasg Pshlishhs O.
pany.l ..
CHAPTER WI.

peny.I
CHAPTER WI.
Mr.. and Mn. Newton were unable dur.
ing the evening 10 forget the intimsttons
George had given them respecting Jas-
per's predictions. They struggled fnith-
fully against suspicion and would hsve
rejoiced TO bs convinced that thsy had
been mistaken. But that Granville had
:sme to them that evening laden with
some disquist which hs was anxious 10
conceal was too apparent, and that Ross
was disturbed and made uncertain BY u
was also equally manifest.
After al were seemingly calm Mr..
Newton again referred to Dunbaxs prop.
odtion and acknowledged that they bad
always indulged the hope that some tms
they might retire from the city and de-
vote their Last days to Just such pursuits
n were now open to them.
But present indications portsnded .
year Of strife. and any day might ses our
country involved In al the horrors Of
rivil war. Was II wise, therefore. TO
enter upon an occupation that would be
difficult TO manage, particularly should
such calamity como upon usi BE then
acknowledged that every scheme which
had risen before his mind - desirable
had been checked In the outset BY the
readily increasing conviction that the
arrogance Of the south was fast taking
such shaps - would compel the north
to meet Il with the strong arm Of law, II
not with military force.
For moment Grsnvills's face was In
dicative Of such intense and passionate
emotion that It very nearly mastered
him, but his eye quailed before Mr.. New
tons steady look, and Georges attitude
greatly disconcerted him.
Most fortunate for him, Ralph had
drawn Roses attention to himself. and
neither remarked his strange sxcitsmsnt,
but II was . sad confirmation Of the par.
ents' fear for their daughters future.
Nor could they fail to notice that while
Dunbar's countenance evinced sorrow
there was no mark Of surprise. Lillian's
fears were also awsksuing, and Georges
Indignation could hardly be controlled.
A sign from his father Of warning-al.
most Of entreaty-restoredhis oomposure
sufficiently to escape Roses notice - she
suddenly exclaimed;
"Ralph says he win accept Eustace's
offer Of o plowboy's place, only, by the
way. until he secs II our country shall
need him In o less peaceful held."
"Oh, my children" said Mrs. Newton,
"do not give utterance te such thought
Wait, hoping that God will restrain the
folly Of our misguided brethren and keep
us all In peace. Should our country need
any Of you there viii be no withholding
the most precious. But the time Il not
yetr'
"No, my dear wife. not yet, but any
week, any hour. the storm may be upon
us, and II IL wise In whatever form It
comes that we are not found unpre-
pared. Still my impression u that we
may manage to bring the farming
scheme into some definite shape. OF
course, Eustace, you and will enter
moro fully into details after ! have had
q day or two to think upon 1t.
zone week will bring everything to .
close here and leave N free to enter up
on other labor; therefore you had better
take Lillian and her mother ont 10 the
place on Monday and learn II all u In
habitable order and bring back Q full
report. Should everything be favorable
you and viii have an agreement drawn
up that win be satisfactory to both,
guarding my pride and your affection
from collision.
"Of course this II but . rough draft
and very crude. Reflection may greatly
modify and perhaps compel ~ to relin-
ouish IL altogether, but a. I have rough
ly sketched II how does the idea OF this
new life please you allr'
"I would ask nothing better, my hus-
band. II I remember Alright, we cannot
fail to make labor pleasure In such q
spot"
81 arm sure II will not take long to
make my hands acquainted with real Ia
bor," said George, land I would serious
ly propose, father, as soon - you can
decide that you allow me to begin the
work preparatory to moving the family"
',Indeed you may, my boy, and shall
cheerfully find you active employment
in few days, for we can AFFORD no ioiter'
Ing now."
"well, father. You may ss well and
work for Alfred and me ct the same
time" said Ralph. 1--WE have no inten-
tion Of being the idle ones, ! assure you."
my son. cannot yet bring my mind
to allow either of you TO leave your stud.
les till your full course II hnished."
excuse me, father; I cannot consent
TO that delay. Imean to begin with you
at the very beginning. and ! believe
love study sufficiently TO promise that
my evenings and leisure hours shall be
employed In continuing the course / am
now on"
~ am sure you could, but I am very
reluctant"
"That Il to say" said Rose, "ssetins
herself on Q footstool BY her fsthsr's knee
and smiling roguishly mp into his face,
''our good psps has TO battle with his
pride o little on this point also"
mo, no, sister," interrupted LILLIAN.
81 think It Il affection, not pride, that
disturbs our father"
"well, Lilly. that 70 the most respect
full way TO state II, and must own the
most correct one too. But, father, you
win not insist on Ralphs returning to
college when be cannot help knowing
that now, II ever. u the time when we
should Ill oo-opsrsts. Imow II II were
me should study 10 no purpose"
"Well, dear, we win think OF It. Per.
hsps You and Ralph are right But I
don't like TO think co."
"Yes,. father, I am sure they are
right" said quiet, thoughtful Alfred.
"Xnd let me beg you win not separate
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