Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1898-04-26
CHAPTER X.


norantly happy.
CHAPTER X.
Liza Martin, her cool composure un.
der trying circumstances, her unde-
sirable equipment Of good looks, her
educational disqualification for the
humble stratum If society into which she
had been bern, and the deep obligation
she had laid the entire Chambliss fam
lily under by rescuing its venerable
head from what looked like impending
destruction, came up for animated con
sideration at the Chambliss dinner table
that afternoon.
Randall, the best of listeners on ali
occasions, sat picking ont pecans with
deliberate nicely and dropping the un-
broken halves into his black coffee, star
ing into the cup all the while as intent.
" as II the oracle Of old supposed 10
rest among the grounds would come at
his bidding and settle the question
which was agitating the family bosom
Presently he lifted his head lazily and
contributed an abrupt remark To the
somewhat wordy discussion. well,
said he, what are you going to do
about herr"
| "Who:'
"You and Amy, mother"
~ am not quite prepared to say. The
matter is really difficult.
Mrs. Chambliss absently shifted the
sparkling rings on her long. white fingers
with soft, caressing touch. She hoped
Randall was not going to complicate
matters by becoming domineering. She
liked things to move smoothly and soft
ly and unhurriedly, always In refined
groove. 1t was the only sort of motion
she could endure with any degree Of
composure. The Randals-she was q
moving-a Randall never ran-in q
groove OF elegant leisure for generations
back and she did not propose to be jolt
ed out Of il by any boyish impetuosity
OH Randal's part There was delicate
suggestion Of rebuke in her soft answer
to the quick asperity with which Ran.
dal repeated her own words, THE mat
ter is really diificult!'
"Yes, qrit, so. Amy and | We're
talking about her yesterday OF course
We want to do just what is right "
And handsome" his father added
with vague liberality.
And kind" said Amy, deprecating
his hastiness with reproachful eyes.
Randall threw his head back hastily,
to free his forehead of misplaced lock
of the waving black hair, which he
wore longer than city man would
have found tolerable.
"Of course. Of course. All that goes
without saying, or ought to. But when
are we going to do those right and
handsome and kind thingsy If Miss
Martin had been as deliberate III her
movements as we are, father might not
have taken much interest in this discus
sion -
"As soon Us We have decided what to
do, we will do it promptly.
Call" said Randall dictatorially,
"and ut once.
"Call, Who?"
"Not you, mother, but Amy there.
1t might prove awkward, you see, to
call six months hence and remind Miss
Martin Of piece Of forgotten heroism.
Warmed over enthusiasm is about as
nourishing us warmed over potatoes.
Don't be unreasonable, Randall We
had not thought of calling at all. i am
really not prepared TO take the entire
Martin family into an embrace. 1t is
really dangerous to give such people an
opening wedge.
II don't believe the girl is that sort,
wife, but fix it up between you all. 1t
is none of my lockout. will foot the
bill when you have settled it among
you"
Foot the bill?" Randal's indignant
glance was travelling rapidly over the
family circle.
YES" said his mother, calmly ig-
noring his evident disapproval. II had
thought of writing Miss Martin an ap-
preciative note, in which ! could as
sure her of the warmth and sincerity Of
our gratitude, and then-as she's quite
horsewoman herself, / am told-I
mean to send with it handsome riding
whip. Amy has ordered a lot from Bur
rows to select from. We would like
you to help u.s."
Randall turned his mocking eyes full
upon her.
1T won't do. mamma. 1t won't do
at all Z"
81 had thought of locket, q heavy
gold locket with something engraved on
the lid. Girls like to hang things arou ID
their necks," said old Mr.. Chambli4s,
looking around triumphantly as if to
clair, tribute for this subtle insight in
to the feminine soul.
Something on the order Of fire
mans medal. You might engrave cn
the lid, Reward for gallant and meri-
torious conduct, ".said Randall, crack
ing another nut and examining it
closely.
Something like that. yes ! don't
know-Ran"-
Father, Ran il laughing at you, for
all he looks so solemn" Amy flung an
indignant glance at the shining black
head once more bowed absorbedly over
his nutted cup Of coffee.
AZ don't see why-a real handsome
lOcketi would not even object to her
miriaIs IN small aiamon0s ON rne DacK.
1t would not be mean testimonial, eh,
mother? You will see to it, won't sou,
RAM
~ think not, sir.
He was beginning 10 twist tho cads
Of his mustache with restless fingers
sure sign of ebbing patience. Amy,
always . peacemaker b. preference,
hastily corrected fresh scheme.
"How would IL do to invite her to
lunch, mamma? just you and ] and
Mra Stsons. who has known hss a.
vAva" =