Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1898-03-29

those days. Either must have been
dreadfully spiritless little animal or
else love Carried us triumphantly over
every social barrier. We knew nothing
about class distractions then, my dar-
ling and I. She loved me and loved
her."
my daughter was very fond OF you,
child. II was by her request that oil
her things were sent to you" said the
mistress Of Sans SOuci in the softest,
saddest of voices.
Liza's eyes were luminous with un-
shed tears.
81 know, know. miss her 50. l 60
to see her every day"
There was something weird in this
soul communing. The narrow literal
ness Of Mrs. Strong's comprehension re
coilcd from IL.
"You 20 to see whom, Eliza? ! don't
grasp your meaning"
Gabrielle, my dearest-Out there
under the pine trees in the lonely old
burying ground on the point. She is
more real to me than you are, with your
whitening hairs and your blue veined
temples; more real to me than my
mother, who has accumulated flesh and
years. Lookw With hand that trem-
bled perceptibly she touched bunch Of
blue periwinkles pinned at her waist.
II gathered them at the foot Of her
grave. They remind me Of her eyes. l
go out there and tell my darling every
thing. I should stifie to death, else. She
knows She understands. She pities.
The pathos in her clear, young voice
was potent TO move Mrs. Strong to an
act of unusual condescension. She left
the writing desk before which she had
been sitting all this time and came over
to share the sofa seat with her over
seer's daughter
"Gabriella's mother pities you, too,
Eliza"
You! You pity me? Oh, why did
you urge my father and mother 10 send
me away from them? ! know IL was
meant in kindness, but what has II
done but unfit me for-them-for my
lifei
They do not know what all this
means to me- With Gods help they
never shall. But what am TO do with
my spoiled self, my despoiled days,
shorn Of everything have been edu-
Gated TO prize? Oh, what have you all,
in your laundering kindness, done 10
me?"
II was the irrepressible cry Of q soul
in protest against the eternal unfitness Of
its environment.
Mrs. Strong put herself on the defen-
sive with dizzy sense Of topsy turvi-
ness. What She. the mistress Of Sans
Souci, apologizing TO Eben Martins
daughter!
Call it a mistake, if You choose.
child II was certainly meant in all
kindness. l must confess did not an
ticipate-all-all this. "
IAN what, Mrs. Strong?"
The lady moved uneasily under the
quiet compulsion of the girls splendid
eyes
Really, child, you understand the
art of making things difficult. OF course
You must know that you are uncom-
monty pretty"
There was more sadness than of girl
ish vanity in Liza's smile as she an
swered:
IL don't want to make things more
difficult than they are. That is the rea-
son have been tardy III paying my IT,.
spects to you. wanted To get myself
well in hand before | came to See you.
As for my looks, mother and the boys
blessings OH their unconventional
heads-are trifie outspoken. might
be doll for the frankness Of their fiat
tery. Better-far better il Were!
Then there would be none Of this hot,
bitter, futile rebellion in my soul. "
She flung her hands outward and up
ward with passionate sob. When she
removed them, IL was to find Mrs. Strong
leaning back among the sofa cushions,
white, agitated, convicted. She was
aghast at the mischief she had unwit
tingly wrought.
II forgot you are not robust You are
not going to faint, Mrs. Strong: Shall |
call Suzanne:"
The lady opened her eyes languidly.
IL am not going to faint, and do
not want Suzanne. / was trying to
think Of something to say to you, some
thing comforting, Eliza. But l am so
agitated.
II am sorry TO have agitated you.
That is why did not care TO come. l
knew must say all this 10 you one
time or another. As for your trying to
think of something To comfort me -
her sweet, clear voice was full Of infinite
sadness-''you are as powerless as was
when was sent away TO be educated.
Such rs my life is to be must be the
work Of my own hands hereafter. l
wish could have said what l had To
say more ainiably, but when the soul is
full Of bitter revolt the lips are not apt
to drop hc-ey."
She drew her breath in quickly, bent
forward and laid her bunch Of periwin'
kles OH the lady's lap.
"Gabriella says let there be peace be
tween US.
In another moment dash Of scarlet
against the green Of the orange hedge.
repeated once, twice, three times,
showed where Liza was speeding home
ward.
"A most unusual girl A remarkable
creaturer" Mrs. Strong said, getting mp
to put the periwinkles in water.
fro BIZ CONTINUED.
Not Tickle.
Tka s.E,,kl Ia vvQnfhpr-