Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-04-01
NUMBER l3.

were nodding over the edge Of cut
glass jar and gathered them in her
| arms.
"lIow do you always manage to fnd'
the most perfect blossoms for me,
Charles?" the girl asked indistinctly,
her face hidden in the roses. She rails
ed her head for an answer, but the
man was looking into the fire. She,
moved the stand nearer him.
81 want these close to US this even.
Ing. Don't you think they should bet
Why don't you reprOye me for being
sentimental, as you always do? Or
are you already under the influence
of tomorrow and kindly disposed to-
ward every one, even meT
"Ey IN you. Now, Martha"-
"Oh. well. III take it back II you
don't like it." she FASTENED to say.
laughing. then I'm tone OF almost
bantcring tenderness: my dear, l
wanted to tell you about some plans
for tomorrow, but how can talk
Christmas when you are in such
solemn stat? You'd dishearten Santa
Claus himself"
i've been thinking" answered Miles
slowly, that perhaps you may have
thought the roses-may have taken
them in way-may perhaps have mis-
understood them little" He rose,
took few steps around the room and
then began again with better courage.
1T occurred to me after | had sent
them that as they would arrive this
evening you might not take them as
as my gift. | must tell you something
that has been troubling me for long
time. Things are not quite the same
with father and me as they were when
first met You. Perhaps you knew
it."
There was questioning infection
In his last words. The girls face had
paled little, but just the faintest
smile curved her lips. She was gazing
steadfastly ut the rose jar, on which
her hand rested, and she made no an
swer.
Until Christmas came / did not
realize the change in our prospects,"
he went on steadily. perhaps | did
not want to think Of that, but IL 1t
does make difference, why, them
Martha was looking straight into his
eyes, with an expression Of infinite
tenderness.
ut has made difference, Charles,
all the difference in the world. | have
been wondering for weeks what you
would like for Christmas gift, and
what you have said tonight solves the
problem" There was queer little
catch in her voice. but she went on
bravely, And I've decided, sweet
heart, TO give you that which | think
you need most of alr'-her hand crept
tremulously into his-'myself."
Miles star d ut her in n daZed fashion,
and she smiled ut him gently.
II realize now, dear, how selfish I
was to insist on being June bride
just because my mother and Nell had
been married in June. The family will
all be here tomorrow, even Aunt Helen
from Toronto. or course it would be
such quiet wedding, no linery, no
gifts, but thought that now, when
you were in-trouble, you might need
me-and'-
The matter of fact Miles was alive
to the whole glorious meaning Of her
words now. and, drawing her to him,
he murmured brokenly:
IF need you! Oh, you can't under.
stand how much"
The Christmas chimes were ringing
as Miles left the house. A few mo-
ments later Martha stood before the
gas log in her own room. A half rue
full smile settled about her lips.
"And haven't even a new white
frock that will pass for wedding
dress" she murmured.
Then she crossed to q quaint chest
Of drawers and drew forth bulky
package tied with blue ribbons. From
nest of tissue paper she unwrapped
mans travelling set in richest silver.
Piece by piece she laid it forth OH her
dressing table, breathing an occasional
sigh.
I'm the morning early shall have
Nell exchange it for two scarfpins,
just alike, for Bob and GRANGER. Real.
ly GRANGER ought to be best man, il
there was such parsonage, tomor-
row."