Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-05-13

such silent dignity as became an elder
of the kirk. But it was bitter trial,
for he found out that hour how great
was his dislike for Roy Anderson and
how much he feared his influence over
Helen; also he felt little hard toward
his daughter She knew that Of all the
| lads who went into the boats this lad
was the most Objectionable to him. She
knew that he mistrusted his moral ma
ture and that the general feeling in the
village was not favorable to him,
though it was hard to say on what
grounds this prejudice existed. for Roy
was q prompt observer Of all that the
little community held in respect. con
slant sitter in the kirk and ready
helper when there was any stress or
extra labor: but for all this his cousin.
| VIII Anderson. who made no particular
effort to please. who was not good
singer or good story teller. who was
shy of women and whose sole claim TO
favor was good, simple heart, was
far more popular man.
II it had been Will Anderson, the IA
ther told himself, he would not so much
have regretted the minister. He could
at least have respected Will and would
not have been ashamed Of him among
the great and honorable company of
his forefathers. But Roy! "Ah. weel!
he said as he saw the young people
coming home together. There Is room
for hope yet Promising is not marry
ing" He rose as they came near to
him, and when Roy. with the pride or
a newly engaged man. referred to Hell
en- as his future bride" the elder grim.
ly smiled and answered:
"Weel. weel, that will do for pass
ing remark"
81 hope you have no objections, eld'
er," said the lover. with slight tone
Of offense at his want Of appreciation.
"No. no. The circumstance Is not
likely to be far out Of the way" was
the doubtful rejoinder
II can assure you that love Helen.
She is my first love. and would die
| for her"
Nonsense, man! Only fools die for
love. Wise men and women very Of
Ten live to thank God that they did not
get the first foolish desire Of their
hearts. We will make the exercise
now. 1t has been waiting an hour on
your self seeking"
When the worship was over. Roy.
who wished to concilate. said few
words about its excellency. adding:
1--WE are going to have big musical
reunion In the village, elder. | have
the charge Of 1t, and 1t would be
great thing for US all II you would take
the chair"
But the elder shook his head and an
swered sharply: 81 will net 30 foot.
step! A musical reunion! 1t is just
Incredible misery"
Then Roy said "Good night" he
felt hurt. though he could give no rea-
son for the feeling. but he revenged
himself by very ostentatious appro-
priation of Helen and a long, whis'
pered conversation outside the door.
and Helen was proud and silent when
she came back to her father, whose
dropped head and brooding face were
kind Of reproach that irritated her.
"Roy was feeling parfectly annoyed,
father" she said. "He was thinking
you were not pleased with him for a
| son-in-law."
81 am not. The lad has some dis
cernment. see."
"You are not so kind as you should
be. father. You are wanting me to
marry that wee minister, with his
| scented hair and his white hands and
his hopes of Glasgow pulpit 1t Is
not fair it is not kind, to force on me
q husband l can neither like nor re-
spect."
"My lass! 1t is just as unfair and
Just as unkind to force on me SON.
in-law that | can neither like nor re.
spect. The laws Of the household are
equal laws. There Is not one law for
the parent and another law for the
child. But | know this-that love is
| clamoring selfishness, and 1t will put
on any disguise to get its own ends.
Go to bed. Helen. and rest and bethink
yourself. You have suffered temporary
collapse of reason. You will hold the
balance truer in the morning. God be
with your
And Helen could not go away with
out returning the blessing, nor yet say
it and keep her anger. So they parted
as usual. with smile and hand grip.
And love has always invincible hope.
Father is a bit disappointed" she