Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-02-13

"rardon me, MISS preston, he said.
Captain Eri sent me here. He said
he left something with Josiah and
wished me to call for It."
"Why, I'm sure I don't know what
It can be-" replied Elsie. "Josiah has
been gone for some time, and he said
nothing to me about It."
Perhaps 1t is in his desk" suggest
ed Ralph. Suppose we look"
So they looked, but found nothing
more than the usual assortment con-
tanned in the desk OF neaithy schooi.
boy. The raised lid shut of the light
from the window, and the desks in
terror was rather dark. They had to
grope in the corners, and occasionally
their hands touched. Every time this
happened Ralph thought Of the decision
that he must make so soon.
He thought Of It still more when, aft
er the search was abandoned, Elsie
suggested that he help her with some
problems that she was preparing for
the next days labors Of the first class
In arithmetic. In fact, as he sat be.
side her, pretending to figure, but real
ly watching her dainty profile as 1t
moved back and forth before his eyes,
his own particular problem received
far more attention than did those Of the
class. Suddenly he spoke.
Teacher" he said, please may
ask question:"
you should hold up your hand II
you wish permission to speak" was the
stern reply.
"Please consider 1t held up"
'Is the question as important rs
How many bushels did c. sell?' which
happens to be my particular trouble
just now"
"It is to me, certainly" Ralph was
serious enough now. 1T Is question
that 1 have been wrestling with for
some time. 1t is, Shall take the posi-
ton that has been offered me in the
west, or shall l stay here and become
superintendent of the station? The
superintendent's place may be mine, I
think, II want It."
II should think that question might
best be decided by comparing the sila-
rles and prospects Of the two posi-
tions," said Elsie quietly.
1.-THE two positions are much alike In
one way. You know what tic life at
the station means the greater portion
of the year-no companions Of your
own age and condition, no society, no
amusements. The western offer means
all this and worse, for the situation ls
the same all the year. say these
things because / hope you may be will
ing to consider them not from my
point Of view solely, but from yours"
From miner"
"Yes. You see, am recklessly dar-
Ing to hope that, whichever lot Is cho-
sen, you may be willing to share 1t
with meas my wife. Elsie, do you
think you could consider the question
from that viewpoint?"
And-well, Elsie thought she could.
The conslderation-we suppose 1t was
the consideratiOn-tooks SO long that 1t
was nearly dark when Elsie announced
that she simply must 90.
Dearest" said Ralph after the door
was locked, Il forgot to have another
hunt for whatever it was that Captain
Fri wanted me to get"
Elsie smiled rather oddly.
Are you sure you haven't got It"
she asked demurely.
Got It! Why-why, by George,
what a numskull am! The old ras-
cal! thought there was a twinkle in
his eye"
HE said he should come back after
me-"
"Well, well! Bless his heart It's
sound and sweet all the way through.
Yes, l have 1t, and, what's more, l
shall tell him that mean to keep It."
THE END.