Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-12-24

ing and austerity OF thought rather at
odds with the soft womanliness Of her
countenance and the mellow sweetness
of her voice. In spite Of the serious
ness with which she took herself and
her "views," seriousness which the
light minded found a little wearing,
her forceful personality held charm
which, with lie: beauty, gave her a
very marked distinction.
Just now her benevolent glance mov-
ed about tie table to take stock, as 1t
were. OF material. These seemingly
commonplace Morningstars. she felt
sure. could be reached through contact
with the high thinking which it was
her unrclaxing aim to express. They
already possessed that plain living
which she had been taught to recognize,
in theory at least, as necessary con-
comitant to the former.
There was, first Of all, the young
man who sat opposite her, the farm
hand. He certainly looked capable lin
spite of his rough overalls and his
name, which was Pete of higher
things. He had rather refined features.
And his face was not unintelligent. His
brow really suggested the possibility
of Thought power"-if haply she might
awaken 1t.
The other men at the table, the insig-
nificant little farmer, with his keen,
mouselike face, and his stalwart son
Abe. who assisted his father on the
farm, were perhaps bit farther re-
moved from the sphere of her infiu-
ence. But in the freshness of her en-
thusiasm she was ready to try even up
on them.
As for the women, there were pos
sibilities. no doubt, In Mrs. Morning
star and decidedly so in that really
pretty girl, Eunice. The only one of
them all who appeared to her rather
hopelessly unreceptive was Ollie
the buxom, heavy faced daughter or
the house, whose dark sullen counte-
nance would have dampened an ardor
even warmer than that Of Miss Ellery.
Seated heSide Georgiana was her
cousin, Daisy Parks, whose fluffy,
puffy prett:ness and irresponsible air
of frivolity were, to tell the truth. a
bit refreshing as over against Miss
Ellery's oppressive superiority.
Now" said Mr.. Morningstar as,
after long silent grace, he jerked his
chair closer TO the table and fell to-,
"just yous act yourselfs natural and
take what yOus see.'
He reached to the middle Of the
table and picked up heavy platter
of fried ham to help himself, unmind-
| full of his guests. I'VE all do our own
| servin' in the country. To be sure, If
there's children we help them. But
me, always say if it's OH the table
kin git it all right"
He laughed, with his mouth full Of
meat, and proceeded to stretch across
the table for everything he wanted.
"Yes." Mrs. Morningstar added in
her loud, boisterous tones, as she, too,
reached for what she wanted. "out
here When folks goes on comp'ny they
| must used theirselfs to do their own
| stretchin' and not eXpec' to be waited
on"
| How quaint exclaimed Miss Daisy
Parks. She promptly reached far
across the board for n slice Of bread.
"Tf you want that you must climb!" "
she quoted
please. Daisyr entreated Georgi-
ana, don't he slangy! You promised
me-"
Daisy pressed her hand to her heart.
"Stung again. How can 1 be so for
getful when know how 1t bumps you,
Georgiew she said with mock re-
morsefulness.
81 hope" Mrs. Morningstar cried as
she saw that, in spite Of her urging, the
boarders did not help themselves with
the businesslike alacrity to be looked
for in those who were paying for their
food, that yous'll like my wittles. II
do say it myself, kin cook when
know folks Is comm. To be sure
sometimes they come unexpected. Yes
just SO sure as l say to pop or the
girls, Now we'll warm up these here
stumps that's left and eat 'em up oncet
then beware, Strangers is sure tC
come unexpected. Amt, Ollie"
Ollie colored with embarrassment al
being appealed to and murmured al
answer under her breath.
"Our creature comforts are Of suct
minor Importance" spoke Georgiana's
J musical voice as she lifted her hand
some dark head and smiled from hel
high plane upon the Mornlngstars In
sort of benediction. Material things
absorb most of us too much-don't 20,
think so?-leaving US too little time TO-
the things that are really worth while
In life"
| Georgiana observed that the farm
hand, Pete, looked impressed as sh'
spoke as though ray Of light had pen
etrated his darkened mind. The res
of the family appeared unresponsive-
unless perhaps that girl Eunice mani
tested some slight signs Of receptivity-
Georgiana could not be sure.
As for Miss Parks, she always hum
, upon Georgana's words as though I'm
willing to miss one pearl which droppe'
from the lips Of her oracular cousin
her admiration being commensurate
with her inability to grasp Georgiana'
deep meanings.
Mrs. Morningstar, however, disaI
pontedly betrayed her obtuseness t
i, truth by responding with an apolog
.. for her appearance. ~ most alway
nut another frock on till the afternoo
{ already, and so does Ollie still Eunic
5 she amt got the time toy, but we didn'
: get 'em on yet till yOus got here, s
YOU see us lookin' some hard"
"It is yourself we wish to see. NO
your clothes, Mrs. Morningstar," Geol
giana said encouragingly. External
are lost sight of when once one gel
;. below the surface to the real person.
Z Mrs. Morningstar blushed and locke
: shocked, while her son Abe at her sid
+ colored all over his fat, sunburne
neck.
"To be sure" the farmers wife n
plied dubiously, II wouldn't thin
much of that practice-lettin' folks sc
= you undressed.'
= Georgiana. whose eyes were upo
Pete, noticed that he smiled. She san
: back in her chair. shade OF disal
: pointment In her face. But she woul
: not despair. The potential good
y every human soul must eventuail
Il awaken to the right touch.
aEunioon eharnly ordered MI