Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-05-25

Jack leaned against the instrument
gazing foEGly into her eyes as sh,
raised her face, radiant with happi
ness. Allen had taken possession o
the best rocking chair. Mrs. Allel
sat at the table. and the boys ranged
themselves about the room. Theil
faces reflected qualification. The!
watched Echo eXpectantly.
Echo played the opening bars O
1.-THE Old Folks at Home" Before sh'
sang Fresno, holding up his right in
dex finger, remarked to no one In par
ticular, Il washed that finger"
The singing deeply affected her Lit
tie audience. Echo had sweet, nat
ural voice. She threw her whole sou
into the old ballad. She was SO happy
she felt like singing, not lively airs
had become so dear to her at that mo
ment.
Mrs. Allen. as usual, began to cry
Polly soon followed her example
There were tears even IN the eyes OF
some of the punchers, although they
blinked vigorously to keep them back.
When she repeated the chorus Sage
brush said to Fresno. "Ain't thai
greatW
That worthy, however, with the
jealousy Cf an artist and to hide his
own deeply moved sensibilities. re
piled. "That amt so much"
Jack had become completely absorb
ed in the music. He and Echo were
oblivious to surroundings. His arm
had slipped about his wife's waist.
and she gazed fondly into his face.
Sagebrush was the first to notice their
attitude. On his calling the attention
of the boys to their happiness these
quietly tiptoed from the room. Polly
signaled to Mrs. Allen and followed
:he boys. Josephine awoke Jim as II
from n dream and led him slowly out.
leaving the young couple In an earthly
paradise OF married love.
When Echo finished she turned I'm
surprise to find themselves alone.
"Was 1t us bad as that?" she naively
asked Jack.
'What?"
"Why. they've all left u.s."
Jack laughed softly. $50 they have.
I forgot they were here" he said, look
ing fondly down at his wife.
Echo began to play quietly another
ballad. 1--WE always wanted Il piano.
she said.
You'd have found one here waiting
II Id only known It," he chided.
you've given me SO much already
she murmured. I've been big ex'
pense to you"
Jack again slipped his arm about her
waist and kissed her. There isn't any
limit on my love-" he declared. IL
want You to he happy
Don't you think / am?" laughed
Echo I'm the happiest woman on
earth, Jack. and it's all you. want to
be more than wife to you. | want tC
be helpmate. but you won't let me-
4 wiaiful expression crept over
Echo's countenance.
"Who says sot' he demanded play
fully, as if he would punish any man
who dared make such an accusation.
Echo turned on the stool and took
his hand. II know It," she said. with
emphasis. "Ycu've been worried about
something for days and days. Don't
tell NE you haven't
Jack opened his lips as II to contra
dict her. We women learn to look
beneath the surface. What is II.
Jack;" she continued.
Jack loosened his wife's hand clasp
and walked over TO the table.
Nothing. What should have to
worry about:" He spoke carelessly.
"The mort ~. ..eT suggested Echo.
II paid that off last week." explain
ed Jack.
Echo felt deeply hurt that this news
should have been kept from her by
her husband.
you did. and never told me-" she
chided. where did you get the mon
ey?" she inquired.
"Why. r. Jack halted. He could
not frame an excuse at once nor in
vent n new lie to cover his old sin.
Deeper and deeper he WAS getting into
the mlre of deception.
Echo had arisen from the seat. 1T
was over $1,000. wasn't it?' she in
sisted
Something like that" answered
Jack noncommittally.
"Well, where did you get it, de-
,manded his wife.
"An old debt-a friend Of mine-I
loaned him the money long time ago,
and he paid 1t back-tLat's all
Jack took drink of water from the
ola to hide his confusion.
"Who was i;:' persisted Echo.
"You wouldn't know If I told you.
Now, just stop talking business"
1T isn't fair" declared Echo. you
share all the good things of life with
me, and / want to share some of your
business worries. | want to stand my
share of the bad"
Jack saw he must humor her.
when the bad comes I'll tell you,' he
assured her, patting her hand.
"You stand between me and the
world. You're like great big noun
tain standing guard over little tree
In the valley, keeping the cold north
wind from treating it too roughly.
She sighed contentedly. But the
mountain does 1t all"
Jack looked down tenderly at his
little wife. Her love for him moved
him deeply.
"Not at ALL" he said to her. The
little tree grows green and beautiful.
1t casts q welcome shade about 1t, and