Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-07-26
rne Ground near by seemed covered

The ground near by seemed covered
with the closely written pages.
"You write a great many letters.
Billy suggested politely. There was no
response "Mr. Fenway went away
yesterday" he ventured again. Still
no answer. "Aunt Beatrice and are
going home tomorrow" he continued.
At last Billy had gained the mans at
tention. Tomorrow! he exclaimed IN
CONSERVATION. "She is going away
tomorrow Billy was pleased with
the sensation he had made. yep"
he answered coolly. mo more fun
here now"
Jack Winston looked far away be-
tween the trees to where he could see
glimpse of blue sea beyond. II sup
pose not. now that Fenway has gone"
he said bitterly. The man continued
to gaze gloomily out upon the sea. He
had forgotten the story: he had forgot
ten even Billy until the unusual silence
reminded him that his unwelcome Wis
itor had departed. Then he slowly col
lected the scattered sheets, dropped the
pad into a loose coat pocket and with
great heaviness of heart turned to 70.
So she was leaving tomorrow. In all
probability he would never see her
again. and the happy hours OF this
summer which had meant everything
to him would linger In her memory
only as an idle seaside Irritation. The
man sighed a mighty sigh. and then
the twisted branches before him were
parted and Beatrice herself stood there
in the opening. She raised flushed
face to his: her blue eyes shone mist'
". 81 wanted to see you so very
| much" she said hesitatingly. that ]
lust could not wait for you to come"
He stared unbelievingly. Miss Brere'
ton pouted. "Of course II you are not
clad to see me- she was beginning.
when the glorious truth dawned full
upon him.
"Gladm he cried. and the fervor ex
pressed in that one word seemed to
quite satisfy the girl. After long
silence she laughed softly. ut was n
dear little note" she said DO you
know you have always appeared to be
such a dignified. self contained per
son that really have been bit afraid
Of you all along-ut least l never imag
ined that one so calm could write like
that"
The last words were uttered In a
tone which conveyed her entire mp
proval of the note. which had evident
IL been the means Of bringing her to
his side. Winston realized slowly that
something remained to be explained
He must be cautious.
"Have you the letter with you. drarE
he asked. She drew crumpled paper
from her belt and. smoothing 1t out
held 1t up before his eyes. The man
took her hands and the note within his
own.
dearest" he read in his own hand
writing. 81 can bear this silence-this
separation-no longer. In pity let me-
see YOU once more" The scrawl end
ed abruptly. and the sheet was torn
of as though in frantic haste. with II
perplexed frown Winston recognized
the words with which the hero of his
latest serial story begins an ardent
epistle to his ladylove.
| Beatrice smiled. "You must admit.
she said softly. that Billy made
good messenger. was sitting III the
garden looking sorrowfully out over
the hills and wondering II a certain
person who considered himself NOR
TALLY offended could really he so cruel
| MS TO allow me to 90 far away with
out one word Of goodby when Billy
Ithe dear. came running down the road
I'Aunt Beatrice. he called. here II Il
letter for you from Mr. Winston! II
LIT had not been such Il nice. anxious
letter ! might have properly waited Tor
YOU TO come to me. but rs II WIS
we'll. Billy led me straight to your hid
Ing place
"Dearest." said Winston In the phras'
ing of the letter. ~ humbly apologize
for the many unkind remarks which
have made from time to time concern
Ing your nephew. He Is an angel. II
remarkably clever child. There has
never been his equal" Beatrice sigh
ed contpntedy. and Winston. happen
Ing 10 glance over the crown OF hel
head mt this moment. saw the afore
said angel seated upon the tree trunk
close by. apparently very much III
terested spectator.
Say" said Billy YEARLY. "cut 1t out
won't you? Supper's ready"
| &,--- a.~ ,.as r,fN