Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1913-12-16

Miss Allerton appreciated John Hard
wick's kindly sympathy. Unfortunate
" she was In a low physical condition
and easily worried. As has been stat
ed. she was a resolute young woman.
and with her New Years resolution
she had made a second that come
what might she would keep the first
Her mother knew that something was
troubling her and tried 10 dnd out
what 1t was. But Sophie would have
but the one conf1dant In thanking
John Hardwick for one Of his atten-
LONESOME dowers-she showed her
condition by a lamentation that she
would not be able to 90 downstairs. 50
her doctor told her. before the middle
Of December. and even then II she
met Mr. Hardwick's friend she would
present a wretched appearance. and
how could a marriage possibly come
Of It within two weeksf Such things
were only possible In storieA The
matter was hopeless.
When John Hardwick read this note
he was troubled. There was evidence
In Il that the writer was retarding her
recovery by brooding over an impossi-
bility. Indeed. he had been Informed
by her doctor that some load was rest
ing upon her mind and pulling her
down Her condition was serious
John wished he might do something 30
tide her over few weeks until she
should regain her strength and throw
or the incubus. He pondered on the
problem with the following result:
He wrote her a note In the name
Of one Arthur Clendenin, stating that
his friend. John Hardwick. had spoken
Of her In such high terms that she
must certainly be an estimable and at
tractiye young woman. Ee Glen
denim was tired Of single life and de-
sired q home with some ono to love
In It. He was sure. Judging from what
his friend had said Of her and her
picture, which had been shown him.
that he should love her deyotedly.
"Now, get well, dear heart" he added.
80 that we may be married at once
This letter produced quite a revul-
sion Of feeling In the invalid. which
Indirectly relieved the strain. It was
the discovery that she did not wish to
marry this man she had never seen.
Now that she was at liberty to keep
her resolution she felt easier about
the matter. She still wished to keep
II, but somehow this stranger was no
more acceptable to her than wooden
man would be. She wrote John Hard
wick that she was not yet 50 anti
Quated that she needed to take q dunn
my for a husband whom she had never
seen. adding that Mr. Hardwick SEEM
ed to have conceived q strange and
unaccountable desire 10 have her
marry.
81 see" said John Hardwick. after
puzzling over this inconsistent note,
'.you can never tell what an invalid Is
going to do. However. I have done all
I can for her and must hope for the
best"
At Christmas time 1t was reported to
John Hardwick that Miss Allerton was
much improved The mental load
seemed to have been lifted. On the
last day Of December she wrote him
to come to see her that afternoon.
Delighted at her better condition. he
made the call. He was received some
what coolly.
why did you take such an interest
during my illness In marrying me- to-
this Clendenln manT she asked.
There Is no such person I invent
ed him to relieve your mind by max.
Ing II appear possible for you to keep
your resolution"
"was 1t necessary to invent manY
"What else could I dor
81 must be very unattractive per.
son. or II your friendship-tor the fam
ny-were what you have always pro
fessed you would have offered to help
me out In another
She sat with her eyes cast down
ward. John Hardwick looking at her.
a great light breaking in on his brain
Are you as intent on keeping your
resolution as when you made itr' be
asked
81 am"
"Will I dor
"If you love me-"
"Love you! have always loved
you"
The seeing the old year out and the
new year In by the Allerton family
was a supper which followed the wed.
ding Of John Hardwick and Sophie
Allerton.