Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1914-04-28

two months to get the real aruci
started, and then, like as not, She
forgot everything Of Importance. Eve
thought Of that? You should. YOUR
going to be as happy as am. Stud!
me. Reflect waved my carpe
slippered feet toward the palms.
had certainly made an impression Of
Alexander McMann.
"As we walked back over the sand
and grass grown streets to the hote
his heart got away from that cupid
lunch counter, and he was almos
cheerful. l was gay to the last, bu
as l parted from him my own hear
sank. I knew l had to 90 back to he
and that she would probably give M
scOlding about the carpet slippers.
parted from McMann with a last wort
of cheer. Then l went to the ship
to her. my wife. That was the lie
you understand. She Travelled every
where with me. She never trustet
me.
1--WE were due to sail that night
and I was glad, for l worried SOM
over what l had done. Suppose m!
wife and Alexander McMann shOult
meet. An estimable woman, bu
large, determined, but little suggest
ing the butterfly Of the footlights
married long before. We had a bat
session over the carpet slippers. Th'
boat was ready to sail when McManl
came aboard. He carried a bag. ant
his face shone.
"'She's sent for me- he said. Ma
rie wants me. I got a letter from m!
brother. I'll blow into Kansas like
cyclone and claim her
II was paralyzed. At that minut
q large black figure appeared on deck
It headed for me. Jake 1t says
you've sat up long enough. Go below
now
"McMann's face was terrible. saw
1t was all up. I lied, McMann,' I ex
planned. The idea just came to me
1t fascinated me, and l lied. She dit
turn me down-there in the wings
And she shed that tear spoke Of too
But when l was looking over the rail
road folders she sent for me. went
on the wings Of love. 1t was tw'
blocks, but l went on the wings o
love. We've been married twent!
years. Forgive me, McMannr
"McAiann turned around. He picket
up the bag. l asked where he was 60
Ing. Ashore, he said, to think.
may go back to Kansas City-I may
But I'll just think a bit first ANT
he climbed into the ships boat. I nev
er saw him again"
The hermit paused and gazed dream
lily into space.
THAT" he said, "was my one grea
lie, my masterpiece. A year after
ward l came up here on the mountail
to be hermit"
"As q result Of it?" asked Miss Nor
ton.
"Yes," answered Mr.. Peters. 81 toll
the story to friend. thought h
was q friend. So he was, but mar
ried. My wife got to hear Of 1t. s.
you denied my existence? she said
AS q joke l told her. The jokes ol
you.' she says. That was the end
She went her way, and l went mine
I'd just unanimously gone her wa.
80 long l was a little dazed at frs
with my freedom. After fighting TO
q living alone for q time came u
here. It's cheap. get the solitude
need for my book. Not long ago
heard could 90 back to her If
apologized."
"stick to your guns" advised MI
Max.
Miss Norton rose and stood befor
Mr.. Peters. She fixed him with he
eyes-eyes into which no man coul'
gaze and 60 his way unmoved.
"Just one tiny day." she pleaded.
Mr. Peters sighed. He rose.
"I'm q fool" he said. IL can't he'll
II. I'll take chances on another day
though nobody knows where It'll lead.
Brooklyn. maybe" whispered Lo1
Max to Magee in much horror.
The hermit donned his coat. attende'
to a few household duties and led til
delegation outside. Dolefully he lock
ed the door Of his shack. The f0u
started down the mountain.
"Back to Baldpate with our COOK.
said Mr.. Magee into the girls ear. g
know now how Caesar felt when h
rode through Rome with his e1-foe
festooned about his chariot wheels
Mr.. Max again chose the rear. tr
umphantly escorting Mr.. Peters. A
Mr.. Magee and the girl swung Into tn
lead the former was moved to recu
to the topic he had handled so anna
teurishly a short time before.
"Tll make you believe in me yet" h
said.
She did not turn her head.
"The moment we reach the inn.' b
went on, II shall come to you wit
the package OF money in my hant
Then you'll believe | want to bel
you. Tell me you'll believe them
"Very likely SHALL" answered tn
girl without interest. III you reall
| do intend to give me that money n
| one must know about It,
mo one shall know" he answered
but you and me-"
They walked OH In silence. The
shyly the girl turned her head. Oh
most assuredly she was desirable
Clumsy as had been his declaratio
| Mr. Magee resolved to stick to
through eternity.
"I'm sorry l spoke as did," sh
said. "Will you forgive me?'
"Forgive your he cried. "Why. r.
"And now" she interrupted, "let u
talk Of other things-of ships and shoe
and sealing wax
"Am the topics In the world" he n
pHed, "can lead to but one with me-
"ShipsT' asked the girl.
"For honeymOons," he suggested.
"ShOesW
"In some circles Of society I believ
they are flung ut bridal parties"
"And sealing wax"
ION the license, isn't itl' he queriet
They were then at the great fror
door of Baldpate inn.
| Y,.;do hofnro tho off3co fro MI,