Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-03-23
NUMBER II

through the brain. Suppose Alexander
wanted Anne himself?
The thought brought with It infinite
terrors. Although Alexander was near
" double the girls age. that was no
reason why she should not marry him.
He had Inherited her with the place.
She was Indebted to him for her living.
As his wife she would live life OF
luxury. Could there be stronger rea-
sons why she should marry him II be
wanted her?
The foundations for the lodge were
dug and the structure was nearly com.
pleted when one day Anne met John
making preparations for little garden
| In its rear Anne, who had been out
| gathering wild flowers. came In at the
gate and began to talk to him.
"Whut's that Mr.. Alexander was say
Ing 10 you about being married and liv-
ing In the lodge!
| "ue wants some one Mt the gate;
what for l don't know. There las
never been any gatekeeper since the
place was built"
"Who Is It you're thinking Of marry
ingY
John looked up. surprised. Hes
been talking to you," he said.
Anne neither affirmed nor denied the
| truth Of the statement
"Dh be tell you that she was not
born lady. but was brought up onei'
asked John.
Still there was no reply.
"She wouldn't live In lodge" con.
tinued John.
How do you know?
"Perhaps she might do better. She
might be mistress Of n country place OF
her own"
"She might not wish to be-"
"But you don't deny that she might
be II she chose"
Anne was looking into vacancy.
What she was thinking John did not
know. She knew Of what she was
thinking, but 1t is questionable II she
knew herself just what she thought.
At any rate. she was not controlling
her thoughts. They were controlling
her. There was step on the gravel
walk. and Alexander, approaching, saw
the girl standing near his gardener.
John looking wistfully into her face.
A frown denoted that an idea had en-.
tered Alexander's brain similar to the
one that had struck John when Anne
and Alexander had walked away from
him on the day the foundation line OF
the lodge was being staked out. II
was succeeded by q smile, and Alex
ander said jocularly:
"Well, John, the lodge Is nearly ready
for you. How about the girl who Is to
occupy It with you? has she consent
ed to live In SO humble dwellingT
II fear not" replied John. Where
had one doubt on the day gave you
my confidence have dozen today"
"HOw Is that, john"
THAT would be to discuss matters
which have no right to discuss"
Alexander colored slightly under the
implied reproof, then. turning to Anne,
asked her II she would walk to the
conservatory with him since he wished
to show her something there. Anne
accepted, but before turning from
John gave him look. What 1t meant
be did not know. 1t was merely q
look.
When the lodge was finished its own
er ordered supper to be served there
and invited every one on the place to
gather in the evening to celebrate the
buildings completion. When all had
come and were standing about the Ia
BILE preparatory to helping themselves
to the viands Alexander. who stood at
the head Of the table, filed wine
glass, raised 1t and said:
"Let US drink to John ricketts,, the
occupant OF the lodge. including his
future wife, who will occupy 1t with
him. for, as the good book says, 1t
is not good for man to be alone"
All drank, looking at John. The
toast had evidently stirred in MIN some
strong emotion.
Il shall occupy the lodge alone" he
said. "she whom I would like to oc-
cupy It with me will not live in
lodge, but a mansion, Of which she S
worthy"
There was that in Johns tone to put
q sober look on the assembly. Alex
ander knit his brows- Then something
happened to the astonishment OF all.
Anne went to where John was stand
ing and put her arm through his.
"You are wrong. john" she said
"She was born In servants quarters.
and she will live in lodge"
As soon as Alexander could recover
himself he advanced to the couple and
offered his congratulations. Then
there was a babel Of congratulations
from the others, after which they fell
upon the feast.
Alexander soon after this returned
to Europe and never came back to his
country place in America. John Rick.
cts Is now a distinguished landscape
gardener, and his wife Is to all In
tents and purposes a LADY.