Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1917-03-20

"Mrs. Atherton has especially charged.
me to say to you." she added, "that
you are not to regard adversely her not
seeing you today and that she hopes
you WIN come again soon. She expects
to be presentable within few days"
Chandler did not hurry away. He
called at 8 o'clock, and at 6 he was still
occupied with Mrs. Atherton's secre-
tary. Then the butler came in with
an invitation for him to remain for
dinner. Mrs. Atherton herself could
not be present, but her secretary would
do the honors for her. Chandler ac-
cepted the invitation with alacrity. He
did not leave the house until II o'clock
that night.
Fate seemed to be against Chandler
meeting the widow. The next time he
called she had again gone to the city.
and the next after that she had had
fall that had necessitated her remain
ing In bed for a few days. Chandler
was enjoying so well bis visits with
the secretary that he didn't care II the
mistress remained bedridden for the
rest Of her days. Then one day when
he called he received message from
the lady through her secretary that
she had been considering the matter OF
joining the estates by their marriage
and had come to the conclusion that
the difference In their ages would be
altogether too great an objection.
On receipt Of this communication
Chandler stood looking very disconso-
late.
81 am sorry for your disappoint-
ment," said the secretary.
1T isn't that" replied Chandler dole
fully.
"Not that7 Then what is itY'
"Why, l have no excuse to come here
any more"
"And why should you come when
the object Of your coming has ceased
to exist?"
How am l going to get on without
seeing your
To this the only reply was q drop
ping Of the girls eyes to the floor.
II have a plan" said Chandler.
"Since I can't marry the mistress Ill
make proposition to the secretary.
It is not to unite two estates, but two
hearts"
She looked up at him with charm
ing expression.
"Sit down." she said, land I'll tell
you story. Your uncle and Mrs. Atm
erton were very anxious to unite these
estates, as you know. Neither Of them
had any idea Of a marriage between
you and her. And now have con-
fession to make. am more than Mrs
Athertons secretary; am her daugh-
ter. Your uncle suggested to mother
that the property be united by mar
rage between you and me. But such
proposals usually miscarry. Their plan
was to bring you and me together, you
thinking that you were opening nego-
tiations to marry mother. They were
obliged to let me into the secret l
agreed to carry out their plan-that Is
well, provided liked you"
"And you do, don't you" said Chan
dler In pleasing tone.
"Well, so-so," was the answer.
"Then the plan Is to be carried outT
what plan"
"Why. the one you have just reler-
red to-"
"Oh! meant the. plan Of making
you think you were opening negotta-
tions to marry mother"
"Oh!
That's MI l had to do with It."
II think you had great deal more
to do with It."
II don't see what"
well, while you have been receiving
me In place Of your mother you have
got me used to being with you. Be
sides, think how advantageous 1t will
be to unite the estates"
II cure nothing about the estates
"Or meY"
~ didn't say that. but I shall not
marry for the purpose Of uniting two
properties"
"Then will you marry for the pur-
pose of uniting two hearts,"
II must be satithed that such a
union will be effected"
II can answer for myself, but not
for you. love you dearly. and wish
you to be my. wife"
II will be your betrothed on trial.
II ! see that our union Is to be 6nan
rial one | will break the engagement"
Such was the practical disposal OF
the subject. Chandler went from her
to his uncle.
"Uncle." he said. the properties will
he united. Why didn't you introduce
me to Miss Atherton In the first placer"
Because when was young man
| was introduced to girl whom It
seemed advisable should marry. ]
took violent dislike to her. and sim.
ply. I. have since believed, because
felt obliged to love her. have had
cause to regret the failure Of that
match"
The union Of hearts was complete.
,,t1, - kho o,ko koa fol1nuaI