Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1918-03-26

make its author famous, was finished
that very day In June when Stephen
came back from New Haven.
The advance copy, the first one, was
ready early In September, and the au-
thor. of course, brought it Immediately
to his friends. They found the dedica-
ton especially interesting, ITO G. w.
and e. w., consulting specialists at
the literary clinics, with grateful &C.
knowledgments." Probably Captain
Elisha was never prouder Of anything,
even his first command, than Of that
dedication.
And the story, when at last 1t appear
ed for sale, was almost from the be-
ginning success, and, most important
of all perhaps, 1t sold and continued to
sell. There was something in it, its
humanity, its simplicity, its clearly
marked characters, which made hit.
Pearson no longer needed to seek pub
fishers; they sought him. His short
stories were bid for by the magazines,
and his prices climbed and climbed.
He found himself suddenly planted in
the middle Of the highway to prosper
ity.
The novel being out of the way and
It's successor not yet far enough ad-
vanced In plot or general plan for much
discussion, the Literary clinics" were
no longer as frequent. But Pearson's
visits to the Warren house were not
discontinued. All summer long he had
been coming out once and usually twice
q week. Captain Elisha had told him
not to stand on formality, to come any
time, and he did. On most Of these
occasions he found the captain at
home, but If only Caroline was there
he seemed quite contented. The cap
tain was planning a glorious Thanks
giving. At least it would be glorious
to him, for he intended spending the
day and several days at his own home
in South Denboro. He would not leave
Caroline, of course; she was going with
him. Steve would be there. though he
would not come until Thanksgiving
day itself. Sylvester also would be of
the party. He seemed delighted at the
opportunity. Pearson was asked and
had accepted. His going was so far q
settled thing that he had commissioned
Captain Elisha to purchase stateroom
for him on the Fall river boat, for, of
course, the captain would not consider
their travelling the entire distance by
train. A day or two later Pearson an
nounced that he had decided not to
60.
"Hey" Captain Elisha could scarce
ly believe he had heard correctly. "YOu
can't go-to South Denboro"
"No."
"Why not, for the land sakes2 Come
herel Let me look at you"
He took the young man by the arm
and led him, almost by main strength,
close to the lighted window Of the sta
ton.
"Humph" he grunted after a mo-
ments scrutiny. you've made up
your mind; I can seq that. Have you
told Caroline2 Does she know%
Pearson smiled, but there was little
mirth in the smile. II think she agrees
with me that it is best" he observed.
"Humph! She does, hey? I want
to know! Look here, Jim! Have you
and she"-
He got no further, for Pearson broke
away and, with hurried "Good
night" strode up the platform to meet
the city bound train. Captain Elisha
entered the house by the back door, O
remnant Of South Denboro habit, and
saw his niece, a shadowy figure, seated
by the window. He crossed to hel
side.
"Well, Caroline" he said cheerfully
"Im home again. Dearie, I just met
Jim Pearson. He tells me he's decided
not to 60 on this cape cruise Of ours
he said you agreed with him twas
best he shouldn't 60. Do you mind
tellin' me why? Have you and he had
a fallin' out?"
Still she was silent. He sighed
"Well," he observed, II see you have
and don't blame you for not wantin
to talk about 1t. I'm awful sorry. I'd
begun to hope that However, well
change the subject"
"Uncle," she said, "you know al
ways want to talk to you. Mr.. Pear
son and 1 have not quarreled, but
think-I think it best that should mo-
see him again. 1t would only make Il
harder for him, and It's Of no use."
Captain Elisha sighed again. q
guess 1 understand, Caroline. I pre-
sumo likely 1 do. He-he asked some
thin of you, and you couldn't say ye:
to him. That was It, suppose
Needn't tell me unless you really wan
to, you understand" he added hastily.
"But l do. I ought to tell you. Un
Gle Elisha, Mr.. Pearson asked me to b'
his WIFE,"
The captain gave no evidence Of sur
prise.
eyes," he replied gravely; II judges
that was. 1t. And you told him yo'
couldn't, suppose. Well, dearie, that
a question nobody ought to answer bu
the one. You didn't care for hin
enough, suppose. Caroline, you don
care for anybody else, do your Yo'
don't still care for that other fellel
that
"Uncle," she sprang up, hurt and In
dignant. "how can you" she cried
"aow could you ask thati What mus
you think Of meT
"Please, Caroline" he protested
'please don't. beg your pardon.
was a fool. knew better. Don't &c
Tell me the real reason. Now tell me-
Was 1t that you couldn't care for Jir
enough?"
ELL like Mr.. Pearson very mucn
I respect and admire him."
"But yen don't love him. ] see
Well" sadly, there's another one Q
nv dreams gone to smash. However
you did Just right dearie. Feelin' tina
way, you couldn't marry him. Q
course" se
"That was not the reason" she sai
In q low tone.
"Heyr' He bent toward her. "Whatl
he cried. "That want the reason
you say? You do care for himr
She was silent
"Do your" he repeated gently. IAN
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