Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1920-09-14
TooOld!
By Csnevisvs Ulnar


Copyright. 1920. Western Newspaper union.)
When Miss Avis Durand came to
Houghton and purchased neat little
home there for herself and her wild
owed mother. she was taken up by
the younger set Of the pretty village.
Ernest Waters, two years on the
sunny side Of forty, sold them the
property and thus naturally was the
first In the village to become acQuaint-
ed with them. Because he was fair,
accommodating and evenly courteous
and helpful he won upon both mother
and daughter, until this ripened Into
a close and mutual friendship. He was
lover of music, and as q singer ana
at the piano Miss Durand exceiled.
1t was this. her expertness at tennis,
her ability to get up dainty reflections
and general social parties that attract
ed her juniors, while her patient, kind
ly interest In their affairs endeared
her to them. Whenever these func-
tons took place at the Durand home
Waters was invariably invited, but be-
ing q modest and sensitive man ne
generally kept close to Mrs. Durand
quite out Of the juvenile class. you
know" he would remark with affected
lightness of manner, but his eyes
would shadow and a sad expression
compress the lips while his gaze fol
lowed the fitting attractive Avis
the center of admiration and homage
"She looks the loveliest Of them all"
one evening Waters overheard young
man remark. "She can't be over
twenty"
worth the coming, eh?" rallied
male companion.
81 would enter the lists at once II
there was the vestige of hope FOR
me-" was the reply delivered with un'
mistakable sincerity.
All this fell upon the hearing Of Wa
tiers in a depressing way. For the
first time he recognized the disparity
in their ages and chided himself for
ever allowing the thought to enter mis-
mind that the apparent interest OF
Miss Durand in him was anything
more than the natural kindness OF
gentle nature for an older man.
After that he dropped in only oc
casionally at the Durand home. de
evaded attending the functions where
he began to consider he was only
tolerated friend of Mrs. Durand. II
puzzled him to analyze the continued
apparent desire for his company that
Avis eyinced whenever they met
casually, and one day on the street
her sincere greeting set him thinking
"You will receive an invitation to
my birthday party next week. MI.
Waters" she said, "and I count on
your presence"
"Really, Miss Durand-" he began.
mo excuse, now!" she rallied, smil-
ing as she waved warning finger
eff YOU wish to offend mother and
grieve me you will forget it, as you
seemed TO have forgotten us for some
time past"
"You would really like me to come"
asked Waters earnestly.
81 shall miss you so truly If you DO
not that 1t will spoil all the JOY OF the
party. .Iy young friends have gone to
great trouble for the occasion. They.
too, would regret your absence and
arc constantly asking me what has be-
come OF my closest friend and their
general favorite."
The words were as balm to de-
pressed. unhappy spirit. Waters could
not doubt the sincerity Of the speak
er. Long afterwards there remained
the memory Of the sweet smile, the
warm hand clasp as they parted.
A gay, festive. bubbling throng they
were, those young friends Of Avis
Durand, the evening Of the party.
Waters tried to fill secluded corner,
Int Avis would not have 1t so. She
showed him unusual attention. and
his heart warmed with unusual fervor
as he entered fully into the joyous
ness of the occasion. He had planned
on accompanying Mrs. Durand when
they adjourned to the supper table
but Avis appeared and claimed him as
her. honored escort.
"Why! where is the birthday cakeE
cried one Of the girls as they seated
themselves.
Eyes, and the eighteen candles|
Joined In a vivacious brunette.
81 guess seventeen" voiced another
guest.
Avis laughed mewily. Her eyes
were sparkling as she left her guests
with an apology and the words: ut
will be great surprise to you, per
haps. but I shall reward your polite
curiosity with the truth. Thirty-f1ve
candles, dears." she added, reappear-
ing with the browning attraction of
the table.
"Oh, never!" arose a chorus Of un-
believers, but Avis only continued to
smile, but flushed as she stole quick
glance at the amazed Waters.
He was standing at the side Of some
draperies an hour later, his mind re-
Elective and in a tumult, for the revela>
ton Of Avis had seemed to bring her
Immensely nearer to him. On the
other side Of the drapery was Mrs
Durand.
ooh, how could your" she mildly up
braided Avis. Bidding good-by to
youth"
ITO it's counterfeit, dear mamma.
you mean" responded Avis brightly.
'Then, too, 1t gave me an opportunity
for Mr.. Waters to know the truth"
because" insinuated Mrs. Durand
"Because-because love him."
spoke Avis frankly. "as you have
known for some time"
Ernest Waters went out upon the
porch and gazed up at the stars In
romantic fervor. seeking their influ-
ence to calm the wildly surging Joy
NJ his ha amy happv heart,