Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-01-15
ss,EL7El,' Lee CT r.. T.. -s.s..T TALE.
TWO SIDES TO A STORY.
BY MRS. s. p. DOUGHTY.

fala. al BY MRS. s. r. DOUGHTY. rh yffss
Have you seen much of your new neigh
bors YETI asked Mrs. Morris, as she stepped in
to have an hours chat with her old friend Mrs
Freeman.
Very little, was the reply. Occasionally
have seen the lady walking in the garden
and have sometimes watched the sports of the
children on the side walk, but this is all It i!
not like the country, you know. One may live
here for years and not become acquainted with
the next door neighbor.' 0.i sno" u
Some may do so,' replied Mrs. Morris, 'bui
for my part, | always like to know something
of those around me. 1t is not always desirable
to make the acquaintance of near neighbors
but by litte observation it is very easy TO gair
an insight into their characters and position ir
society. The family which has moved in the
house next TO yours, for instance, lived near TO
me for nearly two years. and although never
spoke to one of them, can tell you of some
strange transactions which took place in their
manifestation of interest or curiosity, but Mrs.
Morris was too eager to communicate her in
formation 10 notice her friends manner, and low
ering her voice 10 confidential tone, contin-
ued-
There is an old lady in their honse who
they abuse in the most shocking manner. She
is very rich, and they by their threats and i'll
treatment extort large sums of money from
her.
A. singular way of inducing any one to
bestow their favors.' replied Mrs. Freeman,
dryIy. why does not the old lady leave
theret'
Bless your heart, my dear friend! She
cannot get an opportunity. They never suffer
her to leave the house unattended. Once or
twice, indeed, she succeeded in getting into the
street, but they discovered her in moment
and actually forced her into the house. Yen
smile incredulously, but if you had been an eye
witness of their proceedings as | have, OF
heard the screams of the creature and the heavy
blows which they inflict, YOU would be convir-
ced of the truth of what tell you.'
/ do not doubt the truth of your story in the
least, my dear Mrs. Morris. l think that in
this case, as in most others, there must be two
sides to the story. 1t is almost incredible
that such barbarous treatment could continue
for any great length Of time without an ex-
posure.'
'Oh, as to that, people are not fond of get
ting themselves Into trouble by meddling with
their neighbours affairs. l am very cautious
about it myself. / would not have mentioned
this matter 10 any one but an old friend like
yourself. Ii seemed best to put you on your
guard 't
Thank you,' was the smiling reply. 1t is
hardly probable that shall be called upon ,t
make any acquaintance with my new neigh
bors, hut if l am, / certainly shall not forge
ycur caution.'
Satisfied that she had succeeded, at leas
partially, in awakening the suspicious of he
friend, Mrs. Morris took her departure, while
Mrs. Freeman, quite undisturbed by her com
munications, continued her usual quiet rount
of domestic duties, thinking less of the affair:
of her neighbors than those of her own house
hold
Occasionally she saw the old lady whom
Mrs. Morris had mentioned, walking in the ad
joining garden, sometimes alone, and some
times accompanied by the lady of the house o
one of the children There was nothing s,rik
ing in her appearance. She looked Cheerful
and contented, and showed no signs of confine
ment or abuse. Once when Mrs Freeman
was in her garden, she had looked over tn,
fence and praised the beauty of her flowers, ant
when bunch was presented to her, had re
ceived them with that almost childish deliph
which aged people often manifest.
Weeks passed on, and the remarks of Mr..
Morris was almost forgotten, when Mrs. Free
man was aroused one night by loud cries, az
parently proceeding from the adjoining house
and on listening in,ently, could plainly distir
guish the sound of heavy blows, and also tn
voice of the old lady in question as if in earne.
expostulation and entreaty. a.a
Mrs. Freeman aroused her husband, and tc
gether they listened in anxiety and ALARM
For nearly an hour the sounds continued, bu
at length all was again still. 1t was long
however, before they could compose then
selves to rest. 1t was certainly strange an
unaccountable, and there was something .
very inhuman in the thought of abusing a
aged woman, that their hearts revoted at III
idea.
Still Mrs. Freeman m aintained, as was he
wont, that there must be two sides to the story
and vainly endeavoring to imagine what tn
other side could be, she fell asleep, and wa
undisturbed till morning. 10 '' ''fti.
All seemed quiet the next day, Mrs. Free
man had somewhat recovered from the alarr
Of the previous night, when she was again Wis
tied by her friend Mrs. Morris. As usual, sh
had confidential communications to make, an
particularly wished the advice of Mrs. Fret
man in matter which she declared weishe
heavily upon her mind, and being assured tha
they should be undisturbed, began at once
impart the weighty secret. as..-. .si s.T
You remember Mrs. Dawson, who wen
with hsr husband to Europe, year or sw
sgop a;, ...s -,.i.,..,s.l. =. ....'.' '..-.t
Certainly I do,' was the reply. Iwas wei
acquainted with her, ',ara a.s idtsl