Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-12-24

of my neighbor It continued
MS usual, but has grown to he such
thing of course as not to be an object Of
thought. But the effect remained show
ing itself in gradual restoration of that
which care, and work and
anxiety about worldly things,
are so apt TO produce The "voice Of
music," which had been almost dumb in
my wife for long period, was gradu-
ally restored. Old familiar ditties would
break suddenly from her throat as she sat
sewing, and | would often hear her sing
ing again, from room TO room as in the
sunny days of our spring-time. As for
myself, scarcely an evening passed in
which [ was not betrayed into beating
time with my feet to "Auld Lang Syne,n
" Happy Land Comm through the
Rye Or Hail Columbia" in response
to my ncighbor's CHEEKY whistle. Our
children also caught the infection, and
would commence singing on the Instant
our neighbor tuned his pipes Verify he
was our heneactor-th harping David
TO our Saul
You live at No. $40, think" said
gentleman whose face was familiar, though
! was not able to call his name We were
sitting side by side in the cars.
answered in the affirmative.
So thought" he replied al live at
54l--second door east
Mr.. Gordon"
Yes, sir; that is my name. Pleasant
houses, bnt mere shells said he. Then,
with look of disgust on his face,
Doesn't that whistling fellow between
us annoy you terribly? have gotso out
of patience that I shall either move or
silence him. Whistle, whistle, whistle,
from morning till night, Bah always
dctcsted whistling. It's sign of no
brain. I've written him note twice, but
failed to send it either time; il isn't well
to quarrel with neighbor il you can help
IT,"
II doesn't annoy me at all, . / answer
cd. "Indeed l rather like it,
You do? we'll that is singular! Just
what my wife says"
:" First rate for the blue devils, ! find,
Pm indebted to our whistling friend for
sundry fayors in this directions
My newly formed acquaintance looked
at me curionsly.
=" You're not in earnest" said he, half
amused smile breaking through the nm
amiablc expression which his face had
assumed.
Altogether in earnest; and ] beg of
you not to send him that note. So your
wife is not annoyed ~
as she musical - inquired.
"She was; but of late years life has
been rather serious matter with MS, and
her singing birds have died, or lost their
heart for music.n
"Thc history of many other lives" I
answered.
The man sighed family.
Has there been any recent changcs?"
ventured to inquire.
In what respect Z" he asked.
Has there been no voice from the
singing birds ?"
A new expression came suddenly into
the mans face.
"Why, yes he answered, now that
think Of it, There has been some low,
ftiul warbings stole out, rs if half afraid,
and trembled u little while on the words
of IN old song"
The air of which our neghbor was
whistling at the time, said /,
Right; as live! y was my compan-
ions expression, after pause, slapping
his hand on his knee | could hardly
help smiling at the look Of wonder,
amusement, and conviction that blended
on his face.
al would not send that note" said l
mcaningly.
"No hang uc; If do! l must study
this ease. am something of philoso-
pher, You must know. II my neighbor
can awaken the singing birds in the heart
of my wife, he may whistle till the crack
of doom without hindrnnco from me.
am obliged to you for the suggestion"
A week aiterward met him ngain.
" What about the singing birds?" l
asked, smiling
An alive again, thank God He
answered with a heartness of manner
that caused Inc to look narrowly into his
) face.
1t wore better expression, than when
! observed it last
"Then you didn't send that note 2"
"No, sir. Why, since ] saw you I've
actually taken TO whistling and humming
Old tunes again, and you can't tell how
much better ii makes mo feel. And the
children are becoming as musical as
: crickets Our friends whistle sets them
all a going, like the first signal warble Of
u bird at day-dawn that awakcns the
woods to melody"
We We're OIL our way homeward, and
parted Mt my own door AS | entered,
/" Home, sweet home" was pulsing in
tender harmones on the air. | stood
still and listened until tears fell over my
cheeks. The singing birds we're alive
again in the heart of my wife also, and
said "Thank Godl |" as warmly as my
neighbor had uttered the words little
before.