The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-04-20
Misrellanp.
FROM tie Philadelphia Home Weekly.
THE DASHFORD TRAGEDY.
BY CLARA AUGUSTA.


Dashford had sensation, and it was so new
thing that ali the village was agog-with ears t
hear of, and eyes to view the object.
Everybody in the place probably, who coul
read, had read the name on the books of the Re-
Mug-Charles Wylie, New York City.
The Red Mug was the centre of attraction
The landlord could not recall the time when h
Rad so much compauy--Certainly not since tn
DAYS of the old regimental musters--or the tim
when six stages stopped over night at his hous
before the railway abomination had sprung int
existence.
The Reg Mug was kept open more from the
force of habit than from any necessity OF a pub
lie house mt Dasnford. Net once a noon did
Landlord Stark have guest to dinner, and II
had been so long since the best bed had been
slept in that the very day of Mr.. Wylies arrival
Dame Stark had caused it to be transported tC
the top of the wood pile for air, and she had
spent the best part of the forenoon beating il
with a bean-pole.
And when the depot carriage drove up to the
door, and Mr. Wylie portmanteau in hand,
alighted, Dame Stark won't to declare the
sight of him took all the strength out of her,
when she remembered that there was bread pud-
ding for dinner and not spoonful of preserves
in the house.
But the stranger soon set her mind at rest by
ordering crakers and milk for his dnner--and he
lid not require the feather bed at all he prefer
red the mattress.
When it was known that there was stranger
in their midst, the Dashford people lost no time
in commencing investigating into his habits and
business. The landlord was questioned, and the
facts elected that he rose at seven drank glass
Of ale or porter, and sat on the yerandah and
smoked.
The landlady knew that he had q dozen very
fine linen shirts; that he wore gold studs-used
otto of roses on his handkerchief and never wiped
twice on the same towel. The chambermaid-
who was young and pretty-knew that he had a
pleasant voice, and very soft hands, though how
she ascertained the last fact does not appear.
The young ladies of Dashford were all taken
with an astonishing liking for the society Of
Dame Stark. What multitude of excuses
they made for calling. One wanted a recipe
for dying ribbons-another wantedthe pattern Of
her cap for mother, and another called to see the
litter Of white kittens over which the great white
cat purred 80 untirngly in the great basket under
the kitchen table.
You know that young ladies are prone to little
harmless receptions of this sort, the world over
Sometimes they saw Mr.. Wylie. and the most
glowing accounts were given of him. From all
the facts that could be gathered, it would appear
that he was about thirty years of age-rather
tall and slender, with regular features-brown
eyes and hair, and chestnut beard. And besides
be had naughty ARA Discrimination to social
ty, and liking for pretty foot.
Melinda Brown, the very boldest of the young
ladies, gave party, and invited Mr. Wylie 1t
would be 80 much pleasanter for him to make
some acquaintance, she said. Many people
thought he would not accept the invitation, but
he did 30, and was the life Of the party.
He charmed every one. His manners was pol
ished, 80 free from all affectation and he under
stood how to adapt himself to the taste of each
one in whom he came in contact.
It was ascertained that he purposed remaining
in Dashford, and that he was about opening an
Office in the front room Of the Red Mug. He was
physician, of five years experience, and had
come here for the purpose Of practising his pro-
fessiOn.
After his sign was put out, it was positively
alarming to observe how unhealthy Dashford
suddenly became. Hitherto people, for the most
part had died either by accidents or from old age
but now the entire female community had gone
i'll. Coughs colds, nervous diseases, fevers, and
disordered livers were the rule, and not the ex.
ception.
DR.. Wylie was kept riding for the greater part
Of the time, and the principal wonder was when
the poor fellow contrived to obtain any sleep
He was an immense favorite with the ladies both
old and young. He had such sad eyes when his
cOuuIcubllCc WdS ~ KcSJ tlldt tlicy WcIC suIC lc
must have some secret trouble-and there is no
surer method for a man to make himself interest
ing than to give people the impression that he is
bearing in silence some great sorrow.
Though polite and courteous to all, Dr. Wylie
was not long in making his selectiOn-and it did
infinite credit to his good taste.
Lucy Walbridge was by far the sweetest girl
in Dashford She was about twenty five years Of
AEGEAN orphan and an heiress, and resided with
her uncle, Squire Hllman, at the Hall.
And Squire Hillman's wife was obligingly
taken sick Of slow fever, which gave the doctor
an excellent excuse for tying his roam horse
every day, to the great elm in front of the
Squire's. d
We are not writing love story, 50 we will
pass over the courtship. For once, the course OF
true love seemed to run smooth. There was NO
obstacles to surInount--both parties was of an
age to maryland there were no friends to raise
objections
1t was in July that DIR. Wylie came to Dash.
ford and his wedding day was set for the 10th
of March.
1t came all too soon Lucy thought for surely
nothing could be more delightful than the charm
cd life they were leading. She almost feared
marriage might break the sweet enchantment.
The day was clear and cloudless-altogethe
unlike the days March usually gives us--and il
the morning the first bluebrd sang gaily in tn,
old elm which reached its branches almost i'll u
Luoy's window.
DIR. Wylie made all his business calls-for tn
sick mnst be attended to-and on his way to hi
hotel, he stopped at the Hall, in defiance of al
etiquette, to kiss Lucy and bid her keep up he
courage.
He ate his supper with Mrs Stark, at six-an,
then went to his room to dress The ceromon,
was to take place at eight, and as soon as sh
could leave the china to Kate. Mrs Stark crep
to the parler and sat down by the window to &c
q glimpse of the Doctor when he cnmn down /,