The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1869-08-19
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THE VOICE THAT CHARMED.
A STORY WELL TOLD.

Once MS rather death Guy Britton,
with his old housekeeper, had lived
alone at the Elms. A naturally retir-
ing disposition had combined with the
circumstances Of his early training to
make him avoid society; and although
still young, he seemed to the villagers
already mlddle-aged. A less healthful
nature might have preyed upon itself,
growing morbid and morose with soil.
tude, but Britton's mind and hands
were alike too busy to droop for lack Of
exercise. Indoors he had his books for
company outside there were his farm
1aborers to be directed, and hundred
plans OF Improvement TO be arranged
and matured. Nature, whom he loved
opened for him page of wonderful
illuminations. His lands stretching
along river valley unsurpassed in quiet
beauty; full Of still places where, shut
in BY the thick foliage Of the wood from
all inharmonious sights and sounds, one
might sit, as it were between two heav.
ems, the one reaching far and blue
above, and the other mirrored in the
smooth stream below.
1t was in these years of self contained
and actful restfulness-to use a seeming
paradox-that Britton gathered strength
for very different after life. But It is
not OF that aiter-liie-striking its roots
deeply into the foundations Of society.
and overarching SO many burdened and
sorrowful ones with its bene6cent shadow
that my short story has to do.
Adjoining the Elms was the summer
residence Of the Gibsons, u family OF
little education or native retirement.
who, having been suddenly made rich
by speculation, devoted their best efforts
to the task of maintaining an appear.
ance becoming their wealth. Season by
season Britton dreaded the opening Of
the house. The very presence Of his
neighbcrs, with the train of COMPANY
seemed to hurt the simplicity Of his
own home. Mrs. Gibson, confusing her
servants with contradicting orders, or
scolding them for real or fancied re.
missness, little suspected that the tone
IN which she exercised her brief autho.
rity was itself a proof of her unfitness
tor the circle to which she aspired.
The familiar friendship Of the master
OF the Elms, was good upon which
her heart was set, aud she piled poor
Guy accordingly with her most trans.
parent blandishments--he groaning in
spirit meanwhile, at her inability to see
how utterly they were wasted.
Going one day, to speak to Mr.. Glib.
son on some business, Guy, as he came
near the house, heard voice singing.
He could not distinguish the words, but
the melody yseemed familiar. Hethought
he must have heard it long ago, and as
helistened the perplexed memory shaped
itself into vision OF his mother rocking
back and forth in the summer twilight,
and singing him to sleep. His eyes
grew moist with the rush Of tender re-.
collections, and still the sweet, thrilling
voice sang on. Who could il be1 I'm.
possible And while he wondered the
song ceased, aud face appeared for a
moment at the window. lie had Just
time to take it in at a glance--the del
icate, high-bred features, informed
Throughout with sad thoughfulness !;
the large blue eyes half yelled BY their
dark lashes; the brown hair pushed
back in wavy masses; the clear skin, its
fairness heightened by the effect of the
mourning dress below.
The girl who answered Guys ring
showed him in the parlor, where Mr..
aud Mrs. Gibson sat over their lunch.
My dear Mr.. Britton, we're so glad
to see you Just to think" with a re-
proachfal smile, shat you haven't been
in before since wo came down! Why,
twas no more than yesterday that | was
telling Mr.. Gibson that | didn't believe
there was man living, with more of a
literary taste than Mr.. Brittop. It's a
lovely trait Of character, indeed, said.
But then there's body's hoalth to be
thought Of, and the claims Of society,
you know, Mr. Britton."
Guy found it impossible to resist the
pressing invitation given him to lunch;
aud being seated an unwilling victim,
with plate and napkin on his knee, hc
was treated to a running fire of conver.
sation.
81 heard some one singing very finely
as ! came in" said Guy, bringing in
his short sentence BY a dextrols flank
movement.
Yes, answered Mrs. Gibson, delight
edly; "shat was Miss Deape, the new
govcrness that I've got for the children.
They do say that her voice is remark.
ble, and I'm glad 10 iiud you think 80,
Mr.. Brittou, SO good Judge as you
are; as | tell Mr.. Gibson, What gen
eltaste Mr.. Britton has 10 cverythingl'
Mr.. children all hasa . taste for music
You ought TO have hssrd Professor
Grinderwald compliment Japetta' 5 voice,
Mr., Britton! Aud when ! think how
necessary il is that they should have
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