Middletown transcript., 1869-08-07
popular Talrs,
TEE VOICE THAT CHARMED.
A STORY WELL TOLD.

Since his fathers Glath Guy Britton,
with his old housekeeper, nd lived alone
at the Elms. A naturally retirlG.g dlspo-
sitiun had combined with the circumctan-
ces of his early training to make him avoid
society and although still young, he
seemed to the villagers already middle
aged. A less healthful nature might have
preyed upon itself, growing morbid
anu morose with solitude, 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 laborers to be directed, and
hundred plans of improvement to be ar
ranged and matured Nature, whom he
loved, opened for him page of wonderful
lluminations. His lands stretching along
a river valley unsurpassed in quiet beau
ty; full of still places where, shut in by
the thick foliage Of the wood from all in
harmonious sights and sounds, one might
sit, as it were between two heavens, the
one reaching far and blue above, and the
other mirrored in the smooth stream be-
low.
1t was in these years Of self-containcd
and actful restfulncss--to use a seeming
paradox--that Britton gathered strength
for very different after life. But it is
not of that r-life-striking its roots
deeply into the foundations of society, and
overarching SO many burdened and sorrow
full ones with its benefcent sha1ow-that
my short story has to do.
Adjoining the Elms was the summer res
idence of the Gibsons, a family of little ed
ucation or native retirement, who, having
been suddenly made rich by speculation,
devoted their best efforts to the task of
maintaining an appearance becoming their
wealth Season by season Britton dread
| ed the opening of the house. The very
presence of his neighbors, 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 fancicd remiss-
ness, little suspected that tue tone in which
she exercised her brief authority was itself
a proof of her unftness for the circle to
which she aspired.
The familiar friendship of the master of
the Elms, was good upon which her
heart was set, and she piled poor Guy ac-
cordingly with her most transparent blan-
dishments-he groaning in spirit mean
while, at her inability to see how utterly
they were wasted.
Going one day. to speak to Mr. Gibson
on some business, Guy, as he came near
the house, heard voice singing. He
could not distinguish the words, but the
melody seemed familiar. He thought he
must have heard it long ago, and as he lis
tened the perplexed memory shaped itself
into vision Of bis mother rocking back
and forth ia the summer twilight, and
singing him to sleep His eyes grew moist
with the rush of tender recolections, and
still the sweet thrilling voice sang on.
Who could it be? Impossible! And while
he wondered the song ceased, and face
appeared for moment at the window.
He had just time to take it in at o glance
the delicate, high-bred features, inform
ed throughout with sad thoughtfulness
the large blue eyes half yelled by theil
dark lashes; the brown hair pushed back
in wavy masses the clear skin, its fair
ness heightened by the effect of the mour-
ming dress below.
Ihe glrl who answered Guy ring snow
ed him in the parlor, where Mr., and Mrs
Gibson sat over their lunch.
J '.My dear Mr.. Brittan, we're so glad tc
see youl just to think" with reproach'
full smile, "that you hayeH't been in before
since we came DOWN. Why, twas ne
more than yesterday that was telling
Mr.. Gibson that didn't believe there wal
a man living, with more of literary taste
than Mr. Britton. It's a lovely trait o
character, indeed, | said. But then there
bodys health to be thought of, and the
' claims Of society, you know, Mr.. Britton.'
Guy found il impossible to resist th
. pressing invitation given him to lunch
I and being seated an unwilling victim, will
plate and napkin on his knee, he was trea
ted to a running fire of conversation.
II heard some ono singing very finely