Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-12-10
Gales aud Skttthes.
A LIFE QUERY.
By 5. A. EMERY.

'Where am /? whore am I? What can know ~
Questions vain to solve, wh,n the disciples of
H. patia first discussed them in the Alexandrian
Academy.
1t was bright morning in early Octo-
ber, clear bracing atmosphere that rem
dered near objects distinct and vivid, and
well defined far distant ones. Soft, fleecy
clouds sailed across the blue sky; the wind
danced galy in the treetops; the sun il
lumined the wide outspreading landscape,
lighting the old brown homesteads and the
more imposing village ediices. 1t gilded
the church tower and the white steeple Of
the less presuming meeting house beyond
the river; laughed in pond and brooklet,
and Furnished the radiant woods, gorge
Gus in their dying splendor. 1t famed in
the naples, retinted the ochres of oak and
beech, glittered in golden clumps of birch
and poplar; chasing the shadows over
fields, pastures and meadows; over level
reaches, into pleasant valleys, up high
hill-sides, and miles away beamed on the
spires of the seaport town, the lighthouse
sea beach; sparkling in snowy wreaths of
downy surf, and whitening the sails of
ships, far off on the deep, blue sea.
~ the liSllt dilti lcll, " tUc Hollu anu
south, the eye wandered over vast cir
cult, bounded by the distant horizon,
fringed, except to sea-ward, with cloud
like edge of mountains. Tom and Hol-
yoke, Wachusett, Monadnock, Kearsarge,
Ascutney, aud the Deerfield mountains
lowered up. their varied SUBMITS perfectly
outlined in that clear light.
Smoke curled from charcoal kilns leagues
away among the New Hampshire forests ;
nearer buildings and spires marked the site
of busy New England towns and villages,
amidst the swelling hills.
A bobolink, in his sober travelling dress,
saluted us with farewell note the purple
astors and stately golden rotnodded a good
morning, autumn dandelions smiled be-
meath our tread, pretty little bell flowers
modestly invited notice.
The brisk air. the rapid walk, sent the
blood bounding through our veins; We
laughed and talked, we jested and antici-
pated, we felt young, strong, happy.
Church street was reached as though our
feet possessed a magic power. / paused
before neat, white cottage.
care you going in ?" asked Addy.
Don't you wish to see your sick friend? !?
Lydia said he would be here to-day
$50 she did. Why, how came you to
think of it?"
NV companion's wonder reused mine
How came to think of this total stranger.
one whose name | had only heard casually
mentioned days before Surely, the ac-
quaintance OF years ought to have first re-
membered him We walked up the gravel
path Addy lifted the latch; we stood in
the passage; the sitting-room door was
aiar; in a rocking chair with his back
toward us sat the stranger. Hearing our
steps, he turned, rose and with extended
hand advanced to meet Addy. | was in
troduced we shook hands and sat down.
Yes, he must die That noble being in the
flower, and what ought to have been the
strength, of manhood. Deaths signet was
on the high white brow, in the glittering
eyes, on the hectic cheek. the wasted form
and pallid hands.
He was so glad to see Addy once more"
Once more What significance the words
took from his lips.
We spoke of his journey, of the pleasant
morning. Lydia came in. She and glided
into light merry chat. Addy and her
friend talked of his illness, of the days
gone by, when in a college vacation he
first came to the place to teach the district
school.
His mother entered, pale, digniiied
woman in widows weeds. Anxious,
watchful, but patient and resignsd. Sym
pathetic with those into whose company
she was brought, but with eyes ever on
her son, ever the watchIul care uppermost
in her heart.
How handsome he was! Glorious like
the dying year. a regular Grecian pro-
file, rich brown hair, a firm, well-cut
mouth. evenly set teeth and eyes, whose
hazel iris caught their hues from the lights
and shadows of the SOUL kindling, seri-
Gus, spiritual eyes. Who could interpret
their silent language.
The ripple of talk flowed on, Lydia and
| spoke OF family matters, the village news,
the harmless gossip of the neighborhood
Addy and her friends were engaged upon
mutually interesting themes. j, II stran-
ger, had no part there.
Why did my heart so ache, why did my
soul so cry out in rebellion. why did the
eyes that his quick, bright glances would
enchain, grow timid and moist? never
saw HIM before, should never again.
Addy rose our farewells were spoken.
One moment ny eyes drank in the depths
vi MS lily itotttt tilsth
clasp. A smile was on my lips, lightness
was in my tones, all the while great heart
throbs of anguish beat dirge-lke refrain
to the CHEEKY words.
A nod and a smile % Lydia at the door,
another, as white 'sband waves at the
window, one last insathering glance, and
the gate was passed.
Addy broke out in piteous lamentation.
ale had worked so hard; the farm was
so small, the family large, then the father
died his education had been mostly self
gained. Now he had reached his goal,
had taken his place among his peers-and
he must die! Why is it thusP The world
wanted him; he was just the one society
needed. Such things are SO mysterious. y
So mysterious, echoed my heart, heavy
with this death shadow, this sorrow, this
rebellion.
"Are you not going to buy your cotton?n