National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1870-02-04

though it fitted SO lily to the man
that l felt it to- be assumed with
other DISCUSSES, for it was plain that
he had been reared in refinement
and accustomed to fashionable life,
and that some reverse had driven
him away from the haunts of men
to hide his sorrow or shame) was
stretched beside me with his feet
turned toward the fire, while his
great dog lay with his head on his
paws by the door, as if keeping
guard.
could see through the window
opposite my primitive couch that it
was night, and the stars shining
brightly-more brightly, fancied,
than | had ever seen them before
For a long time l lay looking at
them, thinking of the lonely situa-
ton of the little hut in the noun
tains, and the strange being who
had so kindly nursed me through
my severe illness,even while confess
ing himself to be averse to human
companionship. And gradually l
fell into a train of speculatious con-
corning him that would have con-
tinued unbroken until morning had
he not arisen, rearranged the fire,
lighted his pipe, stretched himself
again upon the skins, and began
smoking.
The night is very cold is it not 2
asked.
yes; it is time for cold weather.
he answered. thought you were
ASLEEP.
Il have been, but l think | shall
never want to sleep again. lap.
pear as if had closed my eyes when
| followed you here and not opened
them since
He made no reply, smoked on
tiercely and in silence, and after "A
time | venturcd to remark again;
Il hope | shall be aDle to return
home by the holidays. My friends
must be exceedingly anxious as they
have heard nothing from me for so
long a time
Quite likely
He removed the pipe from his
'Outh, suffered it to die out, and
alf reclined with his head support
d 10y his arm. | shall never forget
the picture as we lay there in the
tlickcring freight, with his dark,
manly face bathed in its ruddy glow.
His attitude and expression were so
thoroughly despoudent that they
filed my heart with pity and de-
sire to know something of his histO,
ry. Watching him and thinking of
what must have been his former
position in Society,l was startled by
sigh-one of those long, quivering
brcathS of sorrow, or rather whiS>
pered walls, that tell of broken
heart. He got up, filed his pipe,-
smoked again, laid down as if to
sleep. but as suddenly arose, and
insisted upon my taking some Slight
refreshment. complied, and could
not restrain myself from remarking:
1T seems to me that you are lead,
ing singular and lonely life, espe,
cially as you receive no visitors
What would be your condition if
taken sick J
He threw himself down upon the
bed, smiled scornfuly, and replied :
1T would not matter. young man.
II my time had come to die. ! am aS
we'll here and alone rs amid Il crowd
Of hcartlesS, ,hypocritical beings who
call themselves friends And he
struck the logs spitefully with his
foot, aud sent n shower of brilliant
sparks II the chimney.
You mast have experienced very
much of human ingratitude in your
intercourse with the world con-
tinued, musingiy.
Yes. But it is the way of the
world he answered, with Il heavy
sigh; .and all sooner or later, must
find ont the bitter lesson for them
selves. AS for me, | have done
with it, thank Godr
Il am very sorry, for my expert
ence of your kindness and gcncrosi
ty tells me that society has lost on,
of its brightest and noblcst Orna
mcnts; aud believe me Mr.. Blodg
ct
Call me Tom he interrupted, -.
withaa wave of his hand, while ,
look OF disgust swept across hi
face. Call me Tom. 1t was m,
boy name. The Other-yes,you ma!
as well know it's assumed. Blu
excuse my impolteness.'
Il was only about to say that ther'
was one, at least, who will remem
ber YOU with the deepest gratitude
'And that is
Myself But for Your kindness
my poor old mother would to day b,
childlcss.'
There was q ring Of gratitude II
my voice that touched his heart, fO
| saw tears standing in his eyes.
e well young man, 1 am glad 70
, your mothers sake that you ar,
recovering; for that part Of woman
4 kind ! re, ere. Take the advice o
!. ono much your senior, and let tn
z rest alone He went Oh more rs !
a talking to himself than listener =
; 'Uow much has been sung and writ
;. ten about the holy name Of wife
v Wife! he repeated, with u bite
D laugh that made my blood chill
{ Wife II is % name, in these fas
/ days, synonymous with all that |
}, treacherous and deceitiul, and | al