Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-01-05


There shall be no more snow,
No weary, wandering feet
From the hills our fathers trod,
To the quiet OF the skies
To the sabbath Of our Coll
All was now still on both sides. The
harsh diScord of our scolding neighbor
had ceased, and our whstling neighbor
had warbled his goodnight melody which
like pleasant flower growing near an
uusighlly object, and interposing veil
of beauty, had removed it from oui
consciousness.
1t was long time since had felt so
peaceful upon retiring as when my head
went down upon its pillow-thanks to my
ighl. hearted neighbor, at whose whiS
Iling propensiIies | was inclined in the
beginning 10 be annoyed. But for him
should have gone to rest with the harsh
discord oil my scolding neishbor's voice
in my cars, and been i'll at ease with my
self and The world. On what seeming
trilles hang our states OF mind \ word,
look, 4 tone OF music. dscordaut jar,
will Lrins light or shadow. smiles or
tears.
On the next morning, while dressing
myself, thought reached forward over the
days anxietie>, and care began drawing
her sombie curtains around me.
Ny neighbor was stirring also. and,
like the awakening bind, tunelul mathis.
Day on the Mountains rang out cheer
fully, followed by dear Summer Morn.
winding of with "Begone, Dull Care"
aud the merry laughter Of a happy child.
which had sprung into his arms, and was
being covered with kisses.
The cloud that was gathering on my
brow passed away, and met my wife
and children az the breakfast table with
pleasant smiles.
In lew days ceased TO notice the
whi,tliug Of my neighbor. II continued
as usual; b hal grown to be such a
matter Of course as not 10 be an object Of
thought. But the efiec remained, show.
ing itself in gradual restoration to
checrluIncss which care, and work, and
broodiug anxiety about worldly things
are so apt 10 produce. The "voice oil
mu.icr which had been almost dumb IN
my wife for a long period was gradually
restored. Old familiar diities would break
from her throat as she sat sewing, and |
would often hear her singing again from
loom to room, as IN the SUMMER days OF
our springlime. As for myself, scarcely
an evening passed. in which ! was not
betrayed into beating time with my foot
to "Auld Lang Syne." Hail Columbia, "
OF Comm through the Rye" in response
to my nelghhor's CHEEKY whistle. Our
children. also, caught the infection, and
would commence Staging on The instant
our nel ghbor tuned his pipes. Verify no
was our benefactor-lho harping David
to our Saul.
You live at Number $40 think. said
a gentleman whose face WAS familiar,
though l was not able to call his name.
We were sitting side 10y side in the cars.
answered in the affirmative.
so thought" he replied. 81 live at
5l4- second door east"
"Mr. Gordon"
"Yes. sir. that IS my name. Pleasant
houses, but mere shells" Then with
look of disgust on his face. doesn't that
whistling fellow between US annoy you
terribly? I've got so out OF all patience
that shall either move OF silence him.
Whistle. whistle. from morning till night.
Puhl always detest whistling. It's
sign OF no brains. I've written him a
note twice. but failed to send either time;
il isn't pleasant to quarrel with neigh
Dor If you can help it,"
1T doesn't annoy me at all. Ianswered.
Indeed, rather ike IT,"
You do3 Well. that's singular just
what my wife says
"First.rate for the blue devils, find.
I'm indebted to my whistling friend for
sundry lavors in this direction"
My new acquaintance looked at me
seriously.
You're not in earnest?" said he,
haliamusej smile breaking through the
unamiable expression which his face had
assumed.
Altogether in earnest; and beg OF
YOU not 10 send that note. So your wife
is not annoycd?"
Not She"
lis she musical? ?" | inquired.
"She was; but of late years life has
been rather a serious matter with US, and
her singing birds have died or lost the
heart Tor music
The history Of many other lives, l
said.
The man sighed family.
"Has there been any recent change ?"
| ventured to inquire.
"In what respect?" he asked.
HAS there been no voice from the
singing birds ?"
A new expression came suddenly into
the mans face.
"Why. yes, he answered, NOW that
think of it, there have been some low
ltlul warblings. Only last evening the
voice of my wife stole out, as il half
afraid, and trembled little on the words
OF an old song"