Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-04-22
Concluded from FIRST rage.l

Concluded from nIst Inse-J
them around his neck. and there was 81
lence. Then be gave groan as II nj
heart was breaking; laid his dead chile
mon the pillow; leaned his head upor
Madeline's shoulder, and lifted up hl'
voice and wept.
side by side with her brother Fred lay
l;tfle Eunice, q white rosebush the only
Distinguishing mark of her grave.
Once again Aunt Madeline ventured tt
say something about stone.
IL should be sorry to see the spot where
rest the remains OF my departed daughter
marked by such worldly vanities, he re-
piled, and it was the only time for years
that he alluded to his dead child.
He turned more and more to rosy cheek
ed, wilful Alice, and patiently bore from
her what no one else ventured to do. She
said '.you" with impunity, made the house
ring with her laughter and singing, Tor
sing she would, in spite of her mother's
warning hush. She sat in her father s lap /;
brushed his hair in the most fashionable
mode stuck roses or pinks in his button
hole, while he winked and pretended to be
sleepy; held perfect carnival among the
beds where carnations, Sweet-WililamS ana
dahlias rivalled tulips and roses; and IN
winter made dollhouse OF the old kitchen
whose deep windows were filed with
fuschias, geraniums and verbenas. Nay,
this grave man actually got out OF his bed
once or twice every cold night to put wood
in the stove, for fear the milk would freeze,
as he said apologetically to Aunt Made
line. Alice pretended not to know the
care her father took of her flowers; but in
his presence she was always in state OF
wonder that they flourished so well, and
LAYING her peach-like cheek against his
wrinkled face, her glossy, black curls min
Cling with his gray locks, declared that it
was his smile which made them grow !;
while the pleased and faded mother stood
by, with the old smile almost renewed on
her face. Uncle Joseph would look from
one TO the other and mnrmur, The LORD
is good, and greatly to be praised
Then Alice would put on aunty little
bonnet, tie a red scarf about her neck,
and declaring that she was going to ride
down hill with Walter, would invite her
father or mother, or toothless Aunt Pa
thence to 60 with her; and then dance out
of the room, tossing her pretty head and
pouting her rosy lips. pretending to be
very angry a: the refusal.
So the peaceful years passed. till Alice
was eighteen.
One day in the latter part of May, Aunt
Madeline was startled by the sound OF
wheels coming furiously toward the
house. 1t was uncle Joseph's spirited
team that, frightened at something, was
running away. Just as they neared the
house, some part Of the harness gave
way; the pole dropped and fastened itsell
into the ground; the momentum caused
the wagon to pitch violently, and Uncle
Joseph was thrown forcibly to the ground.
Alice and her mother were at his side in a
moment. He was insensible, but there
was still life Assistance was obtained,
and the unconscious man was conveyed
to his bed. The doctor pronounced his
injuries serious, and probably fatal. There
was severe confusion of the spine; the
lower limbs were paralyzed, and If be
lived, he would be a cripple for life; and
there was also conclusion Of the brain,
which, in man of his age, might prove
fatal.
But after time consciousness returned,
and his friends began to entertain hopes
of his recovery. He was very weak. and
suffered much pain; and as he lay silent,
his eve wandered from the face of his
daughter to that of his wife, while an in
effable tenderness softened his usually Sc
rious and almost stern features. In few
days he was able to converse little,
though he was evidently disinclined to
talk. The doctor was encouraged, but
still pronounced the case very critical
one.
Some one, mother or Cousin Patience.
spoke to the sick man about his recovery,
at which he closed his eyes, and tender
smile played about his mouth.
Alice sat by his side one afternoon,
while her mother took little rest. For
an hour or more he seemed to sleep.
Then be turned his eyes toward Alice and
Said. in clear, calm tones:
my daughter, call thy mother and
brothers. and thy aunts. Catherine and
Patience"
So calm, so strong was his tone, that
Alice went joyously to do his bidding.
They came, and Aunt Madelne's heart
almost ceased its beating at the undelina-
bic change she perceived in his face. She
gave an easy chair to lettering Cousin Pa
tience, pressed mothers hand. then sat
quietly down by the bed and took Uncle
Joseph's hand in hers"
Friends" he began in the same calm,
clear tones, it has been borne in upon my
mind that my earthly pilgrimage is draw
ing to q close; and as the last moments
OF mems lives are sometimes clouded, and
they are unable to express what they wish,
have thought it best to say "A few words
to you now, while my mind is clear
Knowing the uncertainty OF human life
made my will some years ago, soon after
the death of my daughter, Eunice. there
his voice trembled lttle-'and | have
no hesitation in saying that after a few
personal requests, have left the bulk oil
my property to my beloved wife Made
line, such confidence have in her worth
and integrity. My sons, for you are mine
in love, be as / can only bid you be, as
good as your father was, as consideraie OF
your mothers feelings. And to thee ,smy
daughter, what shall say? | see thee
now asi | first saw thy mother. Be like
her in spirit as thou art like her outward,
ly, and thou shalt hear the blessed words
We'll done, thou good and faithful ser
want
''And now, Madeline. my wife. my be
l..