The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1878-02-22

Jnc DrOAu SNctcn OF lcVcl grass calIet
the green, the plain and commodiou
homes of its people cluster, and ther,
are some farmers teams always stand
ing in front of its once prctontiou,
brick store.
Beyond the buildings that form the
village, some wide meadow land,
stretch back to low range of hills
whose gently ascending sides were of
ten overshadowed by leaning willows
and after skirting the village and bub
bling across the road, wanders on to al
opening in the western hills.
1t is lovely spot, too lovely to foster
feelings of revenge or deception
When we alighted from the stage that
had conveyed us to Sanford from the
station-for the village was not on The
line of railroad, Jim was warmly
greeted by some young men standing
on the stoop of the store, and aftel
replying to their salutations, he inquir
ed for his brother, and was informed
that he was at home.
"Come," said he, "I must see Tom
for shall know better how to act aftcl
hearing what he and Alice have to say
Alice is his wife,"
AS we walked towards the nortl
part of the village, Jim informed me
that Tom and himself were the only
remaining representatives of a large
family, and that one of the best farms
in the district belonged to them. Tom
was married, and lived in the old
homestead, which was double house,
built to accommodate two families
Jim, whose nature partook of a rowing
cast, had sought the sea, led thereto by
a false notion ofthe charms of a sailors
life. lie always visited Sanford when
his voyages were finished, and had
kept up his knowledge of affairs going
OH in the village, and his acquaintance
with Lille Clarke, and it was during
his previous visit that they became
engaged.
We soon reached the outskirts of the
village, and came to large house
standing between the brook and the
road.
"This is my homc," said jim, as he
entered the gate.
We passed round the house to q
veranda, where q woman was seated
sewing. AS the sound of our steps fell
on her ear she looked up. "Why, jim,
is it youW she said, and rising, she
gave him both hands, and put up hcl
face to be kissed.
eyes, ii is Jim. Alice, my brother
Toms wife, Bill" he said, turning to
me after saluting her. "But how is
LillieW
every low. The doctor docs not
think she can live"
"Then / must see her at once"
81 don't think they will let YOU.
The doctor says she must be kept very
quiet"
"They will let me see her, know.
Come, Bill, may need you. Tell Tom
am home, and we will be back to-
night, Alice" and having said this he
rapidly retraced his steps to the village,
when he arrived at the church turning
down narrow lane leading to a small.
neat cottage.
The windows of this were darkened,
and there was a quiet about it, such as
generally pervades the home of sick
ness. Jim raped on the door, and in
4 few moments it was opened by a
lady, whose face showed
races of watching and sorrow.
She was the most Notwithstanding
woman | ever saw, and the sorrow in
ler eyes made her appear very lovely.
There were no traces of gray in the
,hestnut-brown hair, and the face and
orm were full of grace. She started
slightly as her eyes fell on Jim's face,
but immediately held out her hand, and
'aid' "James, how glad | am to see
you; come in
Jim took her proflered hand and
and | followed him. The
woman led the way TO neat parlor,
md asked us TO be seated, but Jim
would not.
"Mother Clarke, this is my friend
md shipmate, Bill Hastings. lie has
been with me all this voyage, and l
brought him here for purpose,
Mother Clarke" and his voice fell:
how is Lillie?'
"She is very weak, and seems TO be
,ining away TO death"
"Do You know what caused this?"
"No; she has not told me of her
rouble. You know she is very i'll, and
lever complains. All know is this,
he same time she received your last
etter from Hong Kong, another for
,isn letter came, and she changed
hem"
Jim gave me look that said, "Is not
ny suspicion true?' Then he spoke:
"Can | see her?'
81 fear that it would excite her too
nuch."
"Rcmember that joy never kills,
MOTHER"
ayes, know; but she shall decide"
''Tell her that | have true friend
Who has been my constant companion
inring the voyage here, and would like
o hear what l say"
81 WILL" and Mrs. Clarke left the
'oom, returning in few moments.
'She will see you, and hope she will
De benefited by your visit; come"
We followed her across the little hall
)y which we had entered, and found
ourselves in cozy and neat bedroom.
The windows were open here, and the
soft, autumn light came rolling in, fill
ng the apartment with warm radiance.
Seated in large and softly-cushion-
I'd chair, was young woman, so pale
md wan, and yet so beautiful. that she
made one think of angels. When we
her eyes eagerly scanned Jim's
lace, and as he went up to her, a glad
ook came to them. lie bent and
,laspcd her thin hands i'm his strong,
brown ones, and said: "My poor dar-
ing, what is the matter?"
For moment glad tears dimmcd her
,yes, but releasing one hand she brush
I'd them away; then drawing him
lown to the stool whereon her feet had
)een resting, she said: ''Sit down, jim.
md let your friend and mother come
nearer, and ! will tell you. But, first
Kiss me, for am so hungry for it,"
lie pressed his lips to hers, and the
Door, weary thing put her arms about
ais neck, and sobbingly clung there.
When she became composed she said:
Last June, Jim, when your letter,
aging that you would leave Hong
Kong the next day, reached me, an
,ther came with it, and this said that
hat you were untrue to me, and you can
never know how this hurt me-"
"But | was not untrue, Lille"
81 know il. now that i see Won and