Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1879-05-06


memory.
Eleven months had the dear little
treasure been an inmate of my house,
when there came into my life a new
dream of hope and happiness. About
five miles from Concord, there resided,
and lived for many long years, an eccen-
trio old bachelor, of the name of Gra-
ham. His home was far away from any
cluster of houses, indeed nearly mile from
any other residence; and here, in solitary
state, with only two old servants for his
household, he had lived ever since could
remember. He was morosc, ill-tem-
pered man, and some early cross had
made him adopt a perfectly hermit-like
seclusion, though his wealth would have
commanded every advantage society
would offer. 1t was early in November
that was summoned to attend this old
genius, professionally The little note
brought to my office by an elderly man
on horseback was gned'Lydia Graham
and urged my immediate attention.
1t was a long, cold drive, but the man
represented his master as very Ill, so |
prepared to obey the summons. 81 had
no idea your master had daughter |
said, referring to my note.
That's masters niece" was the re-
ply; "a nice, sweet-spoken young lady
as ever | see. She comes down on a
visit sometimes. They were burnt out,
her fathers folks, last winter, and the
family all went abroad while the new
house was a building. They came home
about a fortnight ago, but they won't 60
to the new house till spring, so some Of
them are staying in one place and some
in another, and Miss Lydia she's come
to spend the winter with her uncle.
They're all coming down at Christmas, |
expect
found my new patient very i'll, and
for week my visits were frequent, and
more than once passed a whole night by
his bedside. do not mean this for a
love-talc, so | will not weary the reader
with the why and wherefore Of my heart
bending in allegiance to Lydia Graham ;
charms. Her beauty, gentlcness, and
winning grace touched my heart as no
woman before had ever thrilled it, and
before that weary week of watching and
anxiety was over | loved her. As her
uncle began to recover, my visit glided
from professional capacity to social
one. and saw that my welcome was a
sincere one from both the old gentleman
and the fair girl, whose devotion to his
sick bed proved her love. was agree
ably surprised to find the hermit neither
so savage nor so inaccessible as he had
been represented. He had painful
chronic disorder; his manner was bruSque'
and his voice harsh. but he could soften;
and was able to give him relief from
pain, for which he repaid me by gra-
ciouS reception.
Christmas was drawing near, and re-
solved to lay my heart before Lydia and
ask her to be my wife | was heir to
considerable property left me by faith
er. had a good practice, pleasant
home, and could offer her the pure love
of young heart, SO | was not without
hope. especially as could see the flush
deepen on her checks whenever | was
announced. She wore mourning, and |
often longed to question her about the
loss it implied; but our private inter
views were very brief, and but seldom
occurred, and she never spoke Of her sor-
row. l, too, had story to tell. OF
course. If she became my wife, she must
hear about Trot.
1t was the day before Christmas, and
being lovely day, venturcd to propose
ride, meaning to open my heart to her.
She accepted my proposal readily, and we
were soon on our way. Somehow there
fell long silence between us; | longing,
but not daring to speak, my eyes fixed
upon that lovely face. the eyes looking
down, the mouth set with a sadder ex-
preston than | had ever seen It wear.
Suddenly she spoke;
"I expect my parents, brothers and
sisters here tomorrow she said
For Christmas gayeties = questioned.
NO, to escape them," she replied;
'they are coming here to pass the day
quietly, far away from any festivity. 1t
is sad day for US. Do You believe in
broken heart, DOCTOR She asked.
yes | replied.
"And is it fatal:" she continued.
Sometimes | replied. 81 have
seen heavy sorrow drain away life"
my poor sister, she said sadly, her
eyes filling with tears; Il fear her
heart is broken Then after a pause,
she added, "A year ago-a year ago
poor little Trot"
"Trotl" | cried breathlesly.
eyes, my sisters only child, who died
on Christmas day, last year. she contln-
ued.
Died" l exclaimed, my hopes sinking.
Burnt to DEATH" she replied sadly.
eve had had Christmas tree for the
children in the nursery. Ny sister had
been a widow only three months, so we
had no holiday gathering, but we dressed
a tree for the little ones and lighted it on
Christmas Eve. The next morning the
children were all in the nursery, and we
suppose one of them tried to light the
tree. Certain it is that they set the room
on fire, and before we could say anything,
the whole house was in flames. All es-
capped but my sisters child-her only