The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-01-14

was incorrect. Nothing was further
from the gentle invalid's thought than
either the desire or ability to try him
so,or the knowledge which could prompt
that desire. He saw that he had merely
added one more illustration of the say
ing that there are more things in heaven
and earth than are dreamed of in our
philosophy. A sense of honor prevent
ed him from yielding to his desire to en-
courage Miss Fairfield to gossip on this
subject. She was garrulous, and had
perfect faith in him but If there was
ever to be a time when he should ask
for information of any one in Mrs.
Burkhardt's house without first con-
sulting Mrs. Burkhardt herself, that
time had not yet come. He had far
more valuable source of knowledge in
Mr.. Stanley, with whom he proposed to
communicate at once.
There is no accounting for dreams,"
he said, rising.
And, with this trite remark, he took
his leave, and went downstairs.
Mrs. Burkhardt stood on the piazza
as he went out, but did not seem dispos-
ed to detain him.
find that you have sibyl in your
house," he said, as he lifted his hat on
passing. Miss Fairfield has dreamed
dream"
He stepped into his buggy, bowed
again to the lady looking after him, and
drove swiftly down the avenue. Near
the entrance-gate he met an open car
riage driving up to the house. 1t con-
tanned an old gentleman whom he had
never seen before, he thought. This
stranger was about fifty years of age,
hale and keen-eyed, and, in passing, he
favored the doctor with glance like an
| arrow.
'Pretty good eyes," thought the doc
tor coolly for it had been Greek meeting
| Greek.
Dismissing the incident from his
mind, he drove rapidly homeward. His
home was the same little cottage where
we first saw him: but there have been
various changes and Improvements
made there during the last ten years.
More land has been added, stable built,
and conservatory run along the south
side next the parlors. Everything shows
taste, and though the place is not impos-
ing, there is evidence that money is not
lacking. Indeed, there are many who
wonder, and have long wondered, why
Doctor Thayer does not buy q stateler
mansion-though nothing can be more
charming than this little retreat.
In its small way, Vine Cottage is as
admirably ordered as the Hail. A man
stepped out of the garden-as the doctor
came up, and, with a respectful bow,
took the Doctors horse.
"Any calls, Tim ?'
| "NO, SIR"
"Put him up, then"
Going directly into the house, the doc
tor passed through the long, airy, parlor
to small room in the rear which he
used as study. There were his books,
and there he wrote his letters, and there
he retired when he wished to be alone.
Not that he was much troubled for soli-
tude for, save when Charles Wilson
came out to stay over night or to dine
with him, or Meeta Coolidge came once
year with her children to spend a
week, or when he invited some occa-
sional guest, Doctor Thayer dwelt alone
| with his servants. Poor Anne Thayer,
weak, selfish, but loving, had died be-
| fore she had been year married-died
in the full flush of happiness, and before
she had ever seriously saddened her
husbands heart, or embittered her own.
Her few faults were all forgotten by
him, and only her virtues and her love
for him were borne in mind.
g Poor child !" her husband used to
sigh when he thought of her.
"That word told the story. To him
she had been child; gentle, loving, but
no companion nor help-meet. He had
no desire to marry again in hurry and,
with years and added culture, had been
more fastidious and hard to please.
But the place was lonely, and the
doctor seldom crossed his threshold
without sigh. This time, however, he
forgot all loneliness, having troop of
thoughts for company.
How could / have become so listless
about that child-that young lady, she
is now :" he thought aloud. " Clearly,
something is about to be revealed.