The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1883-07-20
HIS WIFE.

The sun had just set when 1 arrived
at Somerset station. A whole mile to
walk in the pleasantest part of the
pleasantest country in the world Soft
hills. bathed in the suns parting glow,
dotted the landscape on every side, and
over all smiled tender, brooding sky.
What keen enjoyment the anticipation
of a summer all alone with my best
friend had afforded me-and now 1
was almost there. There was the
house; old, brown and many-roomed,
and most of the rooms on the ground
floor. Grandmother herself had be
the architect of the establishment.
An enthusiastic lover of nature was
this old lady of seventy years. Yes,
there she was 1 caught glimpse of
her white sleeve on the win low-sill.
l would walk softly in and surprise
her. How exquisite the taste of this
presiding genius ! Heliotrope, migno-
nette and white roses Grandmother's
rose bushes were the envy Of the whole
neighborhood. Shy little violets bor-
dered the graveled walk leading to the
low door-stone, and over beyond. in
grandmother's pet field, millions Of vel
low-hearted daisies nodded and beck
oned to the soft evening breeze. Avoid
ing the treacherous pebbles, cut qui-
city across to the front door, stealing
with cat-like tread through the long,
narrow hallway, and entering the
sitting room on my tip toes. Wonder
full victory! Twice before had tried
this wonderful dodge, and each time
had the cid turkey gobbler betrayed
me. Where was he on this occasion;
and why, when l really need his SER
vices, did he not prove my friend?
Softly, softly, only step or two more.
The sensation of the next minute
wasn't anything to speak Of; mean
by that it was indescribable. The
back of grandmOther's big armchair
quite hid the occupant, and nothing
doubling, made with great dexterity
for grandmother eyes. l found tie
eyes, but they didn't belong to grand
mother. l knew that before their
saucy owner had imprisoned my
hands.
"Who is it?" said he, like one first
awakening from sleep, "Let me
guess. The fingers are too little for
Madge, and too long to belong to
Sarah p
/ found my tongue then. l would
not wrench my hands away. That
would be rudeness; for he evidently
supposed them the property of some
intimate friend.
please release me-" I said; and
then, as he rose quickly apparently
surprised by the voice of stranger
/ added, rather ludicrOusly, l suppose,
for the tall fellow in the shirt sleeves
laughed right heartily, Il thought you
were grandmother
"Never was taken for an old lady
before" he answered, with provoking
nonchalance; and then added, as he
hastily threw on dressing-gown,
"what do you think about it now?"
81 think l should like to know
where grandmother is, and"
"And what am doing here?" he
interrupted, with another laugh
"Your grandmother has gone to
spend the evening with sick neighbor.
belong to the next house-or rather
am visiting my sister. She was unex-
pectedly telegramed away, and as l
have been i'll, and am not quite well
enough to take care of myself in the
absence of housekeeper, your blessed
grandmother offered to look out for
me until my sisters return. My name
is David Alcott, and yours. take it,
is Miss Susan Ellis" And then we
shook hands.
That evening marked a new era in
my life. l was comfortable, as was
always the case at grandmother's, and
/ was happy too-happier than | had
ever been before. What it meant was
of no sort Of consequence to me then
l did not stop to analyze my sensations
but enjoyed to the utmost the strange
entertainment fate and placed before
me. Mr.. Alcott showed where grand
mother had left the Strawberries after
tea. and then l skinned pan OF
mornings milk, and prepared my
supper.
"You have been to tea, of course? p
inquired of the gentleman, who haC
again taken up his book.
Yes, but 1 should like few straw
berries, if you can spare me some" Sc
it CHANGED that he drew "A chair up t.
the little round table, proving mos
interesting companion.
In an hour or more after our littl
meal was over. sat on the door-ston
alone, watching for grandmother
Then he came to the door and said
"You needn't expect her before
o'clock. l wish / could sit here will
you."
And why not?" asked.
because am still in quarantine
Perhaps might make it pleasant TO