Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-08-07
Gales aud Sketthes.
ALICE D,wSON.

Just about daybreak on the 23d of March
1862, large travelling dramatic combina-
ton arrived in one of our thriving Western
cities to disband for the season. In the
wai,ing-room of the depot the members
OF the company clustered together for a
final parting. Some of them were going
East that day ;others had obtained engage
ments in the ciry tor the remainder OF the
season, while still others knew not where
to 90. Two members Of the company
nv friend Edwin Wells. and myself-had
secured as temporary residence, an I'M
tepanted house in the suburbs of this city.
Mr.. Dawson, the manager of the combi-
nation and the owner of the house, had
offered us this place OF abode provided
we would care for the scenery and stage
euuipage he intended to store there. He
would also send US the few articles of fur
niture necessary to make the house habit
able.
After the city was astir we purchased a
small stock of provisions and started for
our rural retreat. Upon arrival at the
premises we were somewhat surprised to
| find a modern stone structure, with tur-
reted corners. mansard roof and high.
gothic windows 1t stood apart from the
other buildings on the boulevard, was
quite castlelike in appearance. and sur
rounded by grand park. with gravelled
walks and arbored avenues. An immense
brick stable stood far in the rear of the
building. and in this the scenery was to
be stored.
We entered the structure and found the
interior in perfect keeping with the out.
side appearance High decorated ceilings.
massive carved doors, wide Railways. and
immense stair cases. After examining
the house from top to bottom, we finally
quarters. its size and easy access being
more suitable for our use. A little later
our things arrived. and we set up our bed
and stove, kindled a fire, and in a short
time the sight of glowing Goals and the
odor of boiling coffee made the room
seem quite comfortable
My companion had naturally an inquir-
ing mind. and he had several times this
morning said quite abstractedly. "But
why does not Mr.. Dawson reside here P"
endeavored to find a reasonable answer
to the question, but all my solutions of the
problem were rejected by him as improb-
able, and the latter was at last dismissed
for the time by his remark, 1--WE shall
soon know"
Edwin Wells and myself had entered
the dramatic profession together years be
fore, and had been separated but one sea
son since. on which occasion he had Sc
cured an engagement as business manager
for a travelling meSmerist. He possessed
the secret of mesmerism, and had often
witnessed his operations and wondered at
his skill and judgment in the treating of
his subjects" He was remarkable
man in many respects. He entertained
strange notions on social and political
matters, was extremely fond of solving
problems of every kind, was a reader, a
reasoner and an excellent talker.
| After breakfa my companion said that
he had some business matters to attend to
in the city-that he would start at once
and return as soon as possible. | remained
to receive our trunks when they should
arrive. 1t was quite late in the afternoon
when my faend returned, and had closed
the shutter. lighted candle, and was re-
pairing some of my wardrobe
WELL" said he, after removing his hat
and coat and seating himself on the bed
81 know now why MIR Dawson does not
live in this house,
And suppose there is not much ro
nance about it either, is there ?"
You may Judge of that. But first let
me take cup of coffee and roll, for I'm
as hungry as the sea-"
''How many acts are there in the ira ge-
dy you are about to relate ?" asked
"Fear not, young man; it may not
freeze thy young blood Seriously, now.
| will tell you what | have ascertained
about this house"
81 shall not lose word" said
Then. to begin at the beginning | will
tell you that Mr.. Dawson. the owner of
this house. is very wealthy man. He
manages combinations more for occupation
and amusement than for gain. His father
left him an immense properis, and his in
vestments have returned we'll For nearly
half century the old homestead of the
Dawsons stood upon the site where this
house now stands. About twenty years
ago old Mr. Dawson died and the son
shortly after married a wealthy and hand
some lady The Did homestead was pulled
down and this beautiful structure reared in
its place. One child is all they ever had
bright beautiful boy. About six or ight
years ago this boy met with an accident or
a fright Gin just what manner have not
yet learned. which unsettled his reason
and left him what might be termed half
witted' periodically. Medical experts
have only succeeded in giving partial re-
lief. and | understand permanent cure
is despaired of by the parents. MIR. Daw-
son was often absent from his home for
short seasons on the road. and his wife had
urged him to adopt child to comfort and
relieve the long hours of solitude during
his absence. At last, in despair of restor,
ing his sons reason, he adopted a female
child from a founding home-a beautiful,
intelligent child, whose parents were en-
tirely unknown. Years passed. The girl
was educated. refined. accomplished Her
Nevery wish was gratified money expended
without a word she had been sent abroad
to complete her training in music and art
The most costly apparel and Jewels had
been given her. Her foster parents had
humored her in her desire to adopt the
stage as profession. She was an apt
scholar. and the time approached when
she was to make her debut. She loved
her parents dearly and was beloved by
them-now about Is years of age and a
beautiful, intelligent. accomplished wo-
man.
a. III