Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1889-02-08

Dibdin and my pipe, cheap affair,
which, considering my Loneliness, ad-
mitted to a share of my affections, the
days passed On.
NV chief amusement in those days was
to wander among the many book shops
and book stalls of the city. If could
not call them mine, could at least
feast my hungry eyes upon the cheerful
looking volumes, as they held neigh
borly intercourse upon the shelves. Now
and then rare folio, scarce edition,
or an old print. would cause me to start
with the ardor of possession, and the
bookseller generally bent with age and
with the appearance Of u scholar would
eye me with suspicion. But after many
visits my poverty never allowed me to
purchase), the propEietors learned to
look upon me as harmless bibliomaniac;
often in the throes of ecstasy over some
treasure, / would pour out my learning
in riotous wealth of language, causing
their wonder and their admiration. 1t
was thus obtained the privileges Of the
many shops in B..
1t was while making my rounds ono
morning, that | picked up small vol
ume which appeared familiar to me. l
knew it's shape, its color and its history,
for had l not myself parted with it only
after profound misgivings3 opened
it, and there in my familiar characters.
was the inscription that l had placed
there years before:
To MI S MARY HEATHCoTE.
From her Friend, Milton Cope,
It was a rare edition of the songs of
George Herbert, and l had UNDERSIGNED
the lines:
q Only a sweet and virtuous soul,
Like seasonal timber, never gives;
But though the whole world turn to coal,
Then chiefly lives"
o faithless womankind! I recalled
those melting eyes, those trembling
hands, and called myself a fool for
treasuring a memory of the inconstant
one. went over with much force all
the poetical anathemas which, from the
beginning of time. have been hurled at
woman. No doubt she had sold my gift,
and it had strayed hither, to make food
for the unfeeling eyes of city multi
tide. Questioned the bookseller, but
he knew nothing. was too poor to pur-
chase the volume, but begged him to put
it aside until | could claim it.
1t was now five years since / left the
town of D. l remembered that had
never written home, for had a romantic
notion that l would be famous within
six months after my departure. in
tended to announce myself to my parents
and to Mary with flourish of trImpets,
filling the one with remoSe, and the
other with pride. Then, after tears and
reconciliation, I would be King of home
and love, and --
That volume upset me. 1t made me
angry, it made me sal. I had begun an
article on Bibliolatry, but could not
finish it. In the midst Of a brown study
heard knock at my door, followed by
the curt announcement: GA lady to see
YOU" The statement staggered me; it
almost induced fit of laughter. For
five long years the only intercourse [
had had with womankind was the
monthly meeting with my landlady. But
before could control my establishment,
in stepped Mary Heathaote. Remem-
bering the book, I greeted her with but
moderate warmth, while the effusiveness
of her so Milton!' bewildered me.
l was more than troubled. AS I gazed
uuon her I could not believe she would
practice deceit. She was taller, fairer,
and more beautiful than when I left her,
with a sweet, angelic look which stilled
the rebellious words upon my tongue.
l gradually learned that my father was
very ill at D -, that, he expressing an
earnest desire to see me, my presence had
been advertised for. That, obtainingno
information, Mary, prompted by love,
and thinking that because of the mar
rowness of my purse had sought the
nearest large city, B, started out
bravely in search of me, with but few
dollars to aid her, and my treasured vol
ume of songs to console her. Seeing her
money fade away, and yet hopeful of
meeting me, she reluctantly parted with
my offering.
At this started up and embraced my
darling. How I cursed myself for my
doubts How I blamed myself for
questioning one of the rurest, noblest
spirits that ever lived! l dried her tears
with kisses, and told her how unworthy
of her | was
Nary then proceeded to relate how she
found my address. Knowing me to be
lover of books, she naturally inquired
about me at the stalls. Before had sue
ceeded in getting some literary work to
do, it seems that had left my address
at one Of the booksellers in case he at
any time should be in need Of one we'll
up in folios and fy-leaves.
And so with new Joy in my heart, nd
accompanied by Mary, babe goodbye
to my landlady, who really seemed sorry
to part with me. | approached the home
had not seen in five years with tumult-
uous spirit. Remorse tinged my feelings,
and when, shortly after, my father died,
my sorrow knew no bounds.
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