The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1913-12-02
HOUSE "OVER THE Way
BY UNA COUSINS.

There was quite stir in our quiet
village when it became known that
the house 'over the way had been
rented. We prided ourselves on hav-
ing quite an aristocratic little neigh
borhood, and as there were only one
or two rented houses, we always felt
anxious about new arrival
The new tenants were to arrive on
Monday, and when we young folks
gathered at our usual choir practice,
the matter was fully discussed Philip
Ring. the rising M. D., gave as his
opinion that they would be two old
maids, with number of birds and
cats. Gertie Black, with merry
twinkle in her roguish eyes, said:
Don't you wish, Nell, it may be a
rich widow with two or three hand
some sons? What an addition they
would be to our ctrcle!''
IL What need l care if it were so
hadn't l Philip? Perhaps l looked
this, for they all laughed, although l
had not spoken a word in reply.
On Monday the furniture arrived.
and toward evening a carriage con-
tanning two ladies'. The house was
speedily put In order, and in weeks
time the excitement had somewhat
subsidized, although no one had as yet
seen the new tenant. On Saturday
strange lady sat in the minister's pew
"a lady from the crown of her head
to the tips of her dainty boots" You
needed only to glance at her to see
this. How beautiful she was! l,
woman, was ready to acknowledge it
at first sight. Her name was Mrs.
Lee, the minister's daughter inform
ed us-just the name which suited
this lovely widow. About forty, l
should judge.
l had just arrived at this conclu-
sion as the benediction was pro-
nounced, and awoke from a delicious
dream. What was this lovely young
widow to me, that / should make
study of her?
Mamma and / called, and learned
during our visit that Mrs. Lee had
sought our quiet village for change of
air. We were introduced to her aunt,
an elderly lady, who took charge of
the little household, leaving her niece
to perfect quiet and rest, as pre-
scribed
Mrs. Lee inquired the name of our
physician, and was told DR. Philip
Ring-my Philip, as they all called
him. Why did l wish he had not been
named.
At parting, she pressed me to call
frequently. She loved young folks,
she said; and how often did l find my
self running over during the summer
that followed.
A few days after my first call 1
was surprised to see Philip open the
little gate that led to the cottage,
and after ringing the doorbell, be in
stantly admitted. Later in the day
he told me Mrs. Lee was very i'll, not
dangerously SO, but with one Of her
old attacks.
rs she not lovely?" 1 asked
More than lovely" he answered.
she has engaged me professionally
during her stay in the village
Need l tell you what followed-of
Philips love for this beautiful wom-
an ten years older than himself; of his
mad worship, his utter neglect of old
friends? From this time he was her
constant companion in drives and
walks, which were frequent. All his
hopes in life seemed conferred in the
new tenant; and yet l could not blame
him, for l soon learned to love her,
too. l saw that people watched, and
saw they pitied me; yet l was strange
ly Indifferent What l felt in secret
none should ever know.
And so the summer passed, and Sep
TENDER approached. She would leave
US in November. What had the sum-
mer brought to me? A Shameless pain
"a joy and sorrow blended
Tonight, however, l had promised to
take tea at the cottage. During the
evening she played, and we sang few
duets. What rich, clear voice she
had; how well our voices blended-my
own being a fine contralto.
Now for a coy chat" she said, ris-
ing from the piano. She told me of
the two lovely boys laid away in the
churchyard. Of her beloved husband,
loved SO dearly, mourned SO deeply,
laid to rest by their side five years
ago, of the disease which might at
any moment call her to join them in
the spiritland, Of the happy summer
just passed. which my friendship had
gladdened. I felt at this moment l
would have been willing to make any
sacrifice to have kept her with us.
Philip came in during the evening At
half past ten arose to say good
night.
She followed US to the door. Turn
ing impulsively, l threw my arms
around her, and kissed her. l had
never done so before What prompt
ed me to do so now? She returned
my embrace, exclaiming warmly:
God bless you, darlingl"
Turning abruptly to Philip, she
said:
Take good care of Nellie; she is
a treasure. Good night"
l was surprised next morning by an
early visit from Philip. He told me
that Mrs. Lee was dead; he had been
sent for toward morning, to find her
dying.
We stood together, and gazed on
the beloved dead-lovelier even in
death than in life. A perfect white
fuIl-blown rose nestled in her bosom.
My own floral gift placed within her
perfect hand.
On her dressing table lay note di-
rected to me; when opened it contain
ed a draft for $4,000, with her best
love. They laid her to rest by the
side of her loved ones, and long be-
fore the first of November the cottage
vas without q tenant