The Pickens sentinel. (Pickens, S.C.) 1911-2016, 1913-11-06
HOUSE "0vER THE Way
by UNA COUSINS.

village when 1t became known that
the house "over the way" had been
rented. We prided ourselves on hav-
ing quite an aristocratic little neigh
porhood, and as there were only one
or two rented houses, we always felt
anxious about q new arrival.
Inc 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 q merry |
twinkle in her roguish eyes, said:
Don't you wish, Nell, 1t may be
rich widow with two or threo hand
some sons? What an addition they
would be to our circle"
IL! What need / care IL it were SO
hadn't Philip? Perhaps looked
this, for they all laughed, although l
had not spoken word In reply.
On Monday tho furniture arrived,
and toward evening n carriage con-
tanning two ladies'. Tho house was
speedily put in order. and in weeks
time the excitement had somewhat
subsided, although no one had rs yet
seen tho now tenant. On Saturday
strange lady sat in tho 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, tho minister's daughter inform
3 H.,
this lovely widow. About forty, |
should judge.
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 q
study Of her?
Mamma and l called, and learned
during our visit that Mrs. Lee had
, sought our quiet village for change Of
T. 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-
| scribcd.
! Mrs Leo inquired the namo Of our
physician, and was told Dr.. Philip
, Ring-my Philip, as they all called
him. Why did wish he had not been
named
At parting, sho pressed me to call
frequently. Sho loved young folks.
she said; and how often did find my
self running over during the summer
that followed.
A few days after my first call
was surprised to see Philip open tho
little gate that led to tho 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 sho not lovely?" l asked
more than lovely" he answered.
"She has engaged me professionally
during her stay in the village.
Need / 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 centered in the
new tenant; and yet could not blame
him, for I soon learned to love her,
too. I saw that people watched, and
saw they pitied mo- yet I was strange
ly Indifferent. What I felt in secret
none should ever know.
And so tho summer passed, and Sep
tember approached She would leave
us in November What had the sum
mer brought to me? A namelcss pain
"A JOY and sorrow blended.
Tonight, however, had promised to
take tea at the cottage. During the
evening she played, and we sang a few
duets. What rich, clear voice she
had; how well our voices blended-my
own being fine contralto.
Nov for cozy chat" she said, ris-
Ing from the piano. Sho told mo Of
the two lovely boys laid away in the
churchyard, Of her beloved husband,
loved SO dearly, mourncd 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
tho spiritland, Of the happy summer
just passed, which my friendship had
gladdened. l felt at this moment l
would have been willing to make any
sacrifice to have kept her with US.
Philip came In during tho evening At
half past ten I arose to say good
night.
Sho followed us to the door Turn.
ing impulsively, / threw my arms
around her, and kissed her l had
never done SO before. What prompt
cd me to do 50 now? She returned
my embrace, exclaming warmly:
God bless you, darling!"
Turning abruptly to Philip, she
said:
Take good care Of Nellie; she is
n treasure. Good night"
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.