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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations
THE JAMES BLACK COLLECTION
PRESENTED BY THE
NATIONAL TEMPERANCE SOCIETY
JANUARY 1917


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VT?


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JAMES BLACK LIBRARY.
No.......





THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS



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Frontispiece. Page 7








JAMES BLACK LIBRARY.

No......
The
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10. ALL-Typore
BOSTON: JENRY 4. YOUNG & Co.
No. 13 BRONFIELD STRRET.


THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS


Matei
/
1
The hermit of alcombe .
alimentare
BY
MARY DWINELL CHELLIS,
“Author of "Bill Drock's Investment,” “Old Doctor's Son,"
“Mark Dunning's Enemy," &a
NOR
HENRY A. YOUNG & Co.
BOSTON:


THE NEW YOR:
PUBLIC LIBRAR:
90547
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATION
R
1918
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by
HENRY A. YOUNG & CO.,
Jo the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.


The Hermit of Holcombe
.
Acco
CHAPTER I.
Fill high the glass with ruby wine,
And shout the praises of the vine;
Drink, till forgotten care and ill,
Drink, till each pulse shall feel the thrill;
But know, for this, stern judgments wait,
And he who drinks must bide his fate.
OOK, Hal! Rip Van Winkle must
have fallen asleep, for the second
time, among these hills; and just
waked up.
See! There he comes,
down the street."
Rip Van Winkle, indeed,” was the reply.
Only he lacks the ruddy face and stout


6
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
figure of a Dutchman. Here, Crombie, who
is that coming down the street?"
“ Mr. Wolcott, the hermit, as he is called.
He must be out on special business, or he
wouldn't be dressed in that style. Haven't
you seen him, before ? I forgot, though,
you are new comers. Mr. Wolcott is one
of the institutions of Holcombe. An old
school gentleman, but a little flighty;" and
the speaker touched his forehead, as he said
this. “He is looking his best to-day ; prob-
ably going to the bank, for his monthly
allowance. It is after hours, but they always
accommodate him. He must have spent too
much time in polishing his buckles ;” all
which only served to stimulate the curiosity
of Warren Lewis and Harry Manson.
A coat of ancient fashion, short breeches
and long stockings, knee-buckles and buckled
shoes would have made Mr. Wolcott a con-
spicuous figure, without the military hat,


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
7
which was the crowning glory of his ward-
robe. Tall and stately, although age had
set its seal upon him, he walked slowly
down the street, bowing ceremoniously to all
whom he met.
“ He must have learned his manners in
good society,” remarked Warren Lewis.
“ Did you see how polite he was to that
old woman? We must ask Aunt Ellen about
him. I thought I had seen all the wonders
of Holcombe, long ago !”
“ How long ?” was asked in reply, as the
two young students passed through an open
gate, to a large old-fashioned house, over
which Aunt Ellen presided. She was stand-
ing on the piazza, looking weary and sad,
yet smiling, as they approached.
“ Is Ellis suffering much this afternoon ?"
asked Harry, forgetting, for the moment,
Mr. Wolcott, and his quaint dress.
“ Yes, he has suffered very much," an-


8
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
swered the lady. “He has been wishing
he could go out under the trees; and it
does seem hard that he must be denied all
boyish sports.”
“ It is too bad,” said Warren Lewis.
“ And he could be such a splendid scholar,
too. One of the fellows told me he'd begun
to study Latin with Uncle Paul.”
“ Yes, he had; and sometimes he studies
it for a little while, now, when he feels like
applying himself. He has been more rest-
less than usual, to-day. I hoped your uncle
would come home early."
“You are very tired, Aunt Ellen."
“I believe I am, and a little dispirited,"
was the reply.”
Mrs. Farley was
more than a little dis-
pirited. Her boy, upon whom she doted,
and for whom she had dreamed of a future,
bright only as may be, in a mother's dream,
was to be a cripple. For hours, he would
>
>
1


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
S
lie, with his head thrown back, unnaturally,
and his thin lips quivering with pain. That
day the hours had seemed longer, and the
pain harder to bear than usual. He grew
restless; fretting at confinement, and longing
for change.
“ If father would only come. Do see if
he is coming, mother,” he said ; and it was
for this Mrs. Farley had gone out upon the
piazza.
“ Uncle will be late to-night," remarkec
Harry Manson. “ Some gentlemen called
just before the close of the last recitation.
Don't you think Ellis would let me bring
him out of doors ? I am very strong, and
I am used to carrying my sister. She says
I carry her better than father.
Please,
when I come down stairs, you come out of
the room, and I think I can coax him to
let me try.”
“I wish you could, Harry. It would be


10
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
a
such a relief; but if he should consent, you
may, sometime, find your kindness over.
tasked. I used to carry Ellis, myself, until
your uncle and the doctor forbade it.”
Harry went to his room, and returned,
presently, looking so fresh and strong, that
the very sight of him was a tonic. He wore
dressing-gown which Ellis particularly
admired, and an embroidered velvet cap
which his invalid sister, Sadie, had given
him the day before he left home.
6 Will
I do?” he asked, as he passed his aunt in
the hall, and the next moment he was
standing by Ellis.
“Oh, dear! I hoped it was father,” said
the boy. I want to go out of doors."
“ Can't you ride in your carriage ?”
6 No; I'd rather lie here,” he answered,
impatiently. * It hurts me to ride, and it
never was half so good as riding in father's
How nice you look," he added
9
66
arms.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
11
66
seeming for the first time to observe his
cousin's appearance.
“ I'm cross to-day,
cousin Harry, and I know it's wicked; but
it seems as though I couldn't help it;"
and two large tears rolled down the pale
cheeks.
“I don't wonder you feel so," was the
kind reply. “You are tired of staying in
the house. Sadie gets tired very often, and
then I carry her in my arms till she gets
rested."
“ But I thought cousin Sadie was a young
lady; and you are only a large boy.”
“A pretty large boy,” replied Harry,
laughing. “I am nearly as tall as your
father, and Sadie is a very small young
lady. So it is easy for me to carry her.”
“ Is she as heavy as I am ? "
“I presume she is.
She is five years
older than you. Let me lift you, and see
which is the heavier."
>
>
>


12
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66 Put your
2
66 I
“ But won't you hurt me, cousin Harry ?
Everybody does, except father and mother.*
“I don't think I shall hurt you, Ellis ;”
and the young man bent over the couch,
upon which rested his cousin.
arms around my neck. There, now did I
hurt you?”
“ Not a bit," was the joyous answer.
guess you've learned how. You didn't pull
me any where."
“I guess I have learned. I have carried
Sadie a good many miles in my arms. Now,
where would you like to go?”
66 Under the trees. I want
“Well, what do you want ? Just imagine
that I am a good fairy, able to grant anything
>
you desire.”
1
“ I want to go down to the pond; but it's
too far for you to carry such a heavy
boy.”
66 We'll see about that. We can take it
easily."


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
13
>
All this time, Harry had been pacing the
room with a slow, measured tread, soothing
by its very uniformity. “Now, do you think
you will trust me to
carry you out of
doors ?” he asked.
“ I guess I will, cousin.
I feel better,
already, and I am going to love you, ever
so much. I didn't want to have you and
cousin Warren come here. Did you know
it?"
“ How should I?” was the evasive reply.
" Why didn't you wish to have us come?”
56 I'm ashamed to tell; but I will, though,
because mother says we feel better, when
we confess we've done wrong. I was afraid
father and mother wouldn't think so much
of
me,
after
you come. I was foolish and
naughty; but I shan't do so again.
“I guess you won't, Ellis.
Suppose we
go and find your mother.
Aunt Ellen; two boys walking on one pair
Here we are,


14
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
6 Ob
of feet; and if you will walk with us, we
shall have no trouble.”
“Oh, mother!” cried the lame boy
“ Cousin Harry carries me every bit as well
as father does. He learned how, carrying
Sadie. Good afternoon, cousin Warren.”
“Good afternoon," answered the young
66 You are really getting up
the world. I must take lessons of Hal, so
I can carry you myself. He is considered
a wonderful nurse at Uncle Manson's. Sadie
says he never gets tired.”
“ Aren't you getting tired ?" asked Ellis,
when they had been out of doors a short
man.
in
time.
“Not at all,” was the reply. “You are
not so heavy as Sadie. We must go to the
pond, now we are so near. Are you com
fortable ?"
“ Yes, indeed ; and a pair of wasted
arms were twined more closely around the
good cousin's neck.
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
By the pond there were some rustic
benches, and here, the whole party were
resting, when Professor Farley found them.
“ As the house was deserted, I came in
search of the inmates," he said. “I could
not avoid being late, although I supposed
Ellis would be impatient to see me. But I
see that he has transferred his allegiance
to Harry.”
“I was impatient to see you, father, and
I am ever so glad to see you, now," re-
sponded Ellis, from his new resting place.
“But isn't cousin Harry real good, to carry
me ?"
“ Very good, and I am very much obliged.
But I will relieve you now, Harry."
“Not unless Ellis prefers that you should.
It seems like home, to have some one in
my arms, and I am not so tired as you."
Ellis did not care to change, and the Pro
fessor had the privilege of resting.
>
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
I saw a friend of yours, as I was coming
home,” he remarked to his wife. " Mr. Wol.
cott is out, in court dress, and he enquired
for my lady, with as much gallantry as
could any Knight of the olden time. I
invited him to take tea with us; but he
thought his business would detain him until
too late. He may come, however, and per-
haps we had better return to the house. The
young gentlemen can stay here, longer, if
they choose.”
“ I want to see Mr. Wolcott, if he comes,"
said Ellis, quickly.
66 That must be the man we saw when
we were coming home,” remarked Warren
Lewis. 66 Crombie said his name was Wol-
cott. He is, certainly, a striking looking
person.”
“ A wreck of a noble man," was the re-
sponse.
“An old man, too, although he
stands erect as most of our young men.”
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
17
an-
6 But how came he to be as he is,
now?” asked Harry.
“ It is a long story, in its details,"
swered the Professor. “Failure in business,
woman's treachery, and intoxicating drink,
have wrought his ruin. I will give you his
history, sometime.”
“There he is, coming now," exclaimed
Ellis; and truly there was the very man,
of whom they were speaking. He had ac-
complished his business before seeing Profes-
sor Farley ; but it was his way to talk of
pressing engagements, and urgent business.
“ I hope I am not intruding,” he said,
removing his hat, and bowing so low to
Mrs. Farley that his lips nearly met her
extended hand. 66 The Professor invited me
to his house, and I anticipated so much
pleasure in coming, that I postponed my
business."
66 And we are very glad to see you, only


18
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66
6 Mr.
sorry we were not in the house to welcome
you," was the reply of his host.
Wolcott, these are our nephews, Warren
Lewis, and Harry Manson, who have come
to study under my tuition.”
“ Very happy to see you, young gentle-
men,” was
was the response, as the speaker
bowed with flattering deference.
66 You
could not find a wiser teacher, or a more
delightful home."
It was then Ellis' turn to be noticed, and
he had no reason to complain of neglect.
The odd visitor complimented, pitied, and
amused him, in such strange fashion, that
he could hardly restrain a hearty laugh.
“I am very glad to see you," said the
boy, frankly. “I haven't been very happy,
to-day, until cousin Harry brought me out
here."
“Why not happy ? ” was asked.
“Because I couldn't get up and walk,


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
19
just where I wanted to. If I could only
walk and run like other boys, I should be
happy.”
“ You see, Ellis makes the same mistake
as many grown people. He thinks his own
troubles the severest of any,” remarked the
Professor; and then added, before a reply
could be made, “ Perhaps we had better go
to the house. I am sure my wife is think-
ing of tea.”
“Are you ready to go, Ellis ?” asked his
cousin.
“ Yes; but would you rather have father
(เ
carry me?”
56 No.
When I am tired, I will find a
way to dispose of you,” was the reply.
“Warren, you can walk on as fast as you
please. We propose to be slow and stately."
Tea was served in Mrs. Farley's best
style, and her guest adapted himself to his
surroundings with ease and grace. He talked


20
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
upon various subjects, intelligently and well.
Occasionally, there would be a slight hesi-
tation, or short pause; but beyond this,
there was nothing to indicate a diseased
brain.
Ellis, bolstered up in a large chair, which
had been constructed expressly for him, en-
joyed the entertainment so much, that he
forgot his helplessness. “Isn't he the fun-
niest man, father ?” was the exclamation,
so soon as the family were left by them-
selves.
“ He is very strange,” was the reply. “I
have rarely seen him appear so well as he
has this evening. He must have been on
short allowance for liquor, lately. To-mor-
row he will probably be intoxicated.”
“What! That man get intoxicated !” ex-
claimed Harry Manson..
“ Certainly.
Does it seem strange to
>
you?"


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
21
“ Yes, sir. He is such a fine scholar,
and so intelligent; how can he stoop to in-
toxication ?”
“ In the same way which others do. But
it is a terrible desecration in his case. He
is a graduate of old Harvard, and was one
of the most promising young merchants of
Boston. Now, he lives in a tumble-down
cottage, half a mile from any other house.
To-day, he appears like a gentleman ; to
morrow, he may be as beastly drunk as the
most degraded sot in town. He has drawn
his monthly allowance, and will have the
means of gratifying his appetite.”
to a questioning glance from his nephews,
the Professor continued : -“He has wealthy
6
relations who provide for him. He draws
a sum, each month, more than sufficient
to meet all necessary expenses ; but I pre-
sume he sometimes suffers for the want of
suitable food. I have seen him, myself,
when he had been fasting.”.
In reply
>


22
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“ He ate a lot of supper, to-night,” said
Ellis, whose whole attention had been ab
sorbed in the conversation.
“ We were glad to have him,” responded
Mrs. Farley, with a slight accent of reproof.
“Yes, mother; but I thought perhaps he
had been fasting, as father said.”
“ Very likely, Ellis. He spends most of
his money soon after he gets it, and then
manages as he can.”
“But can't he be made to do differently ?”
asked Warren Lewis. “It seems as though
he might be influenced in some way.”
" It does seem so,
when you
take an
abstract view of such a case. But I know
of only one way in which he could be in-
fluenced. If he was confined, where he
could never act freely, he would not use in-
toxicating liquors. His friends have thought
of this; but, on the whole, consider it best
to leave him as he is.
In one sense,
he


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
23
has made a wreck of himself, and his course
seems inexcusable; in another, he deserves
sympathy rather than condemnation. When
the firm, of which he was a member, failed
in business, he lost everything, while his
partner was enriched ; and in less than a
year this partner married the lady to whom
Mr. Wolcott had been engaged for some
time.
This occurred forty years ago; and
since then he has been a wretched, restless
man. Most people consider him insane. I
am not sure in regard to that; but it is
certain that he lacks both faith in God, and
a sense of his own responsibility. Had he
possessed these, in the outset, hard as it
might have been for him to bear the dis.
appointment of all his hopes, he would have
endeavored to do his duty, and thus found
peace and contentment."
For a while no one made any response
to this. Mrs. Farley, whose sympathies were


24
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
strongly enlisted for the unfortunate man,
could only have expressed her sympathy;
while her nephews would have considered
it boasting, to say what they really thought.
“He was a fool," at length said Warren
Lewis. “No need of being a drunkard,
because every thing don't go right. He
couldn't have had a very strong mind, to
begin with.”
“ You might say that in regard to every
one who does wrong,” replied his uncle,
smiling, a little sadly, at the self-confidence
thus expressed. 66 We all yield to tempta-
tion, when we ought to stand strong. I
suppose you have seen instances of such
weakness."
“ Yes, sir, I have ; and been myself an
instance,” answered Warren, with a blush.
6. But Mr. Wolcott's case is different. te
has wasted his whole life. I shouldn't do
that.”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
25
66 And
“I know you would not deliberately re-
solve to do that,” was the reply.
I much doubt if any one so resolves. It
is giving way, inch by inch, which brings
us into danger; and it is refusing to do
the duties of each day which makes life a
failure.”
“ But what if we can't do anything ?”
asked Ellis, looking at his father, with sad,
earnest eyes.
“We can do something, my boy," was
the quick, cheerful reply. “If nothing more,
,
we can be patient and hopeful, even when
suffering; and we can be grateful for all the
blessings which God gives us.
Mr. Wolcott thought he had nothing to live
for, when he lost his money, and the woman
he loved; but he might have had a happy
life, for all that, if his heart had been
right. Now, I have given quite a lecture,
young gentlemen.
I think it will be suf-
I suppose


26
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
ficient for once, and my boy is getting
tired. I can tell by the flush on his cheek.
Don't you think we had better go to your
room, Ellis ? "
“Yes, sir, I am tired; but I want to
ask you some questions about something I
read in my new book, to-day. Perhaps I
could have made it out myself, if I hadn't
been so impatient. It has been one of my
wicked days, but I mean to be better to-
morrow."
Mr. Farley went out with his son, and
Harry said,
6 Do tell us more about Mr. Wolcott, Aunt
Ellen. Who keeps his house for him ?”
“ He is his own housekeeper,” was the
reply. 6. The woman who lives in the near-
est house cooks most of his food, and puts
his house in order, whenever she has an
opportunity. Sometimes, he asks her to do
this; but generally, she sweeps and scrubs


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
27
66
when he is away.
If he is in what he
calls bad spirits, he fastens the house to
prevent her getting in; so that, often, there
is no cleaning done for weeks.
6 Why don't his friends take him away,
and oblige him to live decently ? ”
They have wished to do so, but he
prefers to stay here. When he first came
into town, he boarded at the hotel, and did
some writing. He posted books, and kept
the bank accounts, until he drank so badly
that he could not be trusted. Then his
friends bought and furnished the house where
he lives, and where he will probably die.
He refuses to have any repairs made, and
clings to every old garment as though far
better than new. The suit he wore to-day,
is kept carefully locked up in a large trunk,
and his fancy for wearing it seems, to me,
more like insanity than anything else I have
observed in him. Perhaps you would like


28
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
to visit him some day. It is a pleasant walk
to his house; and if you should find him
sober, he would be very entertaining.”
Not long after this, the two cousins de-
cided to spend a half holiday in exploring
the country, and visiting Mr. Wolcott; an-
ticipating both pleasure and instruction.
Through the village they walked rapidly,
then, more slowly, pausing occasionally to
catch a view of some distant mountain, or
the gleaming of a tranquil lake.
“ We must have come nearly two miles,”
at length said Harry. 66 Uncle said the
hermit's house was a little back from the
road, on the right hand side, and surrounded
with old apple trees.”
Yes, all that,” was the reply. “Another
thing, he said we should see it from the
high hill. This one we are climb-
ing is high enough for the site of an ob
servatory. And look, there it is. The
>
66
top of


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
29
roof covered with moss, and part of the
windows boarded up. That must be the
place. I wonder if we shall find the old
gentleman at home."
The house was reached. They rapped
loudly; but no one responded. Again they
rapped, with no better success. They went
to another door; but this, like the one they
had already tried, was secured from within.
“ He must be gone. I am tired enough,
though, to rest, and may as well rest here
as anywhere,” said Harry, suiting the action
to the word, as he seated himself upon a
partly hewn log.
Warren proceeded to examine the outside
of the dwelling they wished to enter; and
after being lost sight of by his cousin, for
a few minutes, returned to say, in a low
tone, " Mr. Wolcott is at home, and I have
seen him."
“ Where?” was asked, quickly.


30
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“ On a bed. I looked through a crack in
the shutter, and it's my opinion he's drunk.
There's a jug in the chair beside the bed,
and he looks like a drunken man. Come
and see him."
>
66 But what if he should see us ? We
can't get out of sight if he does; and it
would be an awkward scrape to be caught.”
"No, danger of that. I tell you he's
drunk. Come along and see for yourself.”
They went to the backside of the house.
and through an opening in the window shut-
ter, saw the old man, clad in soiled and
ragged garments, extended upon a bed, the
covering of which was scarcely less soiled
and ragged. The floor of the room was
strewn with rubbish, and tracked with mud.
“ Terrible !” exclaimed Harry, in a loud
whisper. “I have a great mind to break
open the door, and rouse him. He may die
here alone. Perhaps he is dead already.”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
31
was a woman
“ No, he isn't dead. Hear him breathe ;
and they stood there, listening eagerly, while
he was unconscious of their presence. Time
passed unheeded.
" I believe I will go in," said Harry.
“ Better not do that,” replied some one
behind them. “ I did not intend to listen,”
added the woman; for it
who had spoken. “I've been on the look-
out all day, to see if anything was stirring
down here; and when I saw you come,
I
thought I'd come too. 'Twouldn't do the
least good in the world, for you to stir
He'd only rave round and tear
everything to pieces. I'm used to him, and
know about how he'll act."
“But it don't seem right to leave him
here in this condition, all alone,” was urged
in reply.
“I know it," answered the woman, moving
away from the window. “I used to think
him up.


32
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
something might be done for him, but I've
learned better. The last time his sister
was here, she said he must live and die
in this way.
Are you
When he's dead drunk, he
calls it forgetting his troubles, and says
that's all the happiness he has.
acquainted with him?"
“ We have seen him but once,” was the
reply. “He took tea at Uncle Farley's,
last week."
And you are the young men
he met there. That was the day he got
He hain't been sober, much,
- Oh, yes.
his money.
since then.
He won't let me
into the
house, and that's the reason it's so dirty.
Poor man! I pity him, but I can't help
him."
“ How long will he lie, as he is now ?”
"I can't tell. When he comes to, enough
to know anything, he'll drink as long as
there's any liquor in the jug; and when


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
33
can
>
that's gone, he'll be pretty near crazy, for
a day or two. Oh, it's a dreadful way to
live. I tell my boys I'd rather they'd die,
than grow up to drink liquor. Young men
think they stop, when they're a
mind to, but they find when they try, that
liquor's got the upper hand. I don't suppose
there's one in our academy any more prom-
ising than Mr. Wolcott was, when he was
of their age.
He's got all kinds of out-
landish books, and
was called
a great
scholar; but he's nothing but a poor, mis-
erable drunkard, after all. There, do ex-
for running on
Somehow,
when I get to talking about that man, I
don't know when to stop: and I've been
a good deal anxious, this day or two. Seems
to me he's got almost through.”
By this time they had reached the road,
where they separated ; but Warren observed
that, after standing, seemingly irresolute,
for a time, the woman retraced her steps.
cuse
me
so.


34
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66 If we haven't learned a lesson this af-
و۱
ternoon, we must be duli scholars," re-
marked Harry Manson.
“ I have learned a lesson,” was the reply.
66 What is it?”
“ Not to give up for trifles. I've made
up my mind what I want to do, in this
world, and I calculate to persevere, let
come what will. I'm going to be a wealthy
merchant, and if I fail once, I'll try again,
and keep trying, till I succeed. If any girl
,
cares more for somebody else than she does
for me, she'll be just welcome to go where
she pleases, and no hearts broken, either.
What lesson did you learn, Hal ?”
“I learned that there is danger in mod-
erate
“I know what you are going to say,” inter-
rupted Warren, impatiently. “I don't be-
lieve you've seen anything or anybody, for
the last three months, without reading a


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
35
temperance lecture. I'm not sure but you
find lectures in stones, and running brooks.”
"I do,” was the response.
“ Running
brooks are eloquent with the praises of
water, and stones bear a dumb testimony
to the grandeur of firmness. If I am to
be a physician, I must be well taught. I
don't mean, however, to make myself tire-
some to you. I know we don't think alike
about some things; but you can't deny that
such sottish drunkenness as Mr. Wolcott's
is terrible.”
>
“ I don't want to deny it, Hal. It seems
as terrible to me, as it does to you; and
1 hope you'll excuse me for speaking hastily.
I'm not half as good as you are, and every-
body knows it. I have an abiding sense
of your superiority."
“ Why, cousin Warren."
" It's the truth, Hal. Do you suppose
I've forgotten that you saved me from dis-


36
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
grace, last spring. You've saved me, too,
from doing wrong a good many times, just
because I should be ashamed to look you
in the face, afterwards."
“And somebody else has saved me,”
was the cheerful reply. “Sadie has been
my good angel. She is so sensitive and con-
scientious, I could never do anything to annoy
or grieve her. I might have many bad
habits, but for her. One who uses tobacco
or liquor is never welcome to her, and
I wouldn't lose her kisses, for all the jol-
lifications in the world. It was the desire
to relieve her sufferings, that made me think
of studying medicines.”
" You are half a doctor, now.
Such a
nurse! you'd receive a diploma from any
hospital in the country. For my part, I
don't see how you can like to stay with sick
people. Sadie is the only invalid I can tole-
erate, except Ellis.”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
37
“I am glad you can tolerate them,” re
sponded Harry Manson, thinking how often
Sadie had said, “What should I do, if you
were like Warren!' “I like to be with sick
people, if I can do them good. I mean to talk
with Mr. Wolcott about drinking, and if I
can't persuade him to give it up, perhaps I
shall learn something that will be of benefit
to others. I want to be a physician for both
minds and bodies.”
“ You are the strangest fellow, cousin Hal.
Here you are, only seventeen years old, talk-
ing like an old man. I should n't wonder if
you should go as a missionary to the Sandwich
Islands. "Twould be in keeping with some
things I've known of you, and I've no doubt
you'd win hearts for yourself, if not souls for
Christ.”
“ Hush, Warren. You are touching sacred
things with careless hands."
“May be I am, Hal; though I didn't think


88
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
of it. But, before you go, you must see me
well settled in business. You know you're
expected to keep me in the way I should go.
If I was like Ellis!”
“ What if you were ?”
"I should wish to die."
“ Are you sure ?” asked Harry, seriously.
« Life is sweet."
“Not if we can do nothing but suffer, and
be a burden to others."
66 But Ellis is not a burden.
Neither is
Sadie. And they may do more good, in their
weakness, than we, with our strength."
“Either of them will do more good than 1,”
was the response.
66 As for you, you are a
model young man; while it is hoped that I
shall catch something of your goodness, by
>
reflection."
Not often was Warren Lewis in such mood;
but while under its influence, nothing was too
extravagant for him to say. Dowered richly,


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
39
by nature, and wanting for nothing which
money or friends could give, it seemed
strange that, so young, he should have
aught to regret, or those who loved him
aught to fear. But, as he said, his cousin
had once saved him from open disgrace, and
often saved him from wrong doing, by the
force of example. Mortified, whenever he
thought of this, and impatient at the tem-
perance lectures, which seemed to him to
be preached in season and out of season,
he expressed himself bitterly.
" I'm ashamed of myself, Hal,” he ex-
claimed, after a short silence. The lesson
you learned this afternoon, was plainly.
writ."
66 It seemed so to me, was the reply.
“But let us talk of something else. We
shall have letters from home this evening,
I, a long one from Sadie. I wish I had
her in my arms this minute.”


40
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66
“How you do love that girl, Hal! Do
you expect to love another?”
May be. Yes, I hope so. I can't help
it, if I see one as lovable."
Letters were found and read before the
cousins entered their uncle's house. No
sooner was their step heard in the hall,
than Ellis called,
“Please come here, cousin Harry, and
tell me all about Mr. Wolcott. You said
you would.”
" And I will, as soon as I have disposed
of a quantity of dust for which I have no
use,” was the reply.
It was a sad story he told, interrupted
by frequent ejaculations, and expressions of
regret.
“Oh, mother, what makes God let him
do so ?” asked the invalid boy.
"I don't know, my child," she answered
“ He is not obliged to do so."


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
41
“ No, mother; but you say,”
“Don't go to philosophizing,” interrupted
Harry, smiling. “Wait a while before you
try to understand the mysteries of Provi-
dence. One thing we all know.
We are
never obliged to do wrong."
“We know more than that," added Mr.
Farley, joining the group. “We are always
under obligations to do right, no matter how
strong the temptation to sin."
“But, uncle, do' you believe Mr. Wolcott
has moral strength to resist the temptation
to drink liquor ?”
“I believe he had the moral strength,
and could have it again, if he would seek
it at God's hands. But it is a fearful thing
to fight the battle of life with our natural
powers weakened by indulgence in sin. It
is easy for many to be temperate ; but it
would be like plucking out his right eye,
for Mr. Wolcott to be so. Yet he must


42
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
pluck it out if he would escape an eternity
of misery.
School duties and home pleasures occupied
every day; but “the hermit” was not for-
gotten. Harry Manson still wished to visit
him, and improved the first opportunity for
so doing. Going alone, he encountered the
old man, looking so pale and dejected that
his heart was touched.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Wolcott," he said,
politely. “How do you do, to-day ?”
This salutation failing to elicit a reply,
it was repeated.
“I'm wretched, young man," was hissed,
rather than spoken. “Do you know what
it is to be lashed by furies, and chained to
the rock, where vultures feed upon your
vitals? Do you know what this is ?”
“I hope no one knows that," answered
Harry.
"I know. Shall I tell you what it is


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
43
like?” and the speaker's eyes glared fear-
fully.
“ No, don't tell me that. Let us talk of
pleasant things. Tell me how the sun shines,
and the birds sing, and flowers · blossom,”
was the soothing reply. “I have walked
from the village to see you, this after-
noon."
“What do you want of a wretch like
me ?"
“I came to learn wisdom," said Harry,
going nearer to his strange companion.
“ Uncle Farley says you are a fine scholar.
Professor Farley. You are acquainted with
him,” added the young man.
Yes, yes, he is one of my friends, and
I may have seen you,” answered Mr. Wol-
cott, with a perplexed air.
“I am his nephew, Harry Manson, a
student, and I saw you at his house."
Happy to see you ;” and
“ Yes, yes.


44
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
there was a decided change in the manne
of the speaker. “I had a bad night, last
night, and my head isn't quite right yet.
Excuse me for not recognizing you. I would
invite you to my house, but Mrs. Scott is
cleaning there. Please to be seated upon
this flat stone. 1 hope your uncle's family
are well as usual. The illness of their son
is a great affliction ; but they bear it cheer.
fully.”
“ Yes, sir; and Ellis is very patient. It
is a pleasure to be with him.”
“ You were carrying him when I first
saw you.”
“ Yes, sir. I am accustomed to carry my
sister, who is an invalid, so I have learned
to be a very good nurse.'
"I was a good nurse once, myself. But
you see I've forgotten all that. Yes, all
that,” was repeated sadly. “I suppose life
looks bright to you, and you have some
grand ambition.”
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
45
>
“I have a purpose,” replied Harry. I
intend to study medicine, and be a good
physician.”
“Then tell men to let alone the accursed
drink, that ruins both soul and body,” ex-
claimed Mr. Wolcott, with startling energy.
They say there is a hell, where lost spirits
wail forever; but I tell you there is a hell,
here, in my breast, where the worm dieth
not, and the fire is not quenched.” The
speaker sprang up, threw his arms about
wildly, and seemed in the frenzy. of deli-
rium.
“Sit down, sit down," said his young
friend, gently. 6 Uncle sent you some new
papers; he thought you might like to read.
I'm afraid you're not feeling well, to-day.”
“I'm in torment!” was the reply. “The
devils filled my house last night, and to-day
they fill me. And I'm burning up with
them. Oh, for some brandy to quench this
fiery thirst.”


46
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
“Let me bring you some water," said
Harry.
• Water! Give water to children, but give
nie brandy."
“ But it hurts you to drink brandy, Mr.
Wolcott. Please don't drink any more,"
urged his companion. “You wouldn't feel
this burning thirst, if you'd give up the use
of all intoxicating liquors. Do be persuaded.”
”
“You preaching to me, young man!” and
there was such ineffable scorn in these words,
that he to whom they were addressed, was
fain to hide his head for very shame.
preaching to me, when you know no more
than the winds which sweep through the for-
ests. I know. Yes, I could preach so the
very devils could hear and tremble. I could
tell you of a boy who dreamed as bright
dreams as you, till the demon took possession
of him. I was that boy, and all the years we
have struggled and fought, till now the fight
66 You


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
47
is almost over.
And the demon will win!
Yes, he'll win! What are you going to do
about it, young man? What are you going
to do? Did you ever see the wine sparkle,
when bright eyes challenged you to drink ?
Don't drink it! For God's sake, and for
your soul's sake, don't! Look at me! See
what it has done for me! And a false
woman, false as the sparkling wine! There's
nothing true, but Heaven; and Heaven's gates
are closed for such as me.”
“ Prayer and repentance will open them,”
said Harry Manson, unable to keep silence.
“I pray! I repent!” was shrieked, in
reply. The demon holds me fast. There's
only death and damnation for me. But for
you, if you look not upon the wine when it
is red, there is life and salvation.
salvation. Will
you heed the warning? Will you heed it?”
"Yes, sir, I will," was the reply. “And
66
you _"


48
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“Will fight it out, bravely,
This demon and I;
We'll fight till he conquers,
And then I shall die."
“ Die! Die!” repeated the old man, and
strode away
The fight was, indeed, “almost over.” The
demon conquered; and only one short month
after this, the burial service was read, at the
grave of Henry Wolcott.


CHAPTER II.
Youth presses on with eager feet,
Till pausing, where the two ways meet,
Which challenge every humau soul,
To life of weakness or control.
The choice is made, the die is cast,
And coming years outweigh the past.
>
PRE you glad you went to see Mr.
Wolcott, that last time ?” asked Ellis
Farley, looking up into his cousin's
face.
“ Very glad,” was the reply. “I wanted to
do him good, and I tried.”
“But you didn't, cousin Harry. I heard
father say that Mr. Wolcott hadn't been sober
for more than three weeks; so your going
didn't do any good."
“ It did me good, Ellis. It made me strong-
49


50
TIIE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
er.
I wouldn't risk a glass of wine, now, any
sooner than I would drink poison. I couldn't
help wishing, to-day, that every student had
heard what that old man said, the last time I
saw him, alive." ”
“You might write it out, and read it to
them, cousin Harry. Some folks that come
here drink wine, and I've heard them tell
mother it would do me good. But she don't
give it to me, and when I grow up, I shan't
drink it."
“What is it you shan't drink, when you
grow up ?” Warren Lewis, just entering the
room, asked this question.
“ I shan't drink wine,” replied the boy.
Harry says he wont, and you wont, either,
will you cousin Warren ?”
A clouded brow, flushed cheeks, and flash-
ing eyes, betrayed far more feeling than the
occasion seemed to warrant. "I can't tell
what I shall do,” was the constrained answer.
66


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
51
“ There is no harm in drinking wine, mod-
erately."
“ There may be.”
“Why, mother, how still you came !” ex:
claimed Ellis. “I didn't hear your step. Did
you mean to surprise us ?”
“No, my dear, I was not even thinking of
you, till I heard Warren's remark."
“ And I wasn't thinking of you, till I heard
you answer him. I don't very often forget
you, when I'm awake, but I did this time.
Has father come ?"
“No. I left him talking with our minister.”
“ Were they talking about Mr. Wolcott ?"
“I presume so," answered Mrs. Farley.
“Every one seems to be talking of him, since
his death."
“It would be a wonder if people could talk
of anything else, this day of all others,” said
Harry, earnestly. “His history seems too
strange to be true. If I had read it, I should
>


52
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
suppose it to be over-drawn. I shall never
see any one drink a glass of wine without re-
calling his words and appearance, the last
time I saw him. He might have been mad;
but there was method in his madness."
Another temperance lecture, from which
Warren Lewis escaped, so soon as civility
would allow. Mrs. Farley looked after him,
anxiously. He was the son of her brother,
and she wished to see him upright in all
things. For Harry she had no fears. His
mother being her only sister, she knew much
of him ; but outside the home circle, no one
could really appreciate his goodness and truth.
His father trusted him, implicitly, his mother
and sisters well nigh worshipped him ; while
his young brothers thought Hal “the most
splendid old fellow in the world.” Some of
his friends thought it strange that he should
choose a profession which would give so small
opportunity for the display of brilliant talents,


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
53
but he had chosen, deliberately, 66 Others
may talk, while I work," he was accustomed
to say
Sadie, his invalid sister, three years younger
than himself, had reason to rejoice at this
decision, since it made him a more tender
and observant nurse. He had already read
many medical works, and improved every
opportunity for gaining medical knowledge.
Neither himself nor cousin caring for a
college course, they had come to study under
the direction of their uncle, Professor Farley;
reciting with some of his public classes,
in addition to receiving private instruction.
Harry Manson had no definite plans in re-
gard to the time he should spend in study;
but his cousin thought two years would
suffice.
The latter was troubled when he went to
his room, after receiving his aunt's quick
rebuke. She was right and he was wrong;
hence his trouble.


54
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
He took from his pocket a note which had
peen given him an hour before, but which
he had forgotten until this moment. It con-
tained an invitation to meet some students
for the purpose of forming a club, for mutual
improvement.
“Mum's the word, on your honor. Burn
this after reading."
This was the conclusion, suspicious in it-
self; and still more so when connected with
the fact that it bore no signature. Warren
Lewis did not even know from whom he
>
had received this strange note.
A crowd
was around him when it had been thrust
>
into his hand ; yet the place and time of
;
meeting was designated, so there need be no
mistake,
“I say, Hal, can you keep a secret ?” he
asked, when his cousin came into the room.
“I can, when I have one to keep. I'm
not given to gossiping,"


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
55
>
“ Well, have you a duplicate of that ?”
“ No," answered Harry, glancing care
lessly at the paper extended to him.
“Ever seen anything like it before ?”
“I guess not.
61
But stay. I've seen the
handwriting before."
66 Where?”
“On the blackboard, last week.”
“ You are right," exclaimed Warren. “I
understand it all now : and I know why I
was honored with the mysterious thing. I'd
give it to you for perusal, if it didn't put
me upon my honor. Fudge on the honor,
though Read it, and help me keep the
secret."
“ Improvement!” said Harry, with a sneer,
after reading it. 66 The secret is safe with
You don't intend to go ?”
“Of course I don't,” was the reply. “I'll
burn the note, and see what comes of it.”
Nothing came of it to the speaker; but
me.


56
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
near the close of the school term several
students were expelled for disorderly con-
duct, and with their departure the club
ceased to exist. Some one had been dis-
appointed in counting on Warren Lewis.
Meanwhile, he had spent the time profit-
ably, and Christmas found him and his
cousin in their city homes. Such welcomes
and congratulations as both received might
have turned older and wiser heads; yet their
homes were
very different. Two sisters
older than himself, greeted Warren Lewis
with true, sisterly affection. His father and
mother looked at him with pride. The idol
of their hearts, they hoped and believed all
things good for him, notwithstanding some
youthful follies.
“ Most ready for business, my son ?” asked
Mr. Lewis, rubbing his hands, in a way pe-
culiar to him, when he was in good humor.
“I don't think I am quite fitted for busi-
ness, yet,” was the reply.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
57
66
“ Well, well, time enough yet. No hurry.
Time enough for study and business both.
I've got along pretty well without much
book knowledge ; but I want you to do
better than I have. There's Harry, now,
don't care for much besides sick folks, and
books. It seems strange to me; but he's
a splendid fellow, though."
“ Yes, sir; and sure to make his mark
in the world. Cut out for a doctor, too,
if ever anybody was. Aunt Ellen says he
has done more for Ellis, since he has been
there, than their physician. He has a way
of exorcising pain, and soothing irritated
nerves, without seeming to make any effort."
" And Ellis is better ?”
“Yes, sir, very much better than he was
last summer. He can stand on his feet,
now, and the day before we
came away,
he took a few steps, with Harry's assistance.
It tired him very much, of course, but he


58
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
66 Hard case.
was delighted, and Aunt Ellen really cried
for joy.”
“ Glad to hear he is better," said Mr.
Lewis. “But I suppose he will be a crip-
.
ple.”
“Yes, sir, the doctor thinks so."
But your Aunt Ellen will
make the best of it, and so will her husband.
I am glad my children are so healthy and
handsome," added the fortunate man, with a
hearty laugh, which seemed contagious, so
quickly was it echoed.
“You flatter us,” exclaimed one of his
daughters.
“Do I? Well, I have just as good a right
to flatter you as some other people I know
of;" and again the hearty laugh rang out.
“We are going to have a Christmas dinner
in the old English style,” remarked this happy
father soon after. “Roast beef, plum pud-
ding, and whatever else your mother and the
66


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
59
cook see fit to give us. The girls are talking
about holly and evergreen ; but I don't know
much about such things. I've read of mis-
tletoe, though ; and when I was a young man,
I used to wish I had a bough to hang over
your mother's head. There now, wife, you
may have the floor, and say anything you
please.”
Mr. Lewis was so happy in having his
family once more together, that he was excus-
able for being undignified. His wife, less
demonstrative, felt quite as much ; rejoicing
more in the contents of a letter she had
received from Mrs. Farley, than in the pres-
ence of her son. He had done well ; never
deserving reprimand, while at Holcombe. For
this she was very thankful ; although she knew
he had been so guarded from temptation, his
own strength was scarcely tested.
A grand Christmas dinner, in the old
English style, was not to her taste; but


60
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
yielding to the wishes of her husband and
daughters, she had commenced preparations.
There was choice wine in the cellar to be
used on this occasion, “ of course," said Mr.
Lewis. “Who ever heard of a Christmas
a
dinner, without wine ?” he asked.
“I presume many people have heard of
them,” was his wife's reply. 66 But even if
there never had been one, that would be no
reason why we should have wine."
“ I wish you wouldn't oppose me in this,
wife,” exclaimed Mr. Lewis, a little impatient-
ly. “I always yield to you, because I know
you are wiser than I am; but I've set my
heart upon this dinner, wine and all. There
can't be any harm in drinking wine once
a year. I'm getting to be a regular teetotaler,
under your influence, he added, pleasantly.
You don't suppose I'd get drunk at my own
table, do you ?”
“I don't suppose you'd get drunk any.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
61
6
corner.
where ;” and Mrs. Lewis looked full in her
husband's face as she said this.
“I believe that danger was past years ago,
thank God. But we must think of others;
your sister's family never use wine. Even
the smell of it is disagreeable to Sadie. And
husband, you sent Warren to brother Farley's,
to keep him out of the way of temptation.”
“ I know it, wife. I know it. I see your
You'll drive me to the wall, and
make me give up, as usual.”
“But, husband, you know I never wish to
oppose you in anything. I only do it when
duty compels me."
“ I do know it, my dear. You are the best
wife in the world. If it hadn't been for you,
ten chances to one but I'd been wandering
round the country a miserable drunkard. I
do hope Warren will get just such a woman as
you are for a wife.
He's too much like me in
some things. That's the trouble with him."
1)


62
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
The day before Christmas, Sadie Manson
was talking with her mother, in regard to the
proposed dinner. “It will be beautiful there, ,
and I shall be very glad to go, if they don't
have wine,” she said, without looking to see
who had just opened the parlor door.
“ What's that, puss? You'll be glad to go
if they don't have wine?” And there stood
Uncle Lewis before her. “They wont have a
drop of wine,” he continued, rubbing his
hands. “ The mistress of ceremonies has for-
bidden it, and the master never opposes her.
There's a lesson for you, Sadie. Now, my
wife and I don't always think alike; but she's
always right, and some way I'm ashamed to
stand out against her. Never scolds, you
know, but talks what she means, and looks
right straight at me, and the minute I see the
tears in her brown eyes, I'm ready to go down
on my knees to please her. See if you can
manage your husband as well, girl. If you


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
63
can, there will be one good man in the world,
while he lives. I was a wild fellow when
your aunt took me in hand. I only wonder
she had the courage to do it ;” and as John
Lewis said this, there were tears in his honest
blue eyes. “There, I guess I've talked enough
about that. Where's Harry?"
“Gone out with the children, to look in the
shop windows, and see what there is to be
seen.”
“I'm sorry for that. The girls want him,
at our house; and Warren was so busy, I
volunteered to get out of the way, and came
after him. About where do you suppose I
could find him?"
“I can't tell you,” answered his mother,
“ After giving the children their treat, he was
going to see a poor boy, on Cady street.”
“Poor boy!” repeated Mr. Lewis, with a
grimace. “I suppose he's sick, or lame, or
something the matter."
>


64
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
CO
a
“Yes, he is very much like Ellis Farley,"
was the reply.
6. His mother washed for me,
last summer, and told me about him. She is
too poor to pay for proper medical advice, and
Harry went there, yesterday. He thinks, per-
haps, he can help him in some way.”
- No doubt of it, sister, and I think I might
help a little. Here's a five dollar bill to buy
a Christmas dinner for the poor woman. I
want everybody to have a good dinner, to-
morrow.”
“ Such sights and sights of beautiful things,”
as the children had seen, and “such nice
presents” as they had bought for the poor boy
Harry had gone to see.
“ I tell you, mother, he'll need a pretty big
stocking to hold them all,” said one.
“Harry bought some flour, and a chicken,
and some potatoes, for his mother. Don't
you believe they'll be real glad? We went
clear to the door, to help carry the things;
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
65
but Harry said we'd better not go in. Isn't
he the splendidest fellow in the world ? 1
mean to be just like him, when I grow up.
Wouldn't you, Sadie ?”
6 I'd be as near like him as I could, was
the sister's reply.
“Uncle Lewis has been
here and gave mother five dollars for Johnny's
mother; so they'll have a happy Christmas."
“ And we'll have a happy Christmas, too,”
chimed in two or three voices. 66 Uncle Lewis
found us in one of the stores, and he told us
about it. He rubbed his hands all the time,
just as he does when he feels real happy; and
he said we ought not to eat a mouthful of
breakfast, to-morrow."
“ And so you propose to fast until dinner,”
remarked Sadie.
“No, sister, I don't believe I shall," was
the reply. “I think I must have a few griddle
cakes.” And as the speaker had an unusual
fondness for such cakes he was cheered,
noisily.”
>
6
а.


66
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
а
The cousins waited long for Harry Manson,
who came at last, to say that he could not
come before. He was very sorry, but the
poor boy he had visited needed so much care
that he could not leave.
“What a wonder you are!” said his cousin
Mildred. “I'm not sure but I should send
for you, myself, if I was sick. I really believe
you have done more for Sadie than all the old
doctors.”
« I have done what I could," was his re-
sponse.
6 However, as I am not making a
professional call, do please set me to work.”
Yes, give him something to do, and keep
him out of mischief,” added Warren, who was
engaged in festooning evergreen.
At this, Mildred and Harry left the room;
and not until the next day, when some mock
viands were served at dinner, did any one but
the cook suspect how they spent the evening.
Mr. Lewis, who always enjoyed a practical
66


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
67
joke, when no one was harmed thereby, rubbed
his hands more briskly, and laughed more
heartily than ever. The children shouted,
and a vote of thanks was tendered to those
who had thus contributed to the general
amusement.
It was a Christmas not soon to be for-
gotten. The poor woman to whom timely
assistance had been rendered, and the child
whose sufferings were relieved were, perhaps,
happier than those who needed no assistance.
Johnny talked, constantly, sometimes, of the
nice gentleman who was going to make him
almost well, and sometimes of the presents
he had received; while his mother rejoiced
in the gladness which made him half forget
present discomfort and pain.
“I shan't be lonesome a bit, when you
are gone away to work, now," he said, “I
shall have so many pretty things to look
at, and so many books to read. Aint it


68
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
sure
good, mother? And then to think they
should all come when you felt so bad. I
wish I could see that boy that's lame, just
like me; and I do hope my nice gentleman
will come again to-morrow.”
His hope was realized; and more
than before that he should be cured, his
delight was unbounded. He had gazed at
the same narrow strip of sky, counted the
same dingy windows, and looked down into
the same dirty alley, until the thought of
ever going beyond them seemed like a dream,
too bright to be realized.
“I shan't mind a bit, if the boys do call
me crutchy and limpy,” he remarked in the
evening, after what was to him, a long
silence. My gentleman said I must be pa-
tient and gentle; and he said he'd tell me
about a poor lame boy, every bit as poor
and lame as I am, that made a smart man.
If I could only work enough to take care


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
69
of you, it would be so nice. Ask God to
help me, so I can, won't you, mother? My
gentleman said I must ask him; but you're
so much larger, he'll hear you first. You
will ask him, won't you, mother?”
Mrs. Carr did not reply immediately. In
the struggle for daily bread, she had neg-
lected prayer, until she dared not now pre-
sent her requests to God; but when the
question was repeated, she answered, “ Yes,
child, I will try.”
Christmas vacation was not long; but be-
fore returning to Holcombe, Harry Manson
had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Carr in
more comfortable quarters. She was estab-
lished in two sunny rooms, the chief attrac-
tions of which, in Johnny's eyes, were the
broad window ledges, upon which were some
plants.
“A garden, too,” he exclaimed, when he
first saw them. “Oh, mother, ain't God
.


70
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
good to let us have all these nice things ?
And ain't you good, too, my gentleman?'
turning to Harry, who looked scarcely less
happy than this boy, cradled in his arms.
“I want to do something for you. Can't
I?”
“ Yes; you can be patient and pleasant,
and try every day to improve; you must
read a little so you may be a good scholar,
by and by; and you must do just as the
doctor tells you, even if it does seem hard.”
Through the influence of Harry, a skillful,
kind-hearted physician had consented to take
charge of his protege, and there was a pros-
pect of better days for one whose whole life,
thus far, had been full of suffering.
Again, at Holcombe, there were long talks
about Johnny Carr; Ellis Farley wishing to
be told everything in regard to him.
does he look ?" was one of the many ques«
tions asked. “Any like me?"
6 How


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
71
“Not at all,” was the reply. “He has
black eyes and black hair.”
“ Then he looks like cousin Warren," re-
marked Ellis.
« Oh, no;
answered Harry Manson.
“Only the color of their hair and eyes is
the same. Johnny's face is very thin, and
he has a half-starved look. He has lived
all his life in close rooms, where there was
neither sunlight nor air. I suspect he has
been hungry, sometimes. His mother is very
poor.”
I am.
Then he is a great deal worse off than
Why, I never wanted anything in
my life, that would do me good, but what
father or mother gave it to me. I wish I
could send Johnny some of my things. But
you don't mean he shall be hungry any
more, do you ?”
“ I don't mean he shall,” was the reply.
6 The boys are going to look after him, and
>


72
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
his mother will have plenty of work. Uncle
Lewis, too, will do something for him."
“ Can cousin Sadie go to see him ?” asked
Ellis.
“ I am afraid not, this winter,” replied
her brother. “ She can't go up-stairs, very
well, and Johnny lives up-stairs. By next
spring, we hope she will be stronger.”
“And then she is coming to see me,"
exclaimed the child, with sudden animation.
« And I shall tell her how good you are,
and how much I love you. I wish you would
stay here, always.”
Before leaving home, Warren Lewis had
visited Johnny Carr, and given substantial
evidence of thoughtful kindness. His sisters,
too, were interested in him; and not a letter
was received, by the cousins from home,
during the winter, but contained some men-
tion of the Carrs. When the spring opened,
there had been such decided improvement in


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE,
73
Johnny, that he was able to walk a little,
with the aid of crutches; and so happy was
he, that had a general shout of derision
greeted his appearance on the sidewalk, he
might have mistaken it for a disguised wel-
come.
The welcome, however, was not disguised.
He had made friends with the boys of the
neighborhood; any one of whom was glad to
do him a favor. It was a great day for him,
a
when standing on a level with others, he felt
the soft spring breezes fanning his face. And
“my gentleman” had wrought the wondrous
'
change for him. “Just the best gentleman in
the world,” as he told Sadie, when she called
upon him, previous to going to Holcombe, for
the summer.
“ Tell him I love him, wont you ?” said
Johnny, looking at Sadie, wistfully. “ And
that other gentleman, that brought me the
books, I love him, too. Mother says, perhaps


74
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
I can do something for them, when I grow
up."
All this was repeated at Holcombe; and
although Warren Lewis smiled at the thought
of this poor boy ever being of service to him,
he appreciated the gratitude thus expressed.
The summer passed delightfully. Sadie
Manson was able to study some hours of each
day, and Ellis grew so much stronger that he
seldom needed to be carried, “as a baby."
a
Warren laughingly told Harry that his occu-
pation was gone, unless some new case should
present itself.
6 It's rather hard on Hal,” he said, one
evening, when all were in merry mood. “His
arms are empty, and just now, having no par-
ticular trouble with me, his mission, as a
philanthropist, is nearly ended.”
“ Not yet well commenced,” was the reply.
“I see plenty of opportunities for philan
thropic efforts.”
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
75
“I retract Hal. I had forgotten that a
physician is a philanthropist, by reason of his
profession. Sadie, do you know that father
wants Hal to go into business with me? He
offers to furnish the capital, and divide the
profits between us. I wish you'd persuade
the doctor to accept.”
But Sadie only shook her head. She had
heard the matter discussed at home ; and
although this offer was one of rare generosity,
Mr. Manson was not inclined to urge its
acceptance by his son.
“Hal would make a first rate merchant,"
continued Warren. “He's a grand financier.”
“ Necessity is a good teacher," replied
Harry, smiling. “I have a limited amount
of money at my disposal, from which I wish
to realize as much as possible.”
“ If you had said that you wished others to
realize from it, as much as possible, you
would have come nearer the truth."
>


76
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
So these cousins dwelt together in the best
possible terms, while two years passed. The
time seemed short as they looked back, and
there were many regrets at leaving Holcombe.
Harry Manson expected to return again, for
a few months; but Warren Lewis was through
with study.
6.You have done well,” said his uncle, when
they were about to separate. “I have only
commendation for you ; but the best of your
moral strength is yet to come. It has been
easy for you to do right here. It may be
very hard for you, under different circum-
stances. The temptations most likely to come
are those most difficult for us to
resist; and you, like all who have lived
before you, will need the safeguard of heart-
religion. Remember this, my boy, and don't
.
trust your own strength. It would give
me great pain, if either you or Harry should
go wrong."
to us


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
77
66
>
“ No danger of him, sir," was the reply.
“I'd vouch for him, anywhere, and as for
;
myself, I intend to do about right."
Three months were given to visiting and
travel ; after which Mr. Lewis and his son
talked earnestly of business. “I am wil-
ling to work,” said the young man in answer
to a remark made by his father. 66 Don't
spare me any more than you would an ordinary
clerk “I know I ought not to," was the
reply. “Hard work is the best thing to
keep young folks in the right track. Hard
work and your mother kept me where I
belonged. I am glad I can do more for my
children than my father could for his; but it
didn't hurt me to be poor. It's given me a
kind feeling for other boys that have to make
their own way. I've an eye, now, to Johnny
Carr. When he's ready for work I calculate
to help him along. He has a clear head for
such a boy; and the doctor says, he'll come
out all right, except limping a little.”


78
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“ Yes, Johnny told me so the last time I
saw him," answered Warren. “He says he
don't care for limping, either, if he can only
get over the ground. No danger but he'll
keep his feet moving, and his eyes open. I
never saw such a change in any one as there
has been in him. I should hardly know him,
but for his eyes.'
“ And you could never mistake them, any-
where,” said Mr. Lewis. “He's going to be
a fine looking man, if nothing happens to
him. You had better go in and see him occa-
sionally. Sadie looks after him; but she has
other poor children on her hands, and we
better help Johnny ourselves."
Warren . Lewis entered his father's store,
and applied himself to business ; shirking no
duty, and claiming no privilege on account of
his position. Those who looked to see him
supercilious or arrogant, were agreeably dis-
appointed. At his post, early and late, nothing
escaped his observation.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
79
“I'm disappointed in our boy, wife,” said
Mr. Lewis, after Warren had been in the store
about four months.
“ How? Why?” asked Mes. Lewis, anx-
iously, before her husband's hearty laugh dis-
pelled her fears.
“I didn't expect he'd take to work and
business very well, at first; but Mr. Jewett
says he's the best clerk we ever had;" and
as Mr. Jewett was senior partner of the firm,
he was qualified to judge. “I always knew
there was enough to him to make most any-
thing; but I was a little afraid he'd take a
wrong tack. He can't do anything by halves;
and I believe 'twould kill me if he should
turn out as some of our young men do. But
there's no danger now; and I tell you, wife,
it's a great relief to me to know it."
Mrs. Lewis could not be quite so sanguine,
when she remembered her son's former indis-
cretions; yet she rejoiced in the present, and
hoped for the future.


80
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
Meanwhile, the fashionable world was in
the midst of a gay season; and Warren was
invited, with his sisters, to numerous parties
where few refused the sparkling wine. Mil-
dred Lewis was willing to be singular that she
might restrain her brother; while Fanny, the
elder and more worldly sister, yielding to
family influence, never drank wine in his
presence. The father thought all this un-
necessary, but accustomed to trust the judg-
ment of his wife, uttered no protest.
“ It is well enough now,” he reasoned with
himself. 66 When Warren is older he will do
as others do, and have judgment to know
when he has gone far enough.”
Some bantering there was, some challenges,
and some smiling invitations not easily re-
sisted; but the young man parried these
lightly, without claiming that he acted from
principle or previous decision. He had not
forgotten Mr. Wolcott's terrible career, or the


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
81
>
66 It may
pledge made by Harry Manson after the last
interview with this unhappy man.
“ I shall never while I live drink a glass
of wine; and I will do all in my power to
prevent others drinking.”
“ Look out, Hal, you may wish to break
that pledge,” he had then said.
be for your interest to do so.”
“ Never!” was the decided reply. “Never
for my best interest. I wish you would make
the same pledge, Warren. It would be worth
a fortune to you.”
“Pshaw! that's your way of talking ;”
answered the cousin. “I shall bind myself
by no such promises. It's too childish for
one who expects to live among men of the
world. Nobody but you would think of such
a thing."
“I've heard of others;" Harry said.
• And more fools they. I don't intend
to join their ranks,” was Warren's response.
>


82
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
1
It was not, then, because he was pledged
to abstinence that he refused to drink wine;
but because he had a fancy for so doing,
at this time. He had no fears of becoming
a drunkard, under any circumstances; and
although he seldom argued with Harry, he
thought so much feeling fanatical and foolish.
Yet there was his mother agreeing with
Harry; and Sadie, carrying the matter still
further. She did not hesitate to say that
she considered liquor drinking the greatest
evil in the world.
Warren was learning to love this cousin,
so pure in her beauty and goodness; and
denied himself many a fragrant cigar, that
he might feel at liberty to seek her society.
No smoking was allowed among the students
at Holcombe ; but at home this indulgence
was not under ban. Mr. Lewis, being him-
self a smoker, rather enjoyed his son's
companionship in the habit.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
83
“My gentleman ” was away during the
winter; but in his absence Johnny was com-
forted by frequent visits from young Mr.
Lewis, whose interest in the grateful boy
increased with each visit. It was a pleasure
to see the pale face flush, and the dark eyes
flash beneath his gaze. A pleasure, tuo, to
listen to the honest outpourings of a warm
affectionate heart, rather than a dull round
of civil speeches, containing neither wit nor
wisdom.
“I'm learning as fast as I can,"
Johnny's oft-repeated assurance.
66 Miss Sa-
die says if I am good, I shall have a house
all my own, when I grow up.
I
can earn it. Does it really seem as though
I could, Mr. Lewis ?” he asked.
“ It seems to me as though you could,"
was the reply. " Don't you believo every
thing that Sadie tells you ?”
“ Yes, sir; indeed I do,” answe; ed the
was
She says
>
>


84
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
boy. “She tells me a great many things;
and I believe every word; but to believe that
I shall ever have a nice house, all my own,
is too much. I told mother it was just like
a fairy story, the way we live now; and
that would be too good.”
No wonder the child thought the change
in himself and his home like a fairy story.
When in the spring, Paul and George Man-
son invited him to walk with them to one
of the public parks, and he could go dressed
so that they were not ashamed of him, he
no longer doubted Miss Sadie's prophecy.
As it chanced, he saw other boys who were
lame; but of all, he thought himself hap-
piest. No one called him “ crutchy," while
"
many smiled upon him, reflecting the bright
emile which lighted up his own face.
“ We might go round hy Uncle Lewis'
store, on our way home, if you aren't too
tired,” said Paul, after a time.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
85
6 Oh, I ain't a bit tired,” was the reply ;
and soon after three boys looked in at the
open door of a large establishment, where
clerks and customers discussed the market
value of various kinds of goods. A lad was
running from one to another, intent upon
obeying orders, and all too much occupied
to notice the young visitors.
“We can go in, if we don't get in the
way,” said Paul, stepping inside the door.
“ There's cousin Warren," he added, in a
whisper.
“Shouldn't you like to be in that boy's
place ?” asked Johnny, when they had stood
there for a few minutes.
“I don't think I should,” was the reply.
“I'd rather be out doors than shut up in
the house. But he likes it.”
To Paul and his brother this busy scene
was nothing new ; but to their companion
it was another glimpse of the fairy land
of which he dreamed.


86
.
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE. .
“ What are you going to do when you
grow up ?” he asked, as they walked slowly
home, and was not surprised at the answer
that they should do just what brother Harry
thought best.
Holding an office which demanded his
whole time and energy for the discharge of
its duties, Mr. Manson was only too glad
to trust the judgment of his eldest son in
various matters pertaining to the interests of
his family. And Harry was equal to the
emergency.
His abounding health, energy,
cheerfulness and goodness, fitted him to bear
responsibilities. “ The more the better," he
was accustomed to say laughingly, seeming
to banish pain and anxiety with his hearty
words and magic touch.
When he was at home, each day was
counted a holiday. Greatly to the delight
of all, he remained at home for several
months, pursuing his studies, and making


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
87
some trials of professional skill. Johnny
was taken under his especial care; and
many another, poor and lame, learned to
look for his coming as the weary look for
rest. Ambitious to excel in his chosen pro-
fession, he allowed nothing to distract his at-
tention. His old companions complained that
he gave them so little time; while his cousin
protested that he was more of a philanthropist
than ever.
- You ought to be the pioneer in some
great reform, Hal," he said.
66 Your name
should go down to posterity, linked with
some grand work for the amelioration of
human guilt and human suffering.”
“If I may but do the work, another may
bear the name," was Harry Manson's sincere
answer. “ Perhaps I shall come to you for
money to help carry out my plans, yet.
You know my silver spoon was plated while
pure
metal.”
yours was of


88
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“I hope to have my spoon of gold instead
of silver, sometime," Warren responded.
“Do you know, Hal, I mean to be a very
rich man.”
“And a very good one?” was asked in
reply.
“Oh, I mean to do about right," the young
man answered. “I don't make any pledges ;
but I expect to come out as well as those
who do. A man of the world should govern
himself according to circumstances. Now
don't look at me that way, Hal,” he added,
reproved by his cousin's glance. "You know
I mean to be honest and honorable, and all
that, if I don't draw the lines quite so
straight as you do. I don't think any one
has had reason to complain of me, since I
left Holcombe.”
“No, Warren; every one commends you,
;
and I hope to see you one of the merchant
princes of the country. But I do wish you


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
89
would draw some lines a little straighter."
Both understood what lines were intended,
yet neither would speak more plainly.
1


CHAPTER III.
The ways diverge; it may be far
One sees, beyond the guiding star;
Yet still it shines, serene and bright,
Though passing clouds obscure its light;
And blest are they who, trusting God,
Walk firmly in the narrow road.
IX years had passed; and in his
native city few doubted that War-
ren Lewis would reach the goal of
his ambition. Old men wondered
at his prudence, young men at his applica-
tion. His father was so proud of him, his
mother so fond, and his sisters so confident,
that where he was concerned they seldom
questioned.
His father's only regret in regard to him,
90


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
91
was that he remained unmarried, when he
ought to have a good wife, and a home
of "his own.
>
>
66
“I don't see through it,” said Mr. Lewis.
“ The boy can't have been refused, any.
where, can he?"
6 I've never thought so," was the reply
of his mother. “ Because you were deter-
mined to marry when you were only twenty-
three years old, you seem to think every
young man should follow your example."
No, wife, not quite so bad as that,” said
her husband, catching the mischievous twinkle
in her brown eyes. “I was determined to
be married when I was twenty-three, and the
only thing about it I'm sorry for, is that
I wasn't married sooner. But here's War-
ren, with income enough to support a wife
in good style, and not a sign of his being
married as I can see, though he is most
twenty-seven years old. I wish I knew


92
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
what's the matter. I've tried to talk with
him about it, but he always dodges the
subject."
Warren Lewis had not been refused, in
the common acceptation of that term ; but
he had been wise enough to see that an
incipient passion for his cousin Sadie would
never be returned, and governed himself ac-
cordingly. When rallied upon his bachelor-
hood, he answered according to his mood,
gayly or gravely, as suited him ; while only
Harry Manson suspected the truth. His sis-
ters married, and established in happy homes,
had maneuvered, in a quiet way, to lure
him into matrimony, but as yet, with no
prospect of success. He seemed to think
only of buying and selling.
He devoted little time to travelling; but
an opportunity for a western trip presented
itself, which he was glad to improve. Some
business in one of the lake cities required


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
93
attention, and he was chosen to transact
it.
“ Act according to your own judgment
in the matter," said Mr. Jewett, the day
before he was to leave. - We trust you im-
plicitly, and shall be satisfied with whatever
you think best to do. Those western men
are shrewd and sharp; but they go a little
too fast, sometimes. I'll risk you with them,
.
though. Take your own time and enjoy it.”
“ Yes, sir," answered Warren, gratified
,
with the gentleman's expression of confidence,
and anticipating much pleasure in the trip.
He wished his cousin, Dr. Manson, to ac-
company him, and had urged it, until con-
vinced that no urging would avail. The
doctor could not be absent from his patients,
for so long a time, without injury to his
profession; and moreover, his silver spoon was
l
only plated, even now.
Many responsibilities had come to him ;
>


94
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
all of which he had borne bravely and cheer-
fully; but now, sorrowing for the death of
his wife, it was hard to be either brave or
cheerful. The fact that consumption had
marked her, as its victim, before he had
ever seen her, made his grief no less poignant.
He had loved and cared for her, with the
utmost tenderness; his love making more
beautiful, a life already beautiful in itself,
and giving him a rare, sweet experience
he could never forget. He needed change
and rest; but he denied himself these, as
he often denied himself, when duty and in-
clination were at variance.
Seldom now, did he presume to caution
or counsel the cousin, whose hand was still
outstretched to receive a golden spoon.
man of the world," was a phrase often upon
the lips of this young merchant; while he
prided himself upon the coolness of his calcu-
lations, and the certainty of their results.
66 A


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
95
As the representative of a wealthy eastern
firm, he was welcomed in the west, by business
acquaintances, who offered him every civility.
He was welcomed to their homes; he inspect-
ed their stores, and listened to enthusiastic
descriptions of the resources of their country.
“ It's a place for a young man to make
money,” was the concluding remark of many
with whom he conversed; and this did not
fail of its intention. Long before he had
accomplished the purpose of his visit, he
began to question seriously if it was not
the place for him.
He was a partner in the firm of “ Jewett,
Lewis & Son ;” but here, in a new country,
he could make bolder. ventures, with less
competition. He was charmed with every-
thing he saw. There was more room than
in the east. The business men were younger,
more sanguine, and more daring. Nothing
occurred to impress him unfavorably; and
9


96
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
he returned home, with somewhat extrava-
gant ideas of himself, and the section of
country he had visited.
In transacting the business, entrusted to him,
die had done better for the firm than was
expected. Mr. Jewett, with whom he was
a great favorite, complimented him, in un-
measured terms; adding carelessly, “ Didn't
get the western fever out there, I hope.”
“I am afraid I did," was the reply. 61
feel some symptoms of it. I am satisfied
that is just the place for me. There is a
good opening for our business, in any one
of the western cities I visited ; and with
my knowledge of it, with the capital we
have invested here, I could make twice
the profits.”
“ Perhaps you could, but there would be
some risks.” answered Mr. Jewett. 66 We
are doing a good, safe business; and in time,
you'll come in for a large share of it. We


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
97
can't spare you any way. Remember that,
and don't let the fever run too high."
Thus Mr. Jewett dismissed the matter;
66 And
am
I saw
but his partner found it more difficult.
you think you can do better there, than
here," said Mr. Lewis to his son, when the
subject was under discussion.
66I sure that I can,” was the reply.
“I can do a great deal, with small capital,
and in a few years, build up an extensive
business. I have thought it all over, and
calculated the chances, carefully.
young men there, not thirty years old, who
have already made large fortunes; and I
understand business much better than they
did, when they began. I've set my heart
upon going there, father.”
“So I see,” replied the father, sadly. “I'm
sorry for it, and I'm afraid your mother
will think it's a bad move. If she does,
I wish you'd hear to her. I never did anything


98
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
against her advice, without being sorry for
it."
66
“ But mother understands nothing about
this,” replied Warren, smiling.
" She will
see but one side of the question, and wish
me to remain at home.”
“ And I wish it, too,” said Mr. Lewis.
“I thought you considered yourself perma-
nently established here."
“So I did, father. But my western trip
has entirely changed my ideas. I could do
a great deal better there, while you and
Mr. Jewett are perfectly able to carry on
the business here. We could help each other
too, in the way of trade, and so all be
benefited. You would see the advantage
of the change, for any other young man."
“Perhaps so," was the reply. “But money
isn't the only thing in the world, worth
having.”
When Warren Lewis appealed to his
66


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
99
mother, he found that she had considered
the question, not only upon one side, but
all sides. His presence at home, was very
dear to her, yet she was ready at any time,
to sacrifice her own preference to his best
good. She listened to him patiently, express-
ing no doubt of his judgment, or ability.
“You see, mother, I could get rich there
in half the time I can here;” he said at
length.
“ That is very probable, my son,” she re-
plied. “But there are some things better
than riches; and I am, by no means sure
that you are the right one to go west. In
some respects your principles are not 80
firm as they should be."
The young man understood this. His
mother was a Christian; and he knew that
far more than she desired for him any
earthly good, did she desire that his life
might be approved of God. Often had she
905477


100
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
told him that religion was the only safe-
guard against temptation; yet he had perfect
confidence in his own powers of resistance.
Of course he conformed his habits to those
of the society in which he moved. Bound
by no pledges, he acted according to cir-
cumstances; and truth to tell, had preserved
more of uprightness and honor than is usual
for those who adopt his motto. But his
mother saw danger. She knew his weak
points, and dreaded the temptations to which
he might be exposed in a different position.
Dr. Manson, too, shared the mother's anxiety.
He knew, even better than she, how a clear-
headed, shrewd business man could be trans-
formed into a reckless, over-confident specula-
tor, yet Warren Lewis might escape the
danger which threatened him, amid new
surroundings and under new influences. Most
of his acquaintances would have ridiculed
the idea of danger.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
101
Certain it was that the experiment would
be made, sooner or later, and his moral
strength really tested. His father accustomed
himself to the thought of living without
his son, until he came to think more of the
advantages of the proposed plan, than of
it's disadvantages.
• The distance between us wont be very
great,
,," he said to his wife. “ After all, I
can't blame the boy. What is called the
west now, is going to be the very centre of
our country; and there's no doubt but it's
the place for a young man to make his
mark. Warren has made up his mind to
go, and I shan't oppose him any longer.
I'll do the best I can for him, and then he
must do the rest for himself. I wish though,
he was going to take a good wife with him.
Such a girl now as Sadie, would be sure
to keep him right, just as you have me.
And that makes me think, from some thing


102
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
her mother said to me, this morning, I expect
she is going to be married, before long.”
“Yes, she is,” answered Mrs. Lewis.
66 And
I think the man who is to be her husband
is as nearly worthy of her, as any mortal
can be.”
a
“He's a widower, I hear," said Mr. Lewis.
“ Yes; but no worse for that,” was the
reply. “I have been waiting to congratulate
her."
The gentleman, who would have consid-
ered it a compliment to be thought nearly
worthy of Sadie Manson, was a friend of her
brother's; and one whom Harry thoroughly
trusted. Having learned this, her uncle was
ready to offer his congratulations with those
of his wife.
“ So you are going to leave your father
and mother, after all the trouble they've
had in bringing you up,” he remarked to
Sadie, when next they met. “That's the


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
103
way; just as soon as children get to be of
any use to us, they are off with some stranger
or other, who, likely, don't care half so much
for them as we do. What do you think of
that, Miss ? Perhaps you haven't thought
anything about it, but I have. Both of our
girls are gone, and Warren just ready for
a start; so wife and I have got to keep
house alone, same as we did at first.”
A long speech this ; but everybody knew
Uncle John was in good humor; he rubbed
his hands so briskly, and laughed so heartily,
at the close of his speech.
“ Then Warren is really going," said Mrs.
Manson, while Sadie attempted no reply to
her uncle's address.
6. Yes, and pretty soon, too,” was answered.
“He received a letter, last week, that settled
everything, and I suppose he'll leave us by
the first of next month."
It was no time, then, to expostulate ; but


104
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66
Harry Manson could not allow his cousin to
go, without making one more effort to change
his views in regard to wine drinking. He
was moved to repeat the questions which,
with such startling earnestness, had been
asked by the hermit of Holcombe, -“What
are you going to do about it, young man ?
What are you going to do? Did you ever
see the wine sparkle when bright eyes chal-
lenged you to drink ?” And then the warn-
ings:- “Don't drink it. For God's sake,
and your soul's sake, don't.”
"I have always wished that you had been
with me the last time I saw Mr. Wolcott,"
said Dr. Manson, breaking the silence which
followed this repetition.
“ And I am glad I was not,” replied his
companion. “I never had any fancy for
listening to the ravings of a madman. I
more than satisfied to take them at
am
second-hand.”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
105
>
“But there was method in his madness,"
responded the doctor, without appearing to
observe the implied censure.
66 You know
that his intemperate habits were the cause
of his ruin. A false woman and wine
wrought his destruction."
“ And you really believe that, Hal ?”
“I know it,” was answered, seriously.
“ Well, perhaps you are right, though I
am disposed to question it. It's my opinion
the never had a very strong mind.
One woman is not all the world, and a glass
of wine is not the most dangerous of com-
forters. You see, Wolcott ought to have
gone to work with double energy, after he
failed. He might have retrieved his fortune,
if he was half as smart as his friends pre-
tended. Depend upon it, there was some-
thing wrong about him to begin with. Wine
is good in its place; and as most people
drink it, the best way is to drink with them,
man


106
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
and say nothing about it. I suppose it's bad
for some weak-headed ones, but they must
look out for themselves."
“ And you don't believe in trying to save
them, Warren ? You can't mean that. I
have more faith in your good sense and
good feeling, than to believe you mean what
you say.”
“ Well, well, Hal, I won't quarrel with
you, for your good opinion of me, though
I can't agree with your quixotic notions.
I am willing to admit, however, that you
are better than I. Do you think there is
danger of my being ruined by wine ?” and
the question was asked confidently, as though
but one reply was possible.
Of course you expect me to tell the
truth,” said Harry.
66 Of course;
and still the same confi-
dence was manifested.
“ Then I tell you, honestly, that I think
there is danger, cousin Warren.”
و


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
107
“Hal Manson, how dare you say that to
me?” exclaimed Waren Lewis.
“ Because you asked me what I thought,
and I would not wrong you by telling a
falsehood. You can afford to hear the truth."
“I can't afford to be insulted," was the
reply. Then, in a different tone, was added,
“Oh, Hal, how could you say that? Do
you really believe it?"
6 I do,” answered the doctor, sadly. “I
know you drink wine.”
" But never to excess. I drink with others
a matter of civility; and sometimes I
feel the need of a little stimulant.'
“Oh, Warren, has it come to that?”
66 Come to what? I don't see anything
that demands such a look of holy horror.
One would think I had confessed myself
guilty of murder. I am able to regulate my
own habits; and it is nothing strange for
one to require stimulants. Don't you ever
make use of them in your practice ?”
as


108
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“I never prescribe them for people in
good health,” was the reply. 6. You need
stimulants no more than I do."
“Well, old fellow, don't look at me in
that way," said Warren Lewis. "I don't
want to quarrel with you, just as I am going
away. If we can't think alike about every- .
thing, we can at least agree to think differ-
ently. That old hermit's ravings must have
turned your brain a little, on the subject
of wine drinking. I believe in what some
call an elegant use of wine ; but I abhor
drunkenness with my whole soul. Why, doc-
tor, there is hardly a business man in the
city, would adopt your extreme whims.
Father is very temperate, but then, it is to
please mother."
Dr. Manson walked across his office floor,
looked from the window a moment, and then
reseated himself with the air of one who
had made an important decision.
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
109
66 You have spoken truly of your father,"
he said. 66 Your mother's influence saved
him from threatened ruin. I have heard
Aunt Ellen and my mother say, that but
for his wife their brother would have been
a drunkard. I would not have spoken of
this, under other circumstances. I would
give the best years of my future life to be
assured that you would forswear wine drink-
ink.”
>
66
“ I will forswear it, whenever I am injured
by it,” was the reply. “At present I am in
no danger;" and there was a coldness in
this speech, which grated harshly on the
listener's ears.
• It is time for me to go,
Good-bye, doctor.”
“Good-bye, cousin Warren.”
Their hands met. “ You're a good fel-
low, Hal," Warren Lewis felt constrained
- I wish I was as good as you are ;
but we must each of us go his own way.
to say


110
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
If I needed a friend, I'd trust you against
the world. Thank you, too, for all you've
done for me; and do try to think of me,
at my best, even if we don't agree about
everything.”
“I shall always think of you, at your best,
Warren, and if I can ever be of service to
you, you have but to command me. Good-
bye.”
One went out, strong in health and am-
bitious projects, confident of his ability to
win a princely fortune. The other, looking
forward anxiously, feared that manliness
might be wrecked, ere the fortune was won.
Warren Lewis stopped for a night at Hol-
combe, on his way west; and there expressed
his hopes and wishes without reserve.
Still
the same.
Money, position and influence,
were talismanic words for him.
“ Go west with me, and I will make a
merchant of you,” he said to his cousin
Ellis.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
111
2
" But I don't wish to be made into a mer-
chant,” answered Ellis, laughing. 66 Thank
you, all the same, but I have no vocation
for making money. I prefer a laboratory to
a counting room, and retorts and crucibles
to bills and ledgers.”
“ Then you are really to be a chemist.”
“Yes, a chemist, a naturalist, and perhaps
a star-gazer. You see I have a variety of
tastes; and father allows me to indulge them
all, if I don't confine myself too much in
doors. Next winter I am going to spend a
few weeks at Uncle Manson's, and then
cousin Harry is to introduce me to some
gentlemen who will teach me more than I
can learn here."
Well, everybody to their own work,” re-
sponded the young merchant. “There's Hal,
doing his work so cheerfully, that I must
admire him, while I wonder that he can
tolerate such a life.”
>


112
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“I think everybody must admire cousin
Harry,” Ellis replied. 66 It seems to me he
is nearly perfect. So good and loving; and
yet so brave and strong. I was so sorry
that he must lose his wife, when if anybody
deserved a happy life, he does.”
“ Yes; but he knew his wife would live
only a short time, when he married ; so her
death was not unexpected. Not many men
would have married as he did. Didn't you
think it strange, Aunt Ellen?” added War-
ren, turning to Mrs. Farley.
"Not after seeing Amy, and knowing as
I did, that she as good as she was
beautiful. It was like Harry to love her,
and had it been possible for human skill to
save her, she would have glorified his life.
Harry takes high rank as a physician, already.
We owe him a great deal for what he has
done for Ellis."
2
was
>
“And there is Johnny Carr, the most


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
113
grateful fellow you ever saw in your life,
and bidding fair to make a very smart man.
My gentleman, as he calls Harry, gets most
of the credit for this. Johnny has been in
our store for more than a year, and I mean
to have him West with me, sometime. He
is to be depended upon."
Johnny Carr had heard of this plan for him-
self; and with the eagerness, natural to his
age and temperament, accepted it as sure
to be realized, if his mother could be per-
suaded to go with him. He would never
leave her while she lived. His highest ambi-
tion was to provide for her, so that she
could dress handsomely, and fold her hands
in elegant idleness. He had whiled away
many a weary hour, in picturing to himself
the home he would make for the dear, good
mother, who had worked so hard for him.
She, poor woman, felt herself amply repaid
for all her labor, when she saw her son
>


114
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
among his fellows, so slightly lame, that
it was hardly observed, and knowing as she
did, that he was worthy of confidence and
respect. He had earned money in different
ways, before entering the store of Mr. Lewis ;
but there he received regular wages, and
thought himself on the highway to fortune.
Warren was missed at the old stand ; yet
gradually, matters adjusted themselves to
the new order of things, and business went
on as before.
At the same time, a young merchant made
his bow to a western community, and solicited
a - share of their patronage. His store was
well located and judiciously stocked; while
the gentlemanly proprietor was always visible
to customers. He understood his business,
and was not above giving it his attention.
Of course he would succeed, as everybody
said. People were not long in concluding,
also that he would be popular in society.
2
>
-


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
115
There was just enough of reserve in his
manner, under some circumstances, to inspire
faith in his prudence.
Mr. Lewis visited his son at the end of
six months, and was half inclined to become
a western merchant himself. “Now, father,
don't you believe what I told you ?” was
the question often asked him.
“I believe you did well to come here,”
was the reply, upon one occasion.
just the place for you; and if I was ten
years younger, I'd come here myself. People
move pretty fast, though ; and I can't help
thinking some of them live too fast. Your
mother wouldn't approve of some things I've
66 It's
seen.'
“ Probably not,” responded Warren, with
a blush, conscious that his father was observ-
ing him closely. “But with the Romans,
one must do as the Romans. Mother's code
of morals is very strict."


116
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
I wish you
-
“None too strict, my son.
had such a wife as she has been to me.”
“I wish," commenced the young man,
“but no matter. There is something of
more importance I wish to talk about, with
you.”
Buying, selling, and the chances of a
rise in the market were the most important
subjects of which they talked ; and when
the visit had ended, Mr. Lewis felt con-
fident of his son's future. They had dis-
greed upon only one point. The father
wished to retain the services of Johnny Carr;
while the son wished to secure them for
himself, offering to pay twice the wages the
young clerk now received.
“I don't think his mother will be willing
he should come," said Mr. Lewis, senior.
“ She could hardly live without him, and
it is too much to expect her to come here.
I wish for your sake, however, that you had


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
117
him, in place of that pale faced clerk of yours.
I don't like the looks of that face. If the
owner don't drink too much wine, and smoke
too many cigars, I'm mistaken in my judg-
ment of him."
“I am afraid you are right, father, and
I have cautioned him once. But it don't
seem to be my business, as long as he never
gives me any cause for complaint, here in
the store. He is a good salesman, and strictly
honest, so far as I can see. I don't want
Johnny in his place; but I am getting to
need another clerk, and can afford to pay
one good wages. I must write to him about
it, and if he comes, that will make room
in your store for Paul Manson.”
The letter was written, within a few weeks;
but before it reached its destination, there
was no mother to be consulted. She had
died suddenly, and Johnny, left alone, desired
to go to Warren Lewis. Of course Dr. Man-


118
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
son read the letter, and considered the
expediency of acceding to its request. His
protege was really a remarkable boy. The
discipline of suffering and patient waiting
had developed traits of character, rarely seen
in one so young. He had the implicit faith in
God's wisdom and justice which most people
learn to exercise only after long lives of
change and trial. It was this faith which
gave to him such earnestness of purpose ;
and which moved him to do, with his might,
whatever his hands found to do. This faith,
too, enabled him to bear the loss of his
mother, with Christian resignation.
Dr. Manson thought of all this ; giving him
full credit for the sincere piety which mani-
fested itself in the faithful discharge of every
day's duties. But was he so armed against
temptation, that he would not fall into its
insidious snares? Would he resolutely close
eyes and ears to the fascinations, which lure


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
119
o You
>
80 many to destruction ? Was it safe to test
his strength, where weakness would prove
his utter ruin ?
The doctor forgot that any one waited
for him to speak, until reminded by a slight
movement of his companion.
“I was thinking," he then said.
would like to go West.”
“ Yes, sir. But I promised mother I would
do as you think best; and if you say I ought
I
not to go, I will stay where I am.”
“ Contentedly?”
“Yes, sir," was said, after some hesitation.
“ Young Mr. Lewis wants me, and I should
like to work for him ; but I can stay here."
2
66 And do you think it will be as easy
for you to do right there as here?”
“I hope so, sir. At any rate, I must do
right, whether it is hard or easy. I promised
mother" But here tears choked his voice.
"Oh, Dr. Manson, I can never forget what


120
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66 She
was
a
she told me, and what I promised her the
day before she died," he continued.
said I might tell you.
My father
drunkard,” he half whispered. “It was that
made mother so poor, and me so —” He
did not complete the sentence. His friend
had suspected the truth; and knowing that
children are often cursed by the sins of
their parents, did not need that more be
said. “I promised her I would never,
never, never taste a drop of liquor, so
long as I live. She made me repeat never
three times, and call God to witness my
promise. I never have tasted a drop of
liquor, and now I never shall."
“But if you were in a large company,
where everybody else drank wine, and you
were urged to drink too, what then?”
" I should keep my promise, of course.
Do you think I wouldn't?"
“No, John. I believe you would keep


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
121
your promise. But most people would ridi-
cule you for such abstinence. Warren Lewis
drinks wine, without scruple.”
“ But he isn't a drunkard.”.
“No; he is a temperate drinker. I pre-
sume he would be considered a very temper-
ate drinker. Most of the young men, with
whom you will come in contact, will probably
urge you to drink with them."
“ But I shan't drink if they do urge me,”
said John, decidedly. “I shan't mind what
they say, either."
Long, Dr. Manson and his companion
talked; the latter revealing, with every
word, some warning given by his mother.
In her last hours, Mrs. Carr had spoken
freely of many things, in regard to which
John had often wondered. Her history was
like that of many a woman, who, bound to
one, every way unworthy of her, is dragged
down from one degree of wretchedness to


122
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
another, until death releases her from slavery
Only love for her child made existence tol-
erable. For him she worked when she would
not have worked for herself: her heart grow-
ing harder, with each succeeding year, until
she made the acquaintance of Mrs. Manson.
Since then, everything had changed. Re-
ligion had beautified her life, making her
home the very gate of heaven, through which
she passed to that upper home, where comes
neither sorrow nor sighing.
It seemed to Dr. Manson, as he listened
to a recital of her last counsels to her son,
that she had left nothing for another to say ;
and although he ventured some suggestions,
which were kindly received, he felt them
to be unnecessary. Then they came back to
the question to be decided. Should John,
as his companions were learning to call him,
go West ? Objections lost their significance,
when considered in connection with the


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
123
>
pledges he had given, and the principles
he had adopted.
“ You may be able to serve my cousin in
other ways than as a clerk," said the doctor.
I know you will have his best good always
at heart."
“Yes, sir, I will,” was the reply. “I
will pray that he may become a Christian.
Next to you, I owe more to him than to
any one else, except my mother. He has
been very kind to me."
A call for the doctor's professional services
interrupted this conversation, and in the days
which intervened, before John Carr left for
the West, there was opportunity for little
more than an exchange of good-byes.
Warren Lewis welcomed the young man,
explained his duties, and assured him that
he would soon feel quite at home.
" A little strange at first,” said the mer-
chant. 6 You'll miss Mr. Jewett, and father ;
>


124
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
but we get more elbow room here, and live
faster than they. do.”
John was quick to learn his duties, and
ready to perform them ; but there was some
difficulty in regard to his boarding-place.
He was not satisfied with the one which
had been provided. Indeed, after a short
.
trial, he refused to be associated in any way,
with those into whose society he was thrown.
He could not tolerate the roystering manners
and questionable conversation of young men,
who thought themselves his superior, because
they knew more of vice and dissipation.
His employer had not thought of this
want of sympathy, although he reproached
himself for thoughtlessness at the first men-
tion of John's dissatisfaction. “Of course
you shall change,” he said. “I wish you to
be contented and happy, and if you can't
be so, in one place, you must in another.
But really, I don't know how to select for
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
125
name.
you. Suppose you try for yourself. In a
few weeks you will learn enough of the
people and places, about you, to make a
proper selection. Don't get homesick, Jolin-
ny,” he added, addressing him by the old
“I know you must be lonely.”
Poor John was almost ready to wish him-
self back in the old place. He was so lonely;
a stranger in a strange city. He had left
a pleasant circle of acquaintances; while
here, he was only “ Mr. Lewis' clerk.”
“ A real parson,” said one of his fellow
boarders, who might profitably have copied
his example.
“ He'll get over that,” said another, laugh-
ing scornfully.
“Don't you believe it,” was the reply.
Any fellow that can read his Bible and pray
before folks, as he does, without blushing,
don't get over it so easy. I tell you he's
a real Puritan, dyed in the wool. But he's
66


126
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
smart though. Jefts says he is posted in
business. Got eyes in the back side of his
head, too; and it's my opinion he'll use them
to good advantage."
- Jefts don't like him ; does he ?”
“Yes and no, both. He can't find any
fault with him, any more than we can; but
the whole story is, he aint one of our kind.
Mr. Lewis would trust him against anybody."
“ Well, never mind that. We've talked
enough about Carr for once. He's well
enough in his place, and that's an old fash-
ioned prayer meeting ;” and this last remark,
which was thought to be very witty, called
forth a shout of laughter.
Had John Carr heard it, he would have
said, with a pleasant smile, “you are right
in regard to the prayer meeting. It is just
the place for me.” While his character was
thus discussed, he was in his place; at home,
with Christians. Joining with them in prayer


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
127
and praise, he felt himself no longer alone.
Kind faces beamed upon him; and stranger
though he was, a bond of fellowship was
acknowledged.
For a few days he boarded in the house
with Mr. Lewis, where, being the youngest
of the family, he was treated with great
consideration. After this, having become ac-
quainted with a young man, of like tastes
as his own, who lived with his mother
in a pleasant part of the city, he preferred
a home with them; and arrangements being
made satisfactory to all, he took possession
of a room, which had been fitted up expressly
for him.
“ Contented now?” asked his employer,
soon after this change had been affected.
“ · Yes, sir, I am,” was the reply. “Mrs.
Barton seems almost like my own mother,
and I feel perfectly at home.”
“I am glad to lear that,” responded Mr.
ܪ ܐ


128
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
Lewis, heartily. “I ought to have remem-
bered that you are different from most others
of your age.”
“How am I different, sir?" asked John.
“ I hope I am not less willing to work and do
my duty."
" You are more willing to do your duty,
and just there is the difference,” was an-
swered. “I congratulate myself upon having
one clerk I can trust, without reserve. I
know you miss your old friends, but I intend
to do well by you, and you will soon make
other friends. I suppose you hear from Paul
Manson."
“ Yes, sir ; and he likes his place in the
store very much. He can be trusted any-
where."
6 I know he can. All of Aunt Manson's
children are models of truth and sincerity.
The doctor was always a wonder in that
way.”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
129
“ He is so good,” was the reply. “I re-
member just how he looked, the first time I
ever saw him. My gentleman seemed to me
an angel then. Paul says he has so much
business, he hardly gets time to eat or sleep;
and his mother thinks he ought to go away
and rest. I wish he would come out here."
• We must invite him to come, when we
can make a better display of goods and
profits,” said Warren Lewis. “By the way,
did you see Jefts, last evening?"
“ No, sir; I never saw him in the evening,”
replied John.
“I thought he didn't look quite right this
morning, when he came in. Did you observe
it?" continued the merchant.
“ Yes, sir; and I heard him say he had
a severe headache.”
“I presume he had. I wish you conld
manage to talk with him about some of his
habits. He is very active, and I should be
>


130
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
sorry to part with him ; but I am afraid he is
injuring himself.”
Mr. Lewis knew what he professed to fear ;
yet he would not speak more explicitly.
Albert Jefts was never absent from the store,
during business hours, and never remiss in
his duties. If dissipated, as no one could
doubt who saw him, he, as yet, held himself
in check, with a firm hand. Having few
sympathies in common with him, the new
clerk had been satisfied to meet him on
strictly business terms.
When alone, John Carr thought of what
had been said, wondering if it were possible
for him to influence this young man to live
differently.
In less than a week, Albert Jefts came into
the store a full hour later than usual. His
face was flushed, and his eyes were bloodshot-
ten. When walking, he sometimes reached
out his hand, as if for support. Often he


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
131
raised his hand to his forehead, as though
brushing from it something which troubled
him. He paused abruptly in what he was
doing, his mind seeming to be pre-occupied.
As the day wore on, he appeared less able to
control himself; but business crowded, and
Mr. Lewis had no time to look after his
clerks.
About one hour before the store was to
be closed, a customer came in to say that the
goods he had just received were not such as
he had bargained for. “ They come short
both in quantity and quality.” The complaint
was made to Mr. Lewis.
6. The mistake shall be rectified,” he said,
blandly. “You shall have no cause for dis-
satisfaction. It is the first complaint of the
kind, I have heard ; and I will make sure of
its being the last.”
So far as the customer was concerned, this
difficulty was easily settled ; but the clerk who


132
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
had caused it would be held to strict account.
No questions, however, were asked, until the
next morning, when Jefts was summoned to
the private office of his employer.
"I made the mistake yesterday,” said the
young man, hurriedly. “My head was wrong,
.
and I ought to have been in bed, instead of
being here. I am very sorry for what hap-
pened, and hope you will pardon me. I be-
lieve it is my first offence.”
Yes, it is," answered the merchant, sur-
prised at this abrupt confession, made before a
charge had been preferred. “I am quite
ready to pardon you; but if you were unable
to attend to your duties, you should have given
yourself a day's rest. I am afraid, Jefts, that
you are living too fast. I wish you would do
differently."
“ Yes, sir; I must do differently. Are you
satisfied with me here ? "
“Certainly. Yet I should be sorry to have
I
66


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
133
another mistake like that of yesterday. I
think we understand each other."
“Yes, sir;” and Jefts bowed himself from
the room. In his confusion, be stumbled upon
John Carr, who apologized for being in the
way. “I was in the way myself,” he replied.
“I believe I am in everybody's way; and in
my own, most of all."
This last was said so bitterly, that John
caught the hand of the speaker, and held it
fast, saying, “Can't I help you? I wish I
could. I have needed so much help myself,
that I am always wishing to help others."
“ But what if I don't need help?” asked
Jefts, in a tone the coldness of which belied
the expression of his face.
“ You are different from other people, if you
never need help,” was the reply.
“I am different ;” and the laugh which
I
supplemented this was as full of bitterness and
mockery as that of any sin-hardened wretch


134
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
,
>
No more could be said at that time ; but at
night, John Carr walked down the street with
Albert Jefts, although aware that his company
was not desired. Twice they encountered a
flashily-dressed, sinister-looking man, who
bowed with easy confidence at each meeting.
Who is he?” asked John.
“ Would you like to make his acquaint-
ance ?” was asked, in reply. “He is an
,
admirer of young men, if they have plenty of
money. Pardon me," added the speaker,
.
changing his tone, “ I am out of sorts, this
evening. That man is a scoundrel ;” and he
"
glanced around furtively, as though fearing to
be overheard.
“ He looks like it,” said John. “I have no
wish to make his acquaintance.
I only
thought it strange that such a man should bow
to you.”
“ You'd think some other things stranger
still. But, Carr, what are you going this way


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
135
for? You'll have a long walk, before you get
?
to your boarding-place; and I don't think my
company is so agreeable that you can care for
it.”
>
6. I don't think you are well to-night,” was
the evasive reply.
“I am able to take care of myself, at any
rate; and you might as well let me go,”
answered Jefts. " I've no doubt you mean
well; but you can't help me."
“I can pray for you.”
6 Carr, do you pray
T?”
“ Yes ;” and the earnest face grew still
more earnest.
and do pray. Else,
how could I live ? "
The two young men were standing at the
corner of a retired street, during the last of
this conversation, and John Carr was about
bidding his companion good-night, when he
saw the man who had been called a scoun-
drel, coming toward them. “There he is.
66
661
can,
again.”


136
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“ Yes; the villain! I wish to heaven I
could be rid of him. He will drive me to
desperation. Come to my room if you've
nothing better to do. He is waiting to see
me alone.” Another bow, with a smile which
"
was meant to be insinuating, and the scoun-
drel passed them. " I believe he is the devil
in disguise, and a thin disguise, too,” said
Jefts, in a low tone.
They walked on in silence, until their des-
tination was
reached. Jefts unlocked the
door of his room, the air of which was foul
with the fumes of tobacco and liquor. “Hor-
rid, isn't it ?” he exclaimed, throwing open
the windows, and clearing a chair, which he
offered to his guest. “I had forgotten things
.
were so bad, or I wouldn't have asked you
to come here. I don't suppose you'll wonder
at my headaches, after this.”
"I wonder that you can live,” was the
frank reply. “How can you ?”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
13"
“Oh, I've got used to it. We all have
to.” This was said with affected careless-
ness; but the speaker was in no mood for
trifling, as his next remark proved.
" Now,
Carr, we are alone, and the door is locked.
I believe my head is tolerably clear, too;
and if you have no objections to talking, I
should like to know what made you come
my way to-night, instead of going to your
boarding-place."
So much depended upon the reply to this,
that time was taken for consideration.
“Do you wish me to tell you the truth?”
at length asked John Carr.
• Yes," and there was such intensity of
expression in this single affirmative, that it
needed no repetition.
" Because I thought you were unhappy,
and I longed to do something to help you.
I didn't like to intrude myself upon you,
but there was no other way; you wouldn't


138
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
I am
ask me to walk with you. I couldn't sleep
last night, for thinking of you; so I prayed
that your heart might be inclined to me."
“ Have you a father and mother, Carr?”
“No, I am an orphan. My mother died
about four months ago."
“ Have you any sister ?”
“ No; neither brother nor sister.
alone in the world. Mr. Lewis was very
kind to me, when I was a poor, lame boy ;
and that is why I came here to work for
him. Everybody has been kind to me.”
“ And you have been kind to yourself,”
said Albert Jefts. “I am an orphan; but
I have a little sister who loves me better
than all the world beside. If it hadn't been
for her, you wouldn't have seen me in the
store to-day. Look there,” and he pointed
to a vial marked " Laudanum." " I intended
to drink that last night, but the thought
of Daisy prevented me."
>



al
olis
.
MUSSEZ
DSSC
“ Why, you would not kill yourself!” Page 139.


THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX
TILDEN FONDATIONS


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
139
“Why! you wouldn't kill yourself!” cried
John, in a tone of horror.
“I wished to kill myself,” was the cool
reply. “It would have been the best thing
for me; but little Daisy would miss her
darling brother, and bad as I am, I couldn't
leave her. I do need a friend,” was added
after a short pause.
" But I don't see how
you could help me, even if I should tell
you all.”
For the next quarter of an hour, only
sobs were heard in that room. Not a word
was spoken until John Carr said solemnly,
“Let us pray.” Kneeling, he urged that
all sins might be forgiven, and all sorrowing
hearts comforted. He prayed, too, most
earnestly for the friend whose path was be-
set with dangers. “Do trust me," he said
to this friend, when he rose from his knees.
“I will," was the welcome response.
“ God has sent you to me.”


140
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
Hour after hour went by; and still the
two remained in close consultation. No one
was admitted, although there were several
calls for Mr. Jefts. At first he talked, while
his companion only listened. He told his
story; the story of thousands of the young
men of our country, differing perhaps in
its details, yet the same in substance. Wine
drinking and card playing had been his
ruin. Moderate drinking created an appetite
which demanded gratification.
Small sums
of money were staked to give zest to the
game of cards. The fact that he had an
income, independent of his salary, made him
a desirable companion for such as waste their
time in riotous living.
Lower and lower he had fallen, until in
an evil hour, maddened with liquor, and a
sense of his own degradation, he staked his
entire property. A professional gambler, with
the manners of a gentleman, won the game,


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
141
yet with rare generosity, allowed him one
more opportunity to retrieve his fortune.
Again he lost, to find himself in the power
of one, merciless as the grave, and more
cruel than death.
Never, in all his downward career, had he
wronged his employers. His keen sense of
honor, which dissipation had not destroyed,
prevented this. But now he must have
money, and trusting to his previous honesty
to screen him from suspicion of intentional
wrong, he had delivered the goods of which
complaint was made. If the goods were ac-
cepted, as according to contract, he intended,
in some way, to secure the profits of the
transaction. But this scheme failed, in the
outset, and as he told John, he was thankful
that it did, let come what might; adding, “I
have no doubt that I should have betrayed
myself before I was through with it.
“ Now, I have told you all, and you can't


142
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
help me. That scoundrel has me fast, soul
and body; and there is no way of escape.
You can't help me, Carr. I know you would,
if you could.
could. I don't think I'd have told any
one else.”
How John Carr longed for the presence
and aid of Dr. Manson. Then he thought of
his employer, and said, “Go to Mr. Lewis,
and tell him all about it. He can help
you.”
“ And so lose my place. Indeed, I can't
do that. You don't suppose he'd ever trust
me again.”
“I think he would,” replied John. “I am
sure he would,” was added, directly.“ Let
me tell him.”
"I can't, I can't !” exclaimed Albert
Jefts. “Don't ask me to do that. Carr, I
,
charge you, as you hope for heaven, never
taste of wine. It has rnined me. Oh, Daisy,
darling, if it were not for you, I would end my
wretched life this very night.”
66


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
143
>
“And are you prepared to die ?” asked his
companion, with streaming eyes.
“Prepared to die! Prepared to die!” re
peated the wretched man. " For God's sake,
don't ask me such a question. I am pre-
pared for nothing. Tell me what to do.”
o Promise me never to touch wine or cards
again, while you live, and ask God to help you
keep the promise.”
“ Bless you for saying that, Carr. I'll
make the promise, and do my best to keep it.
But you don't know what I have to fight
against,” he added, after a short
“ It's of no use ; I should only perjure myself,
and I've enough to answer for already. I
can't give up drinking. Let me go my own
way, Carr. It won't be long, and there isn't
enough good left of me to be worth saving.”
But John was not thus to be dismissed.
Having found the way to the heart of his com-
panion, he continued to plead, until the de
short pause.


144
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
sired promise and permission were given.
Prayer consecrated new resolutions, and hope
once more illumined a pathway, beset with
danger.


CHAPTER IV.
The ways diverge; one path is wido,
With flashing lights on every side,
Whose fitîul gleams but half reveal
The dangers darkness would conceal;
Yet still moves on the careless throng,
With laugh and jest and mirthful song.
NLY the servants were astir in the
house, when a rap on the door of his
room roused Warren Lewis from
his morning slumbers. 66 What is
wanted ?” he asked.
“I wish to see you,” was the reply.
“ Oh! Johnny, is it? I will see you in a
minute ;” and wondering much what could
have brought him at so early an hour, Mr.
Lewis admitted the visitor. “ Any trouble,
Johnny ?”
145


146
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66
7
“Yes, sir; I came to talk with you about
, I
Mr. Jefts. He is in trouble, and thinks there
is nobody to help him; but I told him you
could,” was the straightforward reply. “I
know you would be kind, as you always are.
You won't send him off, will you ? ”
“Not unless he has done something for
which I ought to dismiss him.”
“ But if he has done wrong, and is sorry for
it, you won't send him off. You know we
all do wrong, sometimes, Mr. Lewis.”
“ Yes, Johnny, I know it, and I'll remem-
ber it. But I don't know what Jefts has done
yet. Did he send you to me ?”
No, sir, I begged him to let me come.
I
I
have been with him ever since we left the
store, last night.”
“ Hav'n't you been to your boarding place ? '
“No, sir, I couldn't leave Jefts, and I
didn't care for anything to eat."
" And havn't you eaten anything since you
left the store ?”
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
147
"No, sir, but no matter about that. I
want you to treat Jefts just as you would
treat me, if I was in his place. He has no
father or mother; only a little sister, who
would be so grieved, if he was disgraced.
You will help him, wont you ? ”
“ I will do all in my power to help him,"
said Mr. Lewis, seriously. “Now, tell me
,
what help he needs.” John commenced
speaking; but was soon interrupted. "I
wish you would send Jefts to me. Tell him
to come, and we can have everything settled
before night. That rascally gambler shall
give up every claim he has upon him. And
Johnny, you go home and get some breakfast.
Mrs. Barton will be anxious about you."
Albert Jefts was in an agony of suspense,
during the absence of his friend. One mo-
ment he hoped, the next he despaired. Now
ruin stared him in the face, then, with a
sudden revulsion of feeling, he looked for.


148
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
ward to a happy, honorable life. Everything
depended upon an interview he regretted, so
soon as he was left alone. But the first
glance at John's face reassured him, and
preparing to answer the summons of Mr.
Lewis, he said, “I am going to tell the whole
truth and accept my fate. Nothing can be
worse than what I have suffered the last
week. If I am not in the store to day, come
here this evening.”
Yes, but I am sure you will be in the
store," was the cheerful reply. “I am going
with you to see that you find the way."
He went to the door of Mr. Lewis' room,
waited to see that the young man was cordially
received, and then hurried to his boarding
place.
Albert Jefts made a full confession of his
misdeeds ; keeping back nothing, palliating
nothing. “I don't suppose you'll want me
in the store any longer,” he said, with great
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
149
66
effort, after waiting in vain for some response
to his communication.
“I wouldn't have you leave, upon any
account," answered Mr. Lewis. “Excuse me.
.
I was considering how to deal with Romney.
We must find a way to get back your notes,
and save your property.”
“And are you going to forgive my dis-
honesty ?”
Certainly. You were sorely tempted, and
we are none of us perfect. Never mention
it to me again. I shall trust you in the
future, as I have in the past. Come into
the store, this morning, as usual ; that is, if
you are able to come. You are not looking
well. Take a glass of wine. It will do you
good.”
No, sir. I have promised never to taste
of wine again. It has been the curse of my
life.”
Mr. Lewis stayed his hand at this, saying,


150
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66
" Then you do well to abstain from it. It
has never injured me. When it does, I shall
follow your example. Did you fast last
night?”
“ Yes, sir, but I never thought of it. I
was too wretched to care for eating. I don't
care for breakfast, either.”
But you must eat, nevertheless. When
did you see Romney ?”
“ Last evening. He passed me
on the
street three times, and came to my room
afterwards; but I wouldn't admit him. He
wishes to leave town, and is anxious for a
settlement."
" Tell me where to find him, and I will
settle with him, if you will give me author-
ity.”
The merchant's sympathy was strongly en-
listed for his clerk, at the same time that
his sense of justice was outraged by the
conduct of Romney, the gambler. Asking


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
151
neither pledge nor promise, he counseled
moderation and temperance. His companion
would go further. Abstinence and temper-
ance should be synonomous terms. Modera-
tion should be constant self-denial.
“I'll not dispute the point with you,”
said Mr. Lewis. “ If you err, it is on the
safe side; and every man must judge for
himself. If total abstinence is necessary for
you, you will do well to abide by it."
“ It is necessary for me; and begging your
pardon, Mr. Lewis, I think it is necessary
for most people,” was the reply.
As may be imagined, Albert Jefts cared
no more for eating than he did the previous
evening. Yet he made his appearance at
the breakfast table, and thus avoided disa-
greeable questions. He restored his room to
something like order, congratulating himself
that his supply of liquor and cigars was
exhausted. On his way to the store he
2


152
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
countermanded an order given the previous
day; and then felt that he was fairly com-
mitted to an entire change of habits.
In his sorrow and remorse he had hardly
thought of what this change might cost
him. The battle with his appetite, the ridi-
Cule of old companions, the lassitude which
would be sure to oppress him; all these he
had forgotten. Morning, noon, and night,
there would be the restless craving for an
accustomed stimulant. How long the torment
might endure, he knew not. Days, weeks,
and months might go by, and he never at rest.
It did not occur to him, however, that he
could perjure himself; that he could, at any
moment, turn back to the old way. His
pledges had been made too solemnly for this.
There was only one path for him, if so be,
God should spare his life.
In his walk, he encountered John Carr,
who said, cheerfully, “You are early, this
morning.”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
153
“ Yes. There is a great deal to be done at
the store to-day, and I told Mr. Lewis I would
do the work of two. He is to be away part of
the forenoon."
“ And everything is all right, Jefts ?”
" All right," was the response.
66 Some-
time, I will tell you more.”
Before night, there was more to tell. Mr.
Romney had been visited, and induced to re-
linquish his claims against Albert Jefts. At
first, he refused to do this; but finding him-
self confronted with the law, he made a virtue
of necessity, and at parting bowed politely,
expressing the hope that his friend, Mr. Jefts,
would be satisfied with the arrangement.
Alone, he ground his teeth in impotent rage,
vowing vengeance upon those who had thus
outwitted him.
“ You must be on your guard,” remarked
Mr. Lewis to his clerk, after reporting his
“Romney is an unscrupulous vil
success.


154
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
lain. He'll have his eye on you, and if you
fall into his clutches again, he'll not allow
you to escape."
“I shouldn't deserve to escape," answered
Jefts, in a husky voice. 66 How can I ever
repay you for saving me from him this once ?
I could go down on my knees to thank you.”
“No! No!” exclaimed Mr. Lewis, his own
voice faltering, as he prevented his companion
from falling at his feet. “Give me your
hand, and let us be friends for life."
Did Warren Lewis think of danger, that
evening, when, after draining one glass of
rich, red wine, he denied himself the second,
which his appetite craved ? Did the possi-
bility that this appetite might, one day, be-
come his master, suggest itself? If so, he
banished the thought, as unworthy of one who
held his destiny in his own hand. He knew
how his cousin, Dr. Manson, would regard
him ; but this cousin was over-scrupulous.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
155
Yet not more so than John Carr, who,
having commenced a good work with his fel-
low clerk, resolved to persevere. Tempta-
tion which could not be avoided, must be met
and resisted; but it is no part of wisdom to
court temptation. At the instance of his
newly-found friend, Albert Jefts decided to
withdraw himself from the influences which
had surrounded him, and Mrs. Barton con-
sented to receive him into her family.
No secret was made of the reasons which
induced him to make this change; and sneer
as they might, not one of his acquaintances
but honored him for abandoning a career
which tended to ruin.
“ Let him go,” said one, with a mocking
laugh. “There are enough of us left. He
always fetched up in the middle of a jollifi-
cation, declaring he had gone far enough.
For my part, I think we are well rid of
him. Spent most of his money, if I'm any
judge. Romney got a good share of it."
>


156
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
left us.
success.
“I'm sorry if he did,” said another, with
an oath. “Jefts is too good a fellow to be
fleeced by that scoundrel. He was the best
of us all; but I can't say I'm sorry he's
There are enough of us to go to
the devil, without him. Let us drink to his
May he never taste wine, while
grapes grow and water runs."
A strange sentiment was this, for such a
company; but the more incongruous, the
more jolly; and nothing could have been re-
ceived with greater favor. Yet scarcely had
the empty glasses rung upon the table, when
one ventured to prophecy that Jefts would
be with them at their next meeting.
“Don't you believe it ?” was the excla-
mation, in reply. “He ain't made of that
kind of stuff. I've seen him. But what
need of telling? You'll find out what he'll
do. There ain't one of us can begin to
match him, where will is concerned. He'd


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
157
die before he'd drink again; and I wish I
had the pluck to follow his example.”
This last remark was greeted with strong
expressions of dissatisfaction. A second de-
sertion from their ranks could not be borne ;
and loud were their songs in honor of the
jolly god at whose shrine they worshipped.
“ A short life, and a merry one,” they shouted,
little dreaming of the woe pronounced upon
those who tarry long at the wine ; and seeing
not the hand-writing on the wall, which
doomed one of their number to an early
and sudden death.
Scarce two weeks from this time, he whose
laugh rang loudest, and whose glass was
oftenest drained, in a fit of intoxication,
missed his footing, and falling a great dis-
tance, was crushed out of the very semblance
of humanity. “A sad providence," this
death was called ? but it was a providence
for which the victim himself was account


1.58
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
-
able. Such suicides are frequent in our
land: how frequent, will be known only
when all secrets are revealed.
Oh, who will sound the note of warning,
which echoing from headland to mountain
peak, sweeping from the bleak fields of the
north to the fair savannas of the south,
shall rouse us, as a people, to a sense of
our danger!
Often was Harry Manson moved to such
a cry as this. Often did his heart stand still,
for very horror, at the crime and misery
wrought by the demon of intemperance. In
high life and low life, in stately mansion
and crumbling hovel, were traces of its pres-
ence. Still, men talked of moderation, self-
control, and manly freedom, as opposed to
abstinence and conscientious regard for the
good of community.
As a physician, Dr. Manson saw the skele-
ton in many houses; sometimes concealed by
>
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
159
>
heavy folds of damask, and silken drapery:
and sometimes, alas, hidden only by such flim-
sy screen as woman in her poverty and degra-
dation might interpose. Wherever he went,
he was the champion of temperance; using
authority, where this was fitting, and persua-
sion when he had no other resource. In
his home, his father's house, he was as ever
its pride and joy, although each day renowed
his sense of personal bereavement.
His brothers, emulating his virtues, gave
promise of usefulness in their chosen voca-
tions. Uncle John Lewis said Paul was a
perfect treasure,” and sure to be a success-
ful merchant. George, too, was winning his
first laurels. And the sisters. Harry said
they were the dearest in the world; and he,
surely, had some opportunity to know whereof
he affirmed.
To Mrs. Lewis, they were as daughters,
seldom a day passing when her lonely house


160
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
was not gladdened by their presence.
«1
believe I shall adopt you,” she said, during
one of their visits.
“ But, auntie, then there will be no girls
at home. What would father and mother
and brother Harry do without us?”
“I don't know," was the reply. “I was
thinking only of myself. I wish Warren had
been contented to stay with his father;” and
this wish, so often expressed, was supple-
mented with a sigh.
She could not sympathize with her hus-
band's ambition that their son should amass
a princely fortune. She cared little for this,
if he might be but good and true ; and know-
;
ing his habits, it was not strange that she
wished him near her.
“ But he writes you so often," suggested
Nellie.
“ And such nice, long letters,” added Mary.
“ Then John always speaks of him, in his
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
161
letters to Paul. You know he can make
money so much faster there, than he can
here. Why, auntie, I think it is almost the
best thing in the world to have just as much
money as you want to do good with. Cousin
Warren can help all the poor people, when
he gets rich."
Yes, child," answered Mrs. Lewis, cheer-
fully. “But rich men are not always gen-
erous.”
“I know it, auntie ; but we expect cousin
Warren will be generous. John says he is
just as kind as he can be."
“And John knows of course. You don't
suppose that boy could be mistaken, do you ?”
“Not in this case," replied Mary with a
blush. “ I should trust his judgment.”
.
“Yes, dear, and I hope it will never fail
himself, or you."
John Carr had a strong incentive to make
the most of his opportunities. There was


162
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
no engagement of marriage between Mary
Manson and himself; but each had looked
into the other's heart, and seen the idol,
there enshrined. The doctor, too, had a
shrewd suspicion of there mutual love; and
smiled approval, although he had not been
consulted.
The fact that John's mother had been a
a
poor woman, and himself, at one time, the
recipient of charity, was counted no disgrace
by those who knew his true nobility of
character. In his present position, he might
.
have ignored the past; but whenever
poor child needed encouragement, he was
ready to tell of his own privations and
struggles. Albert Jefts heard his story; won-
dered at his indomitable energy, and ad-
mired his firm principle.
“I have wasted so many years !” said this
young man, with a sigh.
“ And yet they
never leave me. I could almost welcome


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
163
Do you
death to rid me of them,” he added, in a
lower tone. “You have no ghosts to haunt
you Carr. Thank God for that.
I never
thought to come to this. I remember how my
father talked to me, before he died; urging
me to be a Christian, and do my whole duty
in the world. Mother, too, dear mother,-
how she loved and trusted me.
know, Carr, I never tried to deceive her but
once in my life. I am thankful for that. I
was so wretched, then, I thought I should
never be happy again.”
It was in one of the dark hours that these
thoughts claimed utterance; but presently,
light shined through the darkness. Mr. Jefts
did not need to be reminded of his pledge,
or urged to its fulfillment. After a few days
of intimacy, his friend never doubted his in-
tegrity of purpose or strength of will; but
There was often need to rouse him to a more
cheerful view of life.


164
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
In the store, his services were invaluable,
and gradually the look of dissipation faded
from his face. His old companions, despair-
ing of his return to former habits, avoided
him.
Mr. Lewis took occasion to express
gratification at the change in his appearance,
and the young man, having at heart the best
interests of his employer, replied, “I have
gained much, since I abandoned my cups.
Nothing could induce me to go back to the
old slavery. I am ready to join Carr, in
preaching total abstinence.”
“Preach away," was the laughing response.
I am not going to discourage you. If there
is any one to be pitied, it is the slave of
appetite; and too many of our young men
are bound, hand and foot. Some who were
my class-mates in school, might better be
dead than as they are.”
Warren Lewis' first visit home, was made
sooner than he had anticipated. He could
2


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
165
leave his business in good hands, and there
were many whom he desired to see. Perhaps
pride had something to do with this; for he
· had prospered beyond his most sanguine ex-
pectations, and received the congratulations
of his friends, with the air of one accustomed
to success.
9
A little slow seemed the familiar city, as
he contrasted it with the hurry and bustle he
had left. 6 Come out west and wake up,”
he said to one and another. 66 There is room
enough this side the Rocky Mountains, and
you will breathe freer than you can here."
“ But you get your growth here,” remarked
Mr. Jewett, smiling at the enthusiasm with
which the west was extolled.
training in the east."
“ Yea, sir; but I'm fast getting western-
ized,” tas the reply. “Western society is
the progressive element in our body politic,
and sure to make its mark."
6 You had your


166
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
us.
" Perhaps so. I've no wish to disparage
any part of our country; but if moderation
don't come with age, there'll be shipwreck
somewhere. Don't go too fast yourself; and
don't persuade all the young men to leave
I didn't think it very neighborly when
you sent for John, though Paul fills his place.
They are both fine young fellows."
“Yes, sir; and John's business tact will
make his fortune.”
“Something more than tact, there," said
the elder man. • Johnny is as straight-for-
ward and honest as the sun. Dr. Manson
has had a good deal to do with the making
of his character; and the doctor understands
>
66
such business."
“Yes, sir. Hal is a splendid fellow, with
a wonderful knowledge of human nature; but
this would be a queer world, if everybody
adopted his notions."
“ It would be a blessed good world,” re-


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
167
sponded Mr. Jewett. “People could go to
Heaven on their own merits. I wish all the
doctors in the country were like him. He
prescribes for soul and body.”
Warren had the most profound respect for
ais cousin ; yet it was but natural that he
should stigmatize as “notions, principles so
opposed to his own practice. He knew better
than any one else, that his habits, so far
from improving, had deteriorated. There was
much in his daily life which Hal would
condemn.
He expected remonstrance and rebuke,
when they should meet; but not a word of
rither was spoken. The most cordial greet-
ing, the most affectionate interest, but no
warning
The cousins met in company,
where one drank wine without the apparent
notice of the other; and at no time during
this visit did the doctor obtrude his “ peculiar
notions." Too wise to do this, when they


168
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
1
1
were sure to be disregarded, he trusted that
his silence would be rightly interpreted, as
indeed it was.
“Hal thinks me incorrigible," said Warren
Lewis to himself, with some bitterness of
feeling 66 But I will show him that my
doctrine is as good as his. I can drink mod-
erately. I will drink moderately.” Strange
that he should think it necessary so often to
repeat his resolution.
Mr. Lewis, senior, was gratified with the
attentions and compliments bestowed upon
his son; assuring his wife that they were
two of the most fortunate people in the
world. · Plenty of money, good children,
and nothing to trouble us. By this time,
you are ready to give up worrying about
Warren,” he said, with a smile which be-
spoke his own confidence.
“I must leave him with God," she an
swered, seriously.
66


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
169
Much the same she had said to her son,
as they talked of the future, refraining from
an expression of her deep solicitude. Was
he not self-accused, as he stooped to kiss the
quivering lips of this Christian mother, know-
ing as he did that his welfare was dearer to
her than her own life!
The short visit was
soon
ended.
The
>
(6
young merchant turned his face westward,
impatient for the excitement of business.
Reaching his destination, he found that noth-
ing had been neglected during his absence.
There were no mistakes to be rectified, no
discrepancies to be explained.
“I might as well have remained away
longer,” he said, laughingly. “I don't see
that I am needed. Everything in order, and
none of you looking overworked. Made good
sales, too. There is nothing like having
faithful clerks."
“ Temperate clerks,” suggested John Carr,
quickly.


170
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“Well, temperate clerks, if you like that
better,” replied Mr. Lewis, pleasantly, al-
though manifesting some annoyance.
We
all believe in temperance.”
“ Yes, sir; and we must practice it.” John
Carr was privileged.
“You were rather severe, considering that
Mr. Lewis allows himself to use liquor,” said
Albert Jefts to his friend, that evening.
“I only spoke the truth," answered John.
“ We are temperate, and we ought to be tem-
perate. I wish he never would taste of liquor
again; though I don't suppose there's any
danger of his being a drunkard. If I thought
there was, I'd beg of him to make the same
promise we have.”
“ There is no danger of his being a drunk-
ard, at present," replied Jefts; and here the
conversation was interrupted.
Soon after his return, there were rumors
that Warren Lewis devoted himself to a


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
171
young lady, who was spending a few weeks
in the city with some friends. Absorbed in
business as he had been, he now found time
to pay her the most assiduous attention, and
there was reason to believe that his bachelor
days were numbered. Some real or fancied
resemblance to Sadie Manson, first attracted
him, and made him desire an acquaintance
with the lady in question.
Marion Gregory was a lovely girl, gentle
and affectionate, yet possessing the elements
of a strong character, which might, or might
not be developed according to circumstances.
Accustomed to defer to her parents on all
occasions, secure in their love and considera-
tion, she knew little of the doubts and trials
which sometimes perplex those who act more
independently. She had seen little of society,
in the common acceptation of that term, and
wus, therefore, in danger of accepting as
genuine whatever miglit please her fancy.


172
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
Mr. Lewis was endorsed by her friends.
He was an enterprising merchant, honorable
and respected, an eligible match for any
young lady.
“ You may think yourself a happy girl, if
he asks you to be his wife," said one of
Marion's cousins, when Warren Lewis was
under consideration. "He is a general favor-
ite, and besides, he comes of a good family;
so there's no danger of being mortified by out-
landish relatives. His father is a fine man,
as I know, and he says himself, that his
mother is the flower of the family.”
Marion made no reply to this ; yet one who
saw her blushing face would not have at-
tributed her silence to indifference. “I de-
clare, I believe he has offered himself, already.
Has he, Marion ?”
6 No."
“ Then he ought to," was the mental re-
joinder.
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
173
The gentleman had no reason to fear a
rejection of his suit; yet whenever he thought
of asking Marion Gregory to be his wife, he
felt a distrust of himself, which was entirely
now. She was pure and unsuspecting. Was
.
he worthy to take her life into his keeping ?
She, at least, believed him worthy; and
without fear or misgiving, accepted him as the
arbiter of her destiny. Her parents must be
consulted ; but this was a mere form, as they
could not fail to be pleased with their daugh-
ter's choice. The course of true love flowed
smoothly. No one objected to the match,
unless it might be some who envied the
parties.
Mr, and Mrs. Lewis were delighted at the
prospect of their son's marriage, the latter
considering this nothing less than a positive
assurance of ultimate success. He reasoned
that Warren's wife would be so wise as to
know the right, and so judicious as to influ-


174
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
>
ence her husband. " Warren will hear to his
wife," he said, cheerfully.
“I hope so," was the reply of Mrs. Lewis,
who understood the disposition of her son far
better than did his father.
“I know he will, wife. Haven't I always
heard to you ? Generally, I mean,” he has-
tened to add. 66 Don't I know that I am in-
debted to you for being what I am, and
haven't I told our boy so a hundred times ? ”
Mr. Lewis said this looking lovingly into the
brown eyes, which were growing misty with
tears, at length exclaiming, “ There, now,
what bave I said wrong?”
“Nothing wrong, John. I only hope our
boy will be as kind a husband as you have
been."
Mrs. Lewis seldom addressed her husband
as John, and when she did so address lim, it
was the signal for what he termed “a general
break-down' on his part. It made him
>
>
t
1


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
175
young again, and he must needs caress and
pet her, as he had done in the days of their
courtship. Perhaps it was this which kept the
love ever warm in his heart, and made him so
kind and tender a husband.
Warren's letters home were more frequent
than ever, despite the care of a rapidly in-
creasing business, and the new interests which
engrossed his attention. He had so much to
say to his mother. He wished he could see
her, and talk over his plans. He was going
to have a home, keep house, and so start fair
in married life. Marion preferred it, as well
as himself.
When the wedding day was appointed, in-
vitations were forwarded to many friends; but
as the happy pair would go east, directly after
their marriage, it was thought best to await
their arrival. John Carr had written to Paul
Manson that they would all love Miss Gregory,
so they were prepared to welcome Mrs. Lewis
'most cordially.


176
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
3
Warren Lewis was very proud of his bride,
as he presented her to his relatives, and saw
the admiration they did not care to conceal.
His father adopted her at once with such
hearty kisses as made her look shyly at her
husband, who said, laughing, “ All right, 'my
dear. You will get used to father's kisses.
He has been in practice a good many years."
“ Yes, sir, I have,” replied father, rubbing
his hands. “I intend to keep in practice, too,
as long as I live. Thank God, I've a wife of
my own to kiss;” which fervent ejaculation
put everybody in the best possible humor.
Uncle Manson's family were next in consider-
ation to the immediate home circle, and with
them the new cousin was affectionately re-
ceived, and Warren warmly congratulated.
Others beside himself saw the resemblance be-
tween Sadie and Marion, and which the ladies
pronounced mutually flattering.
The visit was necessarily short; but Mrs
)


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
177
.
Warren Lewis observed some things which
she afterwards recalled as worthy of consid-
eration. She knew that her husband drank
wine ; indeed she had sipped a little herself,
to keep him company; but neither at his
father's or uncle's, was there wine upon the
table. In other places, where wine was fur-
nished, she noticed, also, that no member
of either family tasted it.
In her innocence and ignorance, she had
never given a thought to the habit of using
intoxicating liquors, except when moved by
some exhibition of drunkenness. Mrs. Lewis,
senior, wished to speak of it, but fearing the
effect, decided to keep silence. One of the
sisters, however, did say, in a tone of affected
carelessness, “ Allow no rival in the wine
cup. Lay your commands upon Warren, if
need be.'
The young wife asked no explanation, quite
unable to comprehend the strange words.


· 178
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
“I only mean that you must warn him
against too free indulgence in wine,” was the
reply. “ We believe in total abstinence.”
“I to warn my husband,” thought Marion
Lewis. “Was he not stronger, wiser, and
more experienced than she. In short, was
he not her superior ? Was she not to trust
him in all things, finding her whole happiness
in loving and being loved ? No question of
rights or responsibilities had ever disturbed
the even tenor of her life. She had promised
to obey, without one consideration of the
promise ; knowing only that her whole life
was gladly merged in that of another. Lay
her commands upon her husband! Never!
Presume upon her own judgment, in opposi-
tion to his! This was simply preposterous.
He was to be the guide of her life, and the
rule of her obedience. The strongest anti-
reformer could have taken no exceptions to
her ideas of wifely duty :-or, rather, to the


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
179
vague sentiment which is so often mistaken
for an intelligent and positive idea.
Only a moment did she think of the re-
marks which had been made. Her husband
claimed attention, and she forgot all else in
her admiration of him.
Dr. Manson was studying her character
closely; not because he believed the respon-
sibility of his cousin's life to be in her
hands, but because he wished to know how
far she could be made to depend upon her-
self. Warren Lewis had committed himself
to a definite course of action, long before
Marion Gregorý had crossed his path A
bad woman might precipitate his career; yet
a good woman would find it difficult to effect
any material change. Fortunately, for her
present peace, his wife did not dream that
any change was desirable.
“ You are going to see your Aunt Ellen,"
said Mr. Lewis, to his son, when the latter
>


180
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
had been speaking of an immediate return
to the west.
“I believe I must," was the reply. 661
should like to have Marion see Holcombe,
and I wish to go there too, myself. Uncle
Paul and Aunt Ellen were very kind to me,
when I was there. I feel under great obli-
gations to them, whenever I think of them.
And Ellis, - how good and patient he was.
He is going to be somebody, after all.”
“ Yes, indeed," answered Mr. Lewis. “He
will be one of the first in his line. So the
doctor says, and he is a good judge. Ellis
has been here part of two winters, and every-
body liked him. Why, he has lectured al-
ready; and only twenty years old. That is
doing pretty well. You wouldn't mind his
lameness now, when he walks slowly. The
doctor says he will grow stronger, too."
* And the doctor is good authority," was
the laughing response. “I hear him quoted
wherever I go."
”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
181
“And you'll continue to hear him quoted.
That's my mind. I am proud every time
he calls me uncle. I guess I think enough
of my own boy, too."
“ I reckon you do, father. I never was
jealous of Hal; and it would be foolish
to commence now, when I am having every-
thing my own way. There is room enough
for us both in the world.”
“And would be if you had both settled at
home. Your mother aint quite suited to have
you so far off; but she'll feel better about
it, now you've got a good wife. Nothing to
fear for him,” thought the father, as his son
went out of the room.
Not long after this, Dr. Manson met him,
and stopping to speak, was made aware that
he had been drinking wine. Some expression
betrayed this knowledge, and Warren Lewis
hastened to explain. “The fact is, Hal, I
called on a friend, and we had a pleasant


182
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
chat over a glass of wine ; or rather, over
two glasses. I should know that look on
your face, if I should see it in Batavia. I've
seen it too often in the days of auld lang
syne.
“ So often, that you never wish to see it
again.”
“Well, to tell the truth, I don't. But 1
hope to see you a thousand times. Give
yourself a little rest and take a look at our
great country. Here you have plodded away
until you are growing old before your time.”
“Am I?” was the smiling reply. “Then
I trust I am growing old in a good cause.
How soon do you leave us ? ”
“ Tomorrow, I think. I have decided to
go to Holcombe, and my business needs at-
tention; although Jefts and Carr are very
efficient."
>
The doctor knew of Jefts; of the straits
in which he had been placed, and of his re-


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
183
form. John Carr had written a long letter,
giving account of this friend and asking some
advice. Indeed, Albert Jefts was indebted
to Dr. Manson for counsel, which had proved
of great value.
“ How soon will John come this way?”
was asked, in response to the merchant's last
remark.
“I have no means of judging. He often
speaks of his friends here; but he seems
well contented, and anxious to learn all he
can of business. He is genuine. No sham
about him. A little too serious, perhaps; but
he enjoys being serious."
66 He has had a serious life for one so
young
“Yes, and it's not strange that he remem-
bers it. My sympathies were never so moved
for any one, as they were for him the first
time I saw him. It seemed almost wicked
that child should suffer so."
>


184
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
a
“It was wicked,” said the doctor, decidedly,
“There was a cause for John's suffering.
His father was a drunkard ; and the sins of
fathers are visited upon the children. No
man sinneth to himself alone.”
“Hal managed to preach a sermon after
all," mentally ejaculated Warren Lewis, as he
walked on. “I knew he would, though I
couldn't tell how. Pity he couldn't be a little
more liberal.”
Holcombe came next; and there stood Aunt
Ellen on the piazza, looking much as she had
years before, when she waited for two school
boys, who were sure to receive from her a
smiling welcome. “My wife, Aunt Ellen,”
said a familiar voice; and Marion Lewis was
welcomed with the cordiality to which she
was accustomed.
A rare specimen of moss was brought to
Ellis, yesterday, and he persuaded his father
to go with him in search of more this after
1


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
185
66
>
noon," said Mrs. Farley, when her guests were
seated in the parlor. • They expected to
return before you would arrive."
“ We shall excuse them,” answered Mr.
Lewis. 66 Is Ellis as enthusiastic as ever ?”
“I believe he grows more enthusiastic
every day," was the reply. 66 We were afraid
his enthusiasm would overtax his strength;
but there seems little danger, now.”
“I hear a good report of Ellis. I can
hardly realize that the helpless boy I used
see here, has grown to be so fine a
scholar. He must be careful not to overtax
his strength, and so miss the goal of his
ambition. Our country can boast of but few
who have distinguished themselves in the
path he has chosen. Why, my dear, this
cousin of ours counts every stone a gem,”
added the speaker, turning to his wife, who
had taken no part in the conversation.
s Aunt Ellen, do you think that an exaggera.
tion ?”
to


186
THE HERMIT OF H OLCOMBE.
Before a reply could be made, Professor
Farley and his son were seen coming up the
walk. “I am sorry not to have been at
home to receive you," said the former, after
the first greetings were exchanged.
66 Ellis
would follow the boy who undertook to find
some curious mosses; and the way was longer
;
than we expected. I hope we shall be
excused for our seeming want of courtesy.”
Of course, the apology was accepted ;
Warren Lewis asking in what direction they
had been.
“ Out by the old hermit's house; and from
there across the fields to that strip of wood-
land which runs north and south. We rode
to the house, and made the rest of the dis-
tance on foot.”
" And quite a tramp you have had Is
that old house standing now? The first time
I saw it, it looked ready to fall.”
“Yet it stands, though time and weather


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
187
have done their work upon it. It will last
many years longer if left to the natural course
of decay.”
“ Does any one live in it?”
5 No; Mr. Wolcott was its last occupant.
The present owner gives no attention to it.”
“ Some people say the house is haunted,”
added Ellis. “ The children of the neighbor-
hood are afraid to go past it after dark.
They think the old man stands by one of the
windows.”
“Do you remember him, cousin Ellis ?”
“Perfectly,” was the reply. “I used to
think it a rare treat to have Mr. Wolcott come
here. To my childish eyes, he was quite a
wonder. He ought to be immortalized either
with brush or pen."
66 And his fate should serve as a warning
to all young men ; remarked Professor
Farley. “I believe he was the most entire
wreck of manhood I have ever seen.'


188
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
"And what of his relatives?" asked
Warren Lewis, anxious to avoid a discussion
of the causes of this wreck.
6. His sister's death occurred soon after his
own, and it was more than two years before
there was any settlement of his affairs. Then
a nephew came, sold the house, and whatever
furniture there was worth removing, was given
to the woman who had done Mr. Wolcott's
cooking. His books are in my library, and
Ellis appropriated some mineral specimens.
But I forgot that you were here when he died.
You must have known this before.”
6 I was here when he died," was the reply.
“ But there was no disposition made of his
effects, at that time, and I have never thought
to ask about them since. My interest in him
was not so great as the doctor's. Hal was
perfectly wild over him, about the time of his
death."
“I shall be curious to hear the story of this
hermit,” said Mrs. Lewis.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
189
“ It is too sad for you to hear,” responded
her husband, kindly. But for all that, she
heard the story from Ellis Farley, and pon-
dered much upon it.
Upon their return from this trip, Mr. and
Mrs. Lewis found that her father had pur-
chased a desirable house, which he presented
to his daughter as a wedding gift. He also
provided the means for furnishing it, and
arranged for the yearly payment of taxes.
This last, which seemed entirely unneces-
sary, provoked some discussion between Mr.
Gregory and his son-in-law; but the father in-
sisted upon carrying out his original plan.
“ It is what I always intended to do,” he said.
“ It is part of Marion's portion of my prop-
erty ; and she may as well have it now as any
;
time. If you should be unfortunate in busi-
ness, you would still have a home.”
“But I hope not to be unfortunate,” was
the reply.
>
>


190
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
a
“ We all hope so; but the chances of trade
may make a man poor, when he least expects
it; and it is always pleasant to live in a
house of your own."
This could not be denied; and yet if his
father-in-law had wished to assist them, the
gift of a few thousand dollars to himself would
have been more acceptable. Warren Lewis
did not say this. He probably would have
denied that such was the fact; but that, in
some way, he felt injured was very apparent.
Married and established in a home which
should be to them the dearest spot on earth,
these two commenced
a new life.
What
should this life be ? What record would be
made by the coming years ?
Husband and wife would have answered
these questions, confidently; one secure in
his own strength, the other trusting a love it
would have been impossible for her to doubt.
Friends, too, would have answered, confi-


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
191
dently. Was he not honorable and up-
right ? Was she not affectionate and true ?


CHAPTER V.
Days fly apace. Years come and go,
Each laden with its joy and woe;
Each bearing some new gift of grace,
Or bringing back some pale, dead face,
To haunt the feasts, which love may spread,
And fill the heart with fear and dread.
DECADE of years. Thousands of
days, each one numbering its full
measure of hours. How long seems
the time, in anticipation ! How far
off seems the tenth anniversary of a marriage,
a death, or a victory!
It is well we cannot see the end from the
beginning, else should we faint and falter, ere
half the race was accomplished. But if, while
choice remains to us, some magic hand could,
192


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
193
for a moment, lift the veil which now conceals
the future, should we not hasten to retrieve
mistakes already made ? If we could see the
disastrous results of a chosen course of con-
duct, should we not at once abandon it?
So we think ; but certain causes will pro-
duce certain effects. Men do not gather
grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles. Yet some,
who, in business transactions, are shrewd,
far-seeing, and consistent, are strangely at
fault in regard to their moral well-being.
The weak and ignorant do well to be guarded ;
but they are above such need. Restrictions
and pledges may be necessary for some ; but
not for them.
Warren Lewis was one who considered
himself entitled to freedom, in all things ; and
certainly, if pecuniary success could give
warrant for this, he had some right to claim
it. The first year of his marriage was un-
usually favorable for business. He was pros-
perous, and his home pleasant.
9


194
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
But in that home was, even now, a cause of
difference between husband and wife. Mrs.
Lewis was, by no means, what would be con-
sidered an advocate of temperance. In her
father's house, wine and other liquors were
occasionally placed upon the table, and she
would not have objected to this, at her own
table. She did, however, object to the con-
stant appearance of wine, and at length made
some remonstrance.
“ And you really care about it,” said her
husband, smiling, surprised though he was.
Yes, I do,” she replied, earnestly.
"I am sorry if you do," he answered. “I
must have a glass of wine, with my dinner.
Don't trouble yourself about it, Marion."
This was all. Her first attempt to influ-
ence her husband had not been so successful
that she would wish to repeat the experiment.
She lastened to make amends, as best she
might, for having annoyed him
slightly.
66
66
everso


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
195
((
John Carr and Albert Jefts, with another
young man in his employ, were invited to
dine with him. Knowing well that wine
would be refused by, at least, two of his
guests, he offered it as he would have done
without this knowledge. One accepted ; but
in speaking of it afterwards, this young man
said the acceptance was a mere act of courte-
sy, on his part. “I don't care for liquor,”
he added. “I can drink, or let it alone.
I thought Mr. Lewis would be better pleased,
if I drank with him."
“I don't really think he was," answered
John Carr, frankly. “I advise you, as a
friend, not to drink again with him. Jefts
and I never drink, under any circumstances.
It is against our principles and our pledge;
and I am sure Mr. Lewis has more confidence
in us, than he would have if he didn't know
this.”
>
56 But he drinks himself. It is no worse
for others than for him.”


196
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66 I know it. But because he does wrong,
there is no reason why we should.”
Two years passed, and after repeated invi-
tations, the mother of Warren Lewis decided
to visit him. There was a grandchild, a
handsome boy, anxious to make her ac-
quaintance, the happy father wrote.
“ We must go now, wife," said Mr. John
Lewis, when this news was received. "I
can leave the store as well as not, and Mary
Manson can help you get ready. I shouldn't
wonder if she would like to go with us; and
I mean to ask John when he calculates to
come after her. Everything will go right
there."
Mrs. Lewis found the journey very fa-
tiguing; but the welcome she received, com-
pensated for all previous discomfort. If the
baby was not anxious to make her acquain-
tance, he was quite willing to do so; and
nothing could have been more pleasant than
her first entrance into her son's house.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
197
>
He was stronger than when she last saw
him. “Getting to be solid and substantial,"
.
he said, with a laugh. “I am following in
father's footsteps, and fancy I look quite
fatherly myself.”
“I think you do,” replied Mr. Lewis,
senior. “ That boy of yours looks to me
worth raising ; and I hope he'll live to be as
much of a comfort to you, as you are to me.
I believe it would have killed me, if you had
gone wrong. When I sent you to Holcombe
with Harry, I was so anxious about you, I
could hardly attend to my business. Now,
thank God, I have nothing to trouble me.'
At dinner, "grandfather” drank to the
health of the child who was to bear his name.
“Will you join us, mother?” asked Warren
Lewis.
No, my son,” she replied. “You know
”
that I never drink wine, and I am sorry that
66
66
you do."


198
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
“ But you see father sets the example,”
said her son, resolved not to take the matter
seriously.
“ It looks to me like his yielding to a
temptation which you have prepared for him,”
replied the mother. “We must discounte-
nance this,” she added, turning to her daugh-
ter-in-law; and then to avoid further discus-
sion, began to speak upon another subject.
She did not, however, thus dismiss a matter
which seemed to her of great importance.
Alone with her husband, she again brought
forward the arguments he had so often heard ;
with the additional one, drawn from the force
of example.
The following day, the elder Mr. Lewis took
occasion to repeat this conversation to his
son, adding, “ I told your mother I wouldn't
drink wine again while we are here, and you
better not have it on the table.”
“ But I always have it on the table," was


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
199
the reply. : “ Mother is foolish about this, and
I wonder that you allow her prejudices to
influence you.”
“ Warren, do you know that you are talking
about your mother; for me, the best woman
in the world ? Don't ever speak of her again
in that way. I don't doubt but she is right
about this, though I don't see it in the same
light she does. She always has influenced
me and she always will.”
Seldom did he speak so seriously. The
tone of voice in which his son's remarks were
made troubled him quite as much as the re-
marks themselves. It was cold and careless.
Warren, seeing that he had offended, made
haste to apologize, paying such tribute to his
mother's worth, as quite appeased his father.
He yielded, also, the contested point, solacing
himself with the thought that abstinence at
the table did not impose abstinence elsewhere.
Having yielded, he was too thoroughly a


200
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
gentleman and too dutiful a son to manifest
any annoyance at the change.
Mrs. Lewis, or “grandmother," as her hus-
band called her, teazingly, spent most of the
time with her daughter-in-law and the baby,
assisting in the care of the latter, while giving
to the former much advice and instruction, in
regard to her new duties.
“ It is so pleasant to have you here,” said
Marion, after one of the long talks, in which
each had expressed her thoughts and feelings
frankly. “My own mother has not been able
·
to come since baby was born, and I needed
some one to advise me.
Warren is always
kind and good; but sometimes mother seems
to me the best friend, after all."
56 Yes, my dear, I have thought that, many
times. My mother died when I was very
young, and I have always missed her. I am
glad if I seem to you like a mother. War-
ren's wife would be sure to find a warm place


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
201
66
in my heart; yet I should be sure to love you,
if you were not his wife. I wish you to be
happy and satisfied in your life. So many
people are unhappy and complaining, wretched
themselves, and making others wretched. I
wish I could help them all to do better."
“ I hope you don't think I am complaining,"
said Marion, as she drew her chair nearer to
the kind woman.
• No, my dear; that description does not
suit you. I was thinking of others whom I
have known. You seem satisfied with your
life.”
“ Indeed I am," was the reply. “
could I help it? Haven't I the best husband,
the dearest baby, and the pleasantest home in
the world ?”
“I hope you think so," answered the
mother. “It is a sad day for any wife, when
she thinks otherwise. Her husband may not
be best to any one else ; but he should be to
6. How
66
а.


202
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
her, even though she knows he is far from
perfect.”
“I thought my husband perfect,” said
Marion Lewis, smiling and blushing, yet with
an undertone of sadness.
“ And I know you have learned your mis-
take, long before this, my dear child. I could
have told you that. My love for him never
made me blind to his faults."
“ I was glad to have you say what you
did about wine, the first day you were here,”
remarked the younger lady after a short
silence. “I prefer not to have it upon the
table, constantly."
“I prefer not to have it at all. I believe in
entire abstinence from everything which can
intoxicate, and never allow any kind of liquor
upon my table. I know how Warren feels
about this, and don't blame you for anything
he does," the mother hastened to add. “He
is not alone in his opinion; but I know that


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
203
I am right. Many young mothers think they
need stimulants to keep up their strength,
but it is a great mistake: sometimes, a fatal
mistake for both mother and child."
- Please tell me all about it,” said Marion,
looking earnestly into the face of her com-
panion; and Mrs. Lewis being glad to comply
with this request, the subject was plainly and
intelligently discussed.
Once, during this visit, the mother at-
tempted to remonstrate with her son; remind-
ing him that the relations he had
assumed involved him in new responsibilities.
The fact that he lived for others as well as
himself, made it obligatory upon him to
live at his best.
He listened respectfully, answered kindly,
and yet was wholly unmoved. He was sure
that he was the best judge of what was right
for himself. “ If I ever see the necessity of
changing my habits, I shall do so,” he said
new


204
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“I hope you will learn to trust me some day,
mother;” and she could only hope that her
fears for him were groundless. In his inter-
course with business men, Mr. Lewis was
more than once tempted to regret the promise
of abstinence, which he held himself in
sacred honor bound to respect. Yet, when
the visit was at an end, he looked back with
far more of satisfaction than he could other-
wise have done.
John Carr was a frequent guest at the house
of his employer, while these dear old friends
were there. Welcomed as one of the family,
he talked freely of his prospects and plans.
His love for Mary Manson was no longer a
secret; neither was it a secret that they would
be married, whenever he could provide for
her a suitable home. To Mrs. Lewis, he con-
fided his doubts and misgivings. He wished
to give Mary as good a home as she would
leave.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
205
>
>
“ What do you mean by as good a home ?”
was asked with a smile. “Do you mean as
large a house and as much furniture, or a
place where she can be as happy and as
tenderly loved as she is now?"
“O Mrs. Lewis, we shouldn't need as large
a house as Mr. Manson's.”
“I don't think you would,” was the reply.
“ And I advise you as a friend, to come on
and talk with Mary about it. Come to our
house and consider yourself one of the fam-
ily. You have worked too long, and need
rest. Warren must spare you a few weeks.”
About two months after this, John Cari
astonished his eastern friends by appearing
among them, when they supposed him far
away.
Some thought he was so much
changed as to need an introduction ; but all
welcomed him with flattering cordiality. In
the store, Mr. Jewett fairly monopolized him ;
anxious to hear of the west, in general, and
his own fortunes, in particular.


206
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66
66
Going to settle out there, sometime, 1
suppose," said the old merchant.
“Yes, sir, I hope to."
I
Well, success to you there, though I
think we could have done well enough by
you, if you had stayed with us.
Don't try
to lead away Paul. He is the main-stay of
our establishment. Suppose young Lewis is
doing a good business."
“Yes, sir. He has a large trade, and a
profitable one. There is every prospect of
his being a wealthy man.”
“ That's what I've heard, and I don't see
any reason why the prospect shouldn't be
realized. He has good habits, and is a
shrewd manager. Honest, too, if he is what
he used to be."
“ No one doubts his honesty," replied John
Carr. “His word is as good as his bond,
and his clerks are required to follow his ex-
ample.”
و
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
207
Mrs. John Lewis could not speak of her
anxiety in regard to her son; but Dr. Man-
son had no scruples against enquiring of his
habits.
was
66 He is not a total abstinence man,"
the answer given. “I wish he was; although
he may never be really the worse for drink-
ing. I mean he may never be a drunkard.
It don't seem possible that he can be ; but
I have heard you say that every moderate
drinker is in danger.”
“That is true. Every year's observation
confirms me in the belief. I should consider
any member of our family on the sure road
to ruin, if indulging in the use of wine. I.
never would give Mary to you, if I did not
know you to be a teetotaler. My sisters shall
not be cursed with drunken husbands, if any
foresight of mine can prevent it. I tremble
for Warren Lewis and his wife, whenever I
think of them."
a


208
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“ They seem very happy," said the doctor's
companion. “Mrs. Lewis is a lovely woman,
and Mr. Lewis is very much respected. As
for his drinking, he only follows the almost
universal fashion in our city. Jefts and my-
self are wonders of temperance, and should
be greatly ridiculed, if we were not so in-
dependent."
“ I believe you were never afraid of ridi-
cule, John.”
“No, sir. When I hopped about
crutches, it didn't trouble me to be laughed
at. I knew I was doing my best; and so I
try to do my best now, let people say what
they will.
How strange it seems that I
should be able to walk and work as I do!
But for you, I should have been a miserable
cripple all the days of my life. I realize my
obligations to you, more and more. Yester-
day I went past the old house in which we
used to live, and looked up to the window
on


TAE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
209
to me.
through which I got my only glimpse of the
world ; and then all your kindness came back
I remember the first time I saw you,
and some of the things you said. My gentle-
man, as I used to call you, seemed to me like
an angel."
“I am very far from that,” was the reply.
“I am only a weak, erring man; yet God
knows I wish to do my work in the world,
faithfully. It is strange to me that so many
forget they are living for eternity. This
life is so short and eternity so long, common
prudence would dictate a regard for our
eternal interests. I have just come from the
dying bed of a young man, who has literally
killed himself. He is no older than you, and
he ought to have lived to a good old age ;
but his habits have ruined him soul and body.
He was beyond the reach of human skill
when he sent for me. I have many such
cases ; but you don't need to hear of them.”


210
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
With the full approval of her parents and
brother, Mary Manson had pledged herself to
share the fortunes of John Carr, quite ready
to accept an unpretentious home, which
should be guarded by love and tenderness.
After the above conversation, this home
formed the subject of discussion.
“I am sure no one could love Mary more
truly than I do,” remarked John Carr, with
much emotion. 66 But I often think I am
unworthy of her, and wish I had millions
of money to lavish upon her, as an expression
of my love.”
- I don't think she would be any happier
for that,” replied her brother. “Money is
of little value compared with unvarying affec-
tion and unswerving integrity. Mary is a
true woman, and neither of you will be hap-
pier for postponing your marriage until you
have acquired a fortune. Not that we are
anxious to be rid of Mary,” added the doctor
after a pause.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
211
>
“I know you can't be," was the quick
response, made with such earnestness as to
provoke a smile. " It makes me very humble
before God to think he has granted me so
happy a life; and I will make Mary happy
if
my love can accomplish it. You
will come out, sometime, and see how we
with me,
live.”
“ Indeed I will, John; and now I will leave
you, to visit patients."
Everything was settled. Another year, he
would claim his bride ; and with this hope in
his heart, the young man returned to business
Jefts was still with him, although contemplate
ing a change.
“ Carr, I wish you would go into partner
ship with me,” he said, one evening, when
they were together. “I have been thinking
about it while you were gone, and I am sure
we could do well to set up for ourselves, and
not interfere with Mr. Lewis, either. We


212
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
could make a speciality of some kind of goods
he is anxious to give up, and by perseverance,
secure a monopoly of the trade. I ought to
do better for myself than any one can do for
me; and there is nothing like striking at the
right time. What do you say ?”
“ I say I should like it, if I had the neces-
sary capital," answered Carr. “But I have
,.
only a few hundred dollars."
“And a good knowledge of business,"
added his companion. “That counts for a a
good deal, in a new undertaking. I will put
in what I have, and we will divide the profits
fairly. What say ?”
“I don't know what to say, Jefts. I am as
anxious as anybody, to get ahead in the
world."
“Of course you are, and as deserving. I
will explain my plan, and then you can tell
me what you think of it." The plan was well
”
laid, and not difficult of achievement, provided
the requisite energy was applied.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
213
“ But Mr. Lewis will hardly be willing to
spare us both,” said John, after expressing
his entire approval and confidence.
“ I think he will make no positive objec
tion," was the reply. “He is too fair a man
a
for that. He knows, too, that I have intended
setting up for myself, whenever there should
be a favorable opportunity. Talk with him
about it."
“What! My right hand and my left hand
both!” exclaimed Warren Lewis. “That is
66
too much. I knew Jefts would leave me be
fore long; but I calculated on you. I don't
see how I can get along without you, Johnny."
The old name revived old memories, and a
sense of his indebtedness to this friend, for a
moment, quite overpowered the young man.
" Mind you, I don't say you can't leave,”
added the merchant, suspecting how it was
with John. "I don't intend to be selfish in
this matter. I'll consult your best interests,


214
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
and some time, before long, I'll have a talk
with Jefts.”
This settled the matter, and Mr. Lewis, ac-
knowledging that what was decided should be
done at once, provided himself with clerks to
take the place of those who were to leave. To
them he said, “Do as well for yourselves as
you have done for me, and you cannot fail to
succeed.”
There was no interference with his business
on the part of the new firm. He was glad to
drop some kinds of goods from his list,
recommending his customers to patronize an
establishment where they would be sure of
fair dealing
In close quarters, doing their own work,
and keeping their own accounts, the young
men tried their abilities, with no expectation
of becoming suddenly rich. They would work
their way, steadily and surely ; content with
small profits, and at first, if need be, with


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
215
small sales. Didn't it seem like a fairy tale
to John Carr, when he reviewed his past life,
and thought of the fairy princess, waiting to
share his home?
Don't think I shall be unhappy, because I
cannot live in a palace," wrote Mary Manson
to her lover. 66 We will not have a poor
home, even if it is humble. No home can be
really poor, where there are love and kind-
ness.”
Every one who had known John, rejoiced
in his good fortune. His partner and him-
self were agreed as to all business matters.
“ A rare partnership,” said Mr. Lewis, when
speaking of them. “I prefer doing business
alone; but they seem animated by the same
spirit. Out of the store, they are inseparable;
and there is no danger that their friendship
will ever change. Fine young men,” he
added. “A little straight-laced, compared
with most others; but erring on the safe
side.”
है


216
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
Perhaps the speaker thought of himself,
as le said this ; remembering the entreaties
of his wife that he would indulge less freely
in the use of wine. Perhaps, too, for a
moment, he questioned if it might not be
better to heed her entreaties. But presently
he banished the thought as unworthy; al-
though he loved his wife, and prided himself
upon the fact that she wanted for nothing
which money could purchase.
And she? Sometimes she chided herself
for the fears which would intrude to mar
her happiness. Then, she was ready to
believe her husband's judgment so superior
to her own, that she must be wrong. She
would resolve to be silent upon the disputed
point; and so far succeeded that she seemed
to forget it.
Not so, however. She observed closely the
habits of those whom she met in society.
Moreover she remembered the advice of


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
217
66
mother Lewis, and allowed herself no in
dulgence which could injure her child. Her
husband, laughing at her “squeamishness,”
was obliged to yield, when his mother was
quoted as authority. “Hal has been talking
to her," he said.
.“ And the doctor certainly ought to know,”
was the reply.
" I think he does know almost everything
connected with his profession; but like many
other wise people, le rides a hobby.” This
was the manner in which Warren Lewis
usually spoke of his cousin, except in the
presence of John Carr, when he omitted all
qualifying clauses.
A year's experience proved that Albert
Jefts had not miscalculated ; and having been
prospered thus far, the young merchants
ventured to assume new responsibilities.
They rented a cottage containing two tene.
ments; and each brought a bride to preside


218
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
1
over the small rooms. Daisy Jefts, now a
grown young lady, having been left alone
by the death of Aunt Desire, came too, and
was welcomed by all. There was to be a
servant in each kitchen; for so had the gen-
tlemen decided; but Mary Manson, now Mary
Carr, insisted upon ruling supreme in her
“ own kingdom ;” and Mrs. Jefts soon fol-
lowed her example.
Mary's home was very different from that
of her cousin Warren, where money was
spent without stint. Yet she did not envy
Marion Lewis. She saw the restless anxiety
which even now began to tell upon the ap-
pearance of the young mother, and readily
divined the cause. The baby, John Lewis,
junior, was a treasure in himself; healthy,
handsome and good-humored; well managed
and tenderly loved.
“ You look like a temperance boy,” said
Mary to him one day, when he was about two
>
years old,


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
219
told me.
“ Temperance boy," he lisped in reply;
clapping his hands and laughing merrily.
“I hope he will be a temperance man,"
said his mother. “I never thought much
about temperance, until since he was born.
Mother Lewis talked to me when she was
here, and I've tried to manage him as she
I haven't tasted of wine since she
was here, though Warren thinks me too
particular and says I need it sometimes. We
don't want it, do we, darling ?” she added,
clasping her child in her arms and covering
his face with kisses.
“Mamma cry,” was the little fellow's re-
sponse, wiping away the tears for which she
apologized, by saying that she was a little
nervous.
Often was this excuse made when tears
could not be repressed ; and as one after
another was added to the number of her loved
ones, baby lands still sought to remove the


220
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
traces of these tears. At the tenth anniver-
sary of her marriage, she was the mother of
four boys. How happy she had been when
standing at the altar, she had pledged herself
for life to one whom she thought the embodi-
ment of manly perfection. “Poor child !” as
mother Lewis said. She had learned her
mistake.
Her husband was a wealthy merchant,
whose business was well managed, and whose
gains were sure. He was respected, honest,
and as the world goes, honorable. A genial
man, too, accomodating himself to circum-
stances, he made a host of friends. Hospita-
ble and proud of his family, it was his
pleasure to entertain company, both friends
and strangers.
He was not disposed to find fault with his
wife ; but he did wonder that she should so
soon have lost the blooming beauty and
sprightly manners which had first attracted


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
221
him. “Marion has changed a great deal,”
he said to himself, as she passed through
the room in which he was sitting. 66 I
wonder
But just then he caught a reflection from
the mirror opposite. He, too, had changed.
His face was full and flushed, his figure far
too stout for elegance, and even his hands had
a gross, puffy look. He went nearer to the
mirror, and took a deliberate survey of him-
self. " Hal told me the truth," he thought.
" I drink too much liquor; I ought to give it
up.
I made a mistake in the beginning.
Simpleton ! " he exclaimed, a moment after.
“ As though I could expect at forty to look
like a young man. I have had my day of
good looks, and must depend upon something
else, now. I've money enough, and there's
more to be made. I'm well enough. Hal
don't know everything, if he is such a famous
doctor; and that glass magnifies wonder- .
fully."


222
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
So he comforted himself in regard to his
own looks; but the pale, tired face of his wife
haunted him. He contrasted it with the
beaming countenance of his cousin, Mary Carr,
who was far more beautiful, in her matronly
grace, than she had been, when she answered
to the name of Mary Manson. The compari-
was not flattering to Marion Lewis,
although her life had been exempt from toil,
while Mrs. Carr had done much of house-
son
hold labor.
Mr. Lewis was thinking of this, as his wife
again passed through the room in which he
was sitting; and he was half inclined to ad-
dress her upon the subject. It might have
been better had she done so ; for she did not
hesitate now to speak frankly, whenever occa-
sion seemed fitting. Thus far she had her
boys under control; but soon,- she dared not
think how soon, they would look to their
father's example as the rule of their lives.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
223
They saw the sparkle of the flowing wine, say
their father as he drank it with such avidity as
betrayed the cravings of his appetite; and she
knew all this could not be without effect.
Yet she never spoke of this. Neither did
she complain of the fitful temper of her hus-
band. He protested that he was not injured
by the use of alcoholic liquors, because he had
never been really intoxicated, and was still a
clear-headed business man.
But at forty, a man may well look to his
ways, whether they be good or whether they
be evil; for in one form or another, retribu-
tion is sure, soon, to overtake him. If War-
ren Lewis was clear-headed, it was only after
the morning stimulant, which his system de-
manded to give it tone, for the business of the
day. Infirmities crowded fast upon him; in-
duced, not by hard work, but hard drinking,
as Dr. Manson had told him in plain lan
guage.


224
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
Never intoxicated! It would have been
nearer the truth to say that he was never
thoroughly free from the influence of liquor.
Late at night, early in the morning, at lunch,
at dinner, and often with friends, le drained
the glass of its fiery contents. Was this
moderation ? So he claimed, when talking
with his cousin, who, notwithstanding the
wearing life of a physician, looked quite ten
years lis junior, and gave no sign of physical
weakness. Nothing annoyed Warren Lewis
so much as to be reminded of his infirmities,
either by the sympathy of his wife, the care-
less remarks of an acquaintance, or his own
feelings.
Hc wished to celebrate the tenth anniver-
sary of his marriage, and in uncommonly
gracious mood, allowed his wife to make all
necessary arrangements, without dictation or
interference on his part. Left to consult her
own wishes, she invited only the families of


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
225
Albert Jefts and John Carr, insisting that
every member should be present, even the
babies. She said, laughingly, that the chil
dren would form the most important part of
the company, as they certainly did, so far as
numbers were considered, counting nine, who
seemed to wear their best manners, with their
best frocks.
The dinner, too, was according to Mrs.
Lewis' taste, without wine. Everything
passed off pleasantly; the guests wishing
their host and hostess many returns of the
happy day.
“ Times have changed since I first became
acquainted with you,” said Mr. Lewis to
John Carr. “These youngsters remind us
that we must soon make room for them, on
the stage of action. I must acknowledge
that it makes me feel rather old, to think
that I am the father of four boys, growing
as fast as mine do.”


226
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66
At any
“I believe I feel younger for being called
father," was the cheerful reply. Mary and
I have no idea of being set aside as old
people, for a long time to come. We cal-
culate to celebrate our golden wedding in
this world if Providence permits.
rate, we intend to live out the full measure
of our days and make each one of them
happier than the one preceding.
You see
we have great expectations."
“ Yes, I see, Johnny. That name hardly
suits you now.”
"I think it does, Mr. Lewis. Mary calls
me so, sometimes, and the name pleases me
wonderfully.”
“ You are having a first rate trade this
season," was the next remark of the host,
addressed to Albert Jefts.
“ Yes, sir, better than at any time before,”
was answered.
are in a fair
way,
now, and but for home influence, should
66 We


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
227
enlarge our housekeeping accommodations,
to correspond with those of our business.
Mrs. Carr clings to the cottage; and my wife
is pretty sure to think as she does. So
Carr and I make a virtue of necessity, and
submit.”
“ You needn't imagine that I shouldn't
like a large house with all the modern con-
veniences,” exclaimed Mary Carr, coming
to her own defence. 6. To be sure I should
like it, just as well as anybody. But we
are comfortable where we are ; and there
is great pleasure in making one's home rich,
without being luxurious. Sometime, when
we can better afford it, I may perhaps be
the mistress of a larger establishment."
“How bright and cheerful cousin Mary
is," said Warren Lewis to his wife after their
guests had left.
“ She would make any home
rich only with her presence.”
Yes,” replied Marion, wearily. “I al
66


228
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
most envy her constant flow of spirits.
She is a very happy woman."
“I don't see as she has any more to mako
her happy than thousands of other women,
was Mr. Lewis' response. “Of course, her
husband loves her, she is provided with all
the necessaries of life, and her children are
bright and healthy; but you are better off
than she, Marion."
“Am I? I have enough of wealth and
luxury, and I do believe
I do believe you love me,
Warren."
Have you
ever
“ Love you, Marion !
doubted it? I know I am irritable, some-
times, and speak as I ought not to; but it is
because I have so much business on my mind,
that little things annoy me.
I wish you to
have everything you can desire, and I shall
always love you. Of course I shall."
As he said this, he imprinted a kiss upon
her lips; and, alas ! revealed the fact that he


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
229
had indulged in his usual potations, although
there had been no wine at dinner. Involun-
tarily his wife shrank from him, and then,
with a sudden effort, returned the kiss.
“ How strange you are
this evening,
Marion!” he exclaimed. “ You are tired,
and need rest. I have some papers to look.
over, and you had better retire early."
The merchant went to his library, and did,
indeed, examine some papers, although to
little purpose. Some influence made him
think of Sadie Manson ; her beauty, purity,
and goodness. What would she say, could
she sec him now? He had not met her since
soon after her marriage ; but Mary had re
ceived a letter that morning, announcing her
intention to visit her western friends. She
with her husband were coming in a few
weeks.
If he could make an excuse for absenting
himself from the city during her visit, some


230
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
awkward explanations might be avoided. She
would look steadily into his face, catching the
very light of his eyes, and speaking so earn-
cstly, that he could not but give heed to her
words. She would observe the change in his
appearance, and too wise to be deceived,
would attribute it to the true cause.
He pushed from him the papers which
should have received attention, drank a glass
of brandy, and through this medium, took a
more cheerful view of his condition. He
closed his eyes, that he might think more
freely, when, like a shadowy phantom ap-
peared the hermit of Holcombe. Not dressed
in courtly garb; but as Harry Manson had
scen him, just before his death. His long
hair seemed swept, ever and anon, by the
wind, his pallid face grew luminous, and his
tall figure assumed gigantic proportions.
Warren Lewis sprang to his feet, trembling
with excitement. Why did the old man thus


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
231
confront him ? For more than a
score of
years, Harry Wolcott had rested in a grave
on the sunny slope of one of New England's
hills. What had he, now, to do with the
prosperous western merchant ?
With an impatient gesture, and an ex-
pression of contempt, Mr. Lewis left the
library, wishing he had never heard of the
“old vagabond.” The very effort to forget
the strange appearance, which he knew was
but a weird fancy of his own disordered brain,
fixed it more decply in his memory. It
haunted him, after he laid his head upon the
pillow; and not until the following day, when
engrossed in business, was it really forgotten.
Had he been truly wise, he would have heeded
the warning thus given ; but blinded to his
best interests, he went on as before.
Mr. and Mrs. Yates, the latter known to my
readers as Sadie Manson, came as was ex-
pected, and in John Carr's home there was
>


232
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
great rejoicing. The children, charmed with
the beautiful lady they were taught to call
auntie, were hardly more demonstrative than
their father. It was one of the happiest days
of his life, when he welcomed his friend and
sister to his home.
Cousin Warren, too, having come up from
the valley of humiliation, was quite ready
to greet the visitors cordially. At his own
suggestion, wine was banished from the table
whenever they shared the hospitality of his
house; although he called himself a coward
for thus yielding to a silent influence, when
he refused to listen to his wifo.
Mrs. Yates did not speak to him of his
habits, which were only too apparent, despite
the slight effort made at concealment; but
with her sister she talked frankly.
not?ing be done?” was the question she
often asked, only to receive the same dis-
heartening reply. “John ought to remon
66 Cap


THE HERRIIT OF HOLCOMBL.
233
>
strate with hiin," she said, at length. He,
certainly, might do it.”
“ He has attempted it several times," an-
swered Mary. 66 But it is useless. Warren
professes to believe that he is not injured,
and is impatient of any interference. Harry
told hiin he was killing himself; but that
did no good. John thinks he drinks more
wine and brandy now, than he ever did
before."
" And his wife must bear it,” was said
in reply. “She looks far too old for her
years. I pity her. She cannot be happy."
“No, she cannot." I have seen her when
it was impossible for her to make any pre-
tensions to cheerfulness. I know she has
many fears for the future; and I long
to comfort her. Warren has accumulated
property rapidly, and is confident that he
shall continue to do so. Reverses would
be very hard for him.”


234
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66
“I think of his children,” said Sadie.
“Those four boys will soon need a father's
training. I must remind him of that before
I go, if nothing more. It will be a terrible
thing if cousin Warren should add his name
to the long list of drunkards. I used to
think I had some influence over him, and
I must make one effort to save him.”
The day this decision was expressed, Mrs.
Yates went to the house of her cousin, and
meeting him in the hall, averted her face
to escape his liquor-tainted breath. Embar-
rassed at the unexpected meeting, in his
present condition, he saw her expression
of disgust, and interpreted its meaning.
“I have not been feeling well to-day, so
was obliged to have recourse to a stimulant,"
he said, with some hesitation. “I believe
you don't like stimulants. If I remember
right, you were fastidious in regard to them.”
“ And have not changed,” was her frank
66


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
235
6. We
>
reply. “I enjoy the fragrance of flowers,
but the sickening fumes of liquor are unen-
durable to me. I wish you were as thorough
going a teetotaler, as I am.”
“ That is not strange,” he replied.
all fancy our own way to be best. But come
into the parlor,” he added, recovering self-
possession. “ Marion has gone out, but I
will do my best to be agreeable.”
“And doubtless you will succeed,' re-
sponded his cousin, accepting the invitation.
“I must ask you if you really believe what
you said a moment ago. Do we all fancy
that our way is best ?”
“Of course we do,” was the quick reply.
“If not, we should change our course. Self
ishness would prompt us to that.”
66 So it would seem. But do you believe
that all people do as well for themselves as
they might, or even as well as they know?
The drunkard knows he is ruining himself,


236
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
yet refuses to give up his cups ; and the mod-
erate drinker knows that abstinence would
be better for him; yet he resolutely ignores
it. I think you will need to qualify your
statement, cousin Warren.”
“ As you please,” he answered, with forced
gayety. “I was always ready to acknowl-
edge myself beaten, when we disagreed in
the old days; and you have not changed,
that I can claim superiority.”
“But I have changed," said the lady, se-
riously. “ All these years have not passed
without doing their work upon me, as well
as you. You and I are not the same as
.
when we last parted. We are placed in dif-
ferent circumstances, with increased responsi-
bilities.” The street door opened, and there
remained but a moment when she could
speak without reserve. Hurriedly she mur
mured, “Pardon me, cousin Warren, but I
must remind you that you are risking the


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
237
7
interests of your own soul, and the happiness
of your family, by the use of intoxicating
drink. Do look to God for strength, and
lead a better life."
Marion Lewis, recognizing the voice of the
speaker, entered and bade her welcome, while
the host bowed himself from the room, plead-
ing a business engagement.
“ Like Sadie," he thought. Well, I ex-
pected something of the kind, and am glad
it is over.” But it was not over. Her words
sounded in his ears wherever he went; and
for a time he forgot the specious fallacies
with which he was accustomed to deceive
himself. Better than any other did he know
how near he stood to ruin; yet, strange in-
fatuation! did not amend his ways.
“ You are not angry with me, cousin War-
ren," said Mrs. Yates, as he held her hand
at parting
“No, cousin Sadie," he answered.
could never be angry with you."
661


CHAPTER VI.
Ah me! what bitter tears are shed,
When mourn the living for the dead;
But tears, more bitter, dim the eyes,
When gazing with a sad surprise,
On one, we counted true and just,
Trailing his manhood in the dust.
HE firm of Jewett, Lewis & Co., was
still prosperous. Paul Manson, the
junior partner, filled the place which
had been vacated by his cousin ;
and realized the fondest expectations of his
friends. Uncle Jolin thought him second
only to Warren, while others considered him
superior.
“Our boy,” Mr. Lewis called the merchant,
whose shrewd schemes made him conspicuous,
even where daring enterprise was the rule.
238


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
239
Talking with his wife, the father allowed
himself to dwell, with the greatest compla
cency, upon “our boy's
our boy's” success.
“ Bids fair to be worth millions," he would
say, rubbing his hands.
Mrs. Lewis endeavored to respond heartily
to such remarks of her husband; yet he ob-
served that she always offered some qualifica-
tion. This, however, he attributed to moth-
erly anxiety, and gave it no special consider-
ation.
Often urged to visit her son, she had done
so but twice during twelve years of his
married life. She preferred seeing him, with
his family, in her own home; but when five
children claimed the care of her daughter-in-
law, she prepared for a third visit.
Everything was in readiness ; but a slight
illness prevented their leaving home from one
day to another. “Nothing serious. We
skall start in a day or two,” said Mr. Lewis,


240
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
confidently, when asked in regard to the
liealth of his wife.
But to the surprise of all, except the sick
woman herself and Dr. Manson, this illness
terminated fatally ; and instead of welcoming
his parents, Warren Lewis received a tele-
gram, announcing his mother's death, and the
utter prostration of his father.
Expect me at the earliest possible mo-
ment,” he telegraphed, in reply, and took the
first train east. No delays occurring, and
every connection being made, he arrived in his
native city sooner than he was expected.
Excitement and grief, with the fatigue con-
sequent upon such rapid travelling, so effected
his nerves, that he found it necessary, as he
said to himself, by way of apology, to resort
to stimulants. At first, in consideration of
circumstances, sparingly; then more freely,
until he reached home in a state, which, with
some, would have been considered intoxica-


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
241
tion. Yet in the general sorrow and sym-
pathy, this was not observed.
His father threw himself into his arms,
clinging to his neck, and weeping like a child,
whlie he sobbed out the mother's name in the
most endearing terms. They wept together,
until, exclaiming, “ This is more than I can
bear,” he rushed frantically from the room,
only to be followed by his daughters, who in
vain prayed him to be calm. The son, unable
to control himself, continued to weep, until
Mrs. Manson and Mrs. Farley, who were pres-
ent, appealed to him, when, with a mighty
effort, he repressed his tears.
“ It is not strange that your mother's sud-
den death should move you deeply," con-
tinued Mrs. Farley. “It is a severe affliction
to us all ; but your father needs your support.
Everything has been done, without consulting
him, and the funeral will take place to-morrow
morning, if agreeable to you. The doctor


242
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
thought it ought not to be delayed lunger;
and we depended upon his judgment."
- Couldn't he save mother ?” was asked,
quickly.
“No human power could save her," was
the reply. "I have no doubt that his skill,
with the blessing of God, has prolonged her
life several years, but she knew her days
were numbered.”
>
“ Then why did not others know it ? ”
“ Because she preferred they should not.
She said it would do no good. Your father
would have been wretched, and she was satis-
fied that the doctor understood her case.
He thought she might recover from this
attack, until a few hours before her death;
and then she desired that no despatch be
sent you, while she lived."
By this time, Mr. Lewis returned to his
son, who endeavored to comfort him.
You
are all good and I love you,” said the broken-


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
243
hearted man.
“But none of you know what
my Mary was to me. I would have given
up every dollar of my property, and worked
like the poorest man to support her, if so I
could have purchased her life. 0 Warren,
how can I live without her!”
It was terrible to witness his grief. As
friends came in they expressed their sym-
pathy as they had done before, only to be
answered with tears and lamentations. At
last, came Dr. Manson; and he seemed to
have some influence over his uncle.
The greetings between the cousins were
short and subdued, yet Warren Lewis shrank
from the scrutinizing glance he received ;
and later when consulted in regard to ar-
rangements for the funeral, was ill at ease.
Asking of his mother's disease, he ex- .
pressed a regret that he had not known of
it, while she was living.
“ It would have made you no happier,"


244
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
was the reply. “I have made her disease
an especial study for years, and I honestly
believe nothing could have prolonged her
life. We all know we must die; and if our
work here is well done, it makes little differ-
ence what is the cause of our death. Your
mother had done her work well. She was a
Christian; and in her last hours had faith to
believe she should meet her entire family in
Heaven.” Thus much said, the listener was
left to his own reflections.
No one in the house cared to eat; but the
doctor insisted that all should take their
places at the table; and after, when they left
the dining-room, he said, “If I
“ If I may be
allowed the suggestion, I would propose that
you retire early. I am sure that cousin
Warren needs rest; and uncle must sleep if
possible. I will spend the night here, and
render any assistance that may be needed."
Gladly would he have prevented a visit to


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
245
the chamber of death ; but failing in this,
he could only seek to shorten the painful
sce le and soothe the grief thus renewed.
With his uncle, this was very difficult; but
at length, he had the satisfaction of seeing
him sleep quietly.
Attention was then given to Warren, who
seemed every moment to grow more restless.
“You must have rest," said his cousin.
“I don't feel tired," was the response. “I
have hardly slept, since I heard of mother's
death, and my eyes feel staringly open.”
“They look so," answered the doctor. '. “If
"
you will take my advice, you will close them
as soon as possible.”
66 I don't want to close them. To tell the
truth, Hal, I'm terribly nervous. Mother's
death, and my hurried journey has quite
upset me, and I don't feel like myself.”
Of course these had some effect; but War-
ren Lewis deceived neither himself nor his


246
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
cousin, when he said this. The latter was
a little nervous himself, until he knew that
the family, generally, had retired, when he
almost compelled Warren to go to the cham-
ber allotted him.
Not a moment too soon was this effected.
“ Hal, that old hermit haunts me. Look!
See his eyes, and his long hair, streaming
in the wind! Take him away! For God's
sake, take him away! What has he to do
with me?'
“I will take him away. He shan't trouble
you,” said Dr. Manson.
“ Just get ready
for a night's sleep, and I will take care of
him."
“You're a good fellow, Hal. You were
always a good fellow; and now if you'll give
me a glass of brandy, I won't trouble you
any more.
But see! There is the old
man!” he added, pointing to a corner of the
!
“ Can't you send him away ?”
>
room.



N
“Hal, that old hermit haunts me.
29/12
RasseLL VRICHARDS UN SC
19
Page 246.


THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. LENOX
TILDEN FOUND. TIC


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
247
- Yof, yes,"
was answered, soothingly.
"lie down, and he will go.”
With trembling hands and quivering limbs,
the wretched man obeyed; yet still the spectre
haunted him. The doctor, prepared for this,
gave him a powerful sedative, and awaited
the rezult.
Here was one who should have been in the
very vigor of manhood, prostrated, not by
grief, as was his father, but by a poison
which, while working slowly, works surely.
Just across the hall, in a luxuriously fur-
nished chamber, lay the form of his dead
mother; but he did not think of her. Groans,
tears and shrieks, stified by the stern com-
mands of one who understood how to use
authority, betrayed his suffering. In his mad-
ness, he would spring to elude the grasp of
his enemy. As a last resort, another sedative
was administered, and the spell broken.
An hour's careful watching discovered no
>


248
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
sign of returning excitement, and Warren
Lewis was left alone. Thanks to the knowl.
edge and caution of his cousin, not a sound
had been heard outside the room, which might
not be attributed to ordinary conversation.
A few hours' sleep prepared the doctor for
the duties of the morning. As he hoped, his
uncle slept the entire night, and was quite
calm, as he came into the parlor, enquiring
for Warren.
“ He is not up yet, I think,” was the reply.
I
“ I will go to his room, and see;" and glad of
an excuse for so doing, Dr. Manson sprang up
the stairs, and called to his cousin.
" Come in. I'm glad it's you, Hal. I
wanted you.”
“ How do you find yourself this morning,
cousin Warren ?"
“In poor condition, Hal.
condition, Hal. I must have
some brandy. Is there any in the house ?"
Brandy is not kept in this house,” an.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
249
swered the doctor. • Your mother didn't be-
66
lieve in it."
51 know she didn't, the dear, good woman;
and here a burst of tears interrupted the
speaker. “ But whether I believe in it or not,
I must have some this morning. Look at me,
and you will see that I need it. I promise,
sacredly, to drink only enough to steady my
nerves. You may give it to me yourself.' ”
It was no time for the necessary medical
treatment to give strength to shattered nerves;
and prepared, even for this emergency, the
doctor soon produced a glass of brandy.
“Drink that,” he said ; adding, “ You should
not receive it from my hands, under any
other circumstances. But now, there seems to
be no alternative."
The glass was drained eagerly, and with
the exclamation, “ Not half enough, Hal,” re-
turned for more.
“Wait!” was the reply. “You are far


250
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
gone, if that is not enough. I must go down
and report to your father. In five minutes I
will return."
“ Give me more brandy before you go;”
but Dr. Manson did not seem to hear this
plea, as he left the room.
“Is Warren sick this morning ?” asked
Mr. Lewis, anxiously.
“He is not feeling very well,” replied the
doctor. “His long, hurried journey would try
the strength of any one. But he will be down
soon.”
“ Poor boy! I know it must be hard for
him. I seem to forget everything but my
own trouble. I have hardly thought of my
children's loss. Oh, Mary, come back to us!”
and the bereaved man opened his arms, only
to fold them again wearily upon his breast.
“ Where's the brandy, Hal? I looked for
it every minute you were gone,” was the ex-
clamation which greeted the doctor, upon re-


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
251
>
66
>
>
turning to his cousin's room.
66 Give it to me,
or I shall die! There's the old man, in the
corner, pointing his finger at me."
Stop that folly!” was said, sternly.
6. There is no old man in the corner. How do
you expect to go through the day, unless you
can control yourself, here in your room ? I
shall give you one more glass of brandy, and
take care to keep the rest out of your way.”
The door closed upon Warren Lewis, and
he was left alone for a moment; while he
strove, with all the force of will he could
command, to recover composure.
Of humilia-
tion and shame, he had little sense ; so
overpowered were these by the maddening
fancies he could not repress. Another glass
of brandy, and his hand was firm, his brain
comparatively clear.
“ Take this, also,” said the doctor, giving
him a colorless powder; adding, “ You will
do well enough, now, if you let liquor alone.


252
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
1
But if you drink another drop to-day, I'll
not be responsible for the consequences.”
No one of those who greeted this man,
in the family that morning, suspected what
he had suffered during the hours since
they parted. Without embarrassment, he
replied to enquiries concerning his health ;
acknowledging that he had been very much
fatigued and his nerves somewhat unstrung.
“I don't wonder. It was very hard for
you,” said his father, pityingly.
It was a sad day for the relatives and
friends of her whose death had made them
mourners ; but I will not linger over the
funeral, or the closing of the coffin-lid upon
the dear face which would be seen no more
on earth. John Lewis felt that he had
drained the cup of sorrow to its very dregs.
Yet the wife of his love had gone where
there is neither pain nor sickness, sorrow
nor sighing. Often had she talked of this


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
253
66 I know you
ren.
apper home, while he but half comprehended
the happiness she expressed.
will come to me in Heaven;" she had said,
as he bent to catch her last words. “And
Warren. Tell him
" What could he tell ? To Harry Manson
66
was confided the important message for War-
Whether she would have repeated it to
her husband, at last, no one would ever know.
How desolate seemed the house, , when
night drew its curtains around it! “I can
hardly realize that mother is really dead ;)
said the son, after a silence, broken only by
the ticking of the clock, or a whispered
remark from one of the grandchildren.
“ It can't be! It can't be !” exclaimed the
father, springing to his feet and pacing the
l'oom, hurriedly. 66 How am I to live without
her ? What shall I do ?”
Every one was relieved by the appearance
of Dr. Manson who soothed his uncle, as no


25+
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
other could; speaking calmly and cheerfully,
yet with no lack of sympathy.
“ I believe you have great magnetic power,'
remarked Warren Lewis, when alone with
his cousin, later in the evening.
“I wish I possessed ten times what you
give me credit for having," was the reply.
“ Why?” was asked, quickly.
So that I might influence you, cousin
Warren. I am shocked at your condition.
I have a message from your mother which
I may as well deliver, now.
She never
spoke of your habits to others; but with me
she talked freely. She said, “Tell Warren
he must give up the use of wines and brandy
or be ruined body and soul. Tell him he
must give it up, or ruin the happiness of his
wife and children. Then urge him by every
possible motive to heed the warning.' I have
delivered your mother's message. Now, shall
I appeal to you as she desired ? "
.
6


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
255
Warren Lewis longed to rush from the
room and thus avoid further comment. But
it was his dead mother who spoke to him
through another's lips. It was his dead
mother who had charged another to warn
him of peril and danger.
“ It's of no use, Hal,” he said, at length.
“I love my mother and honor her memory;
but stimulants are a necessity to me. I could
I
never get through my business
business without
them."
6 And how long do you expect to get
through with them ?”
An impatient gesture was ignored by the
questioner, as he waited for the reply, “I
don't know."
“ You might make an estimate sufficiently
accurate for practical purposes. At least,
I could do so, with my knowledge of the
human system.”
“I am not a physician, Hal. I can't be


-256
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
expected to know as much of such things
as you do."
“ Of course not, cousin Warren. But you
must know that your powers of endurance
are giving way rapidly. You had an attack
of delirium tremens last night.”
“For God's sake, Hal, don't use that
term in connection with me. I know I was
>
nervous; but it couldn't have been so bad
as that."
“ It was so bad. Have you ever had such
an attack before ?" A negative was the
only reply, and the doctor continued. "Have
«
you had any symptoms of such an attack ?
Has the old hermit appeared to you before?”
"Once before,” was said, after some hesita-
tion. “I don't think it strange that he has.
You talked so much about him for months
when we were at Holcombe, that he haunted
me even then.
I never could understand
your taking such an interest in that poor,
demented wretch."


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
257
6 Because he was such a poor, demented
wretch, when he ought to have been one of
the grandest men of his time. It seems
strange that a man who might command suc-
cess in any position, should become the slave
of a debasing appetite; yet he is not the only
instance of such slavery. But I have wan-
dered far from my starting-point. I must tell
you, cousin Warren, that you are liable, at
any time, to suffer as you did last night, unless
you change your manner of living. A few
such attacks, increasing in severity, would
leave you in a sad condition. I know you are
impatient at this talk," Dr. Manson continued.
“ I know I am presuming as perhaps no other
one of your friends would dare presume ;
love for you and for your dead mother
move me to do this. What can I say to make
you realize your danger? Do you know it?”
he asked, in an excited tone, which made his
companion start with surprise.
but my


258
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“I know more than you can tell me; but I
still have confidence in myself,” was the an-
swer given to this question.
" It may be that you have, this evening;
and the speaker resumed his natural tone.
“But last night and this morning your confi-
dence was in brandy."
“ Hal, you torture me!” cried Warren
Lewis, wildly. “What would you have?”
“I would have you for ever abjure the use of
all intoxicating liquors, regain your health, and
live to a good old age, respected and happy.
Oh, Warren, do be persuaded, before it is too
late. Think of your accountability to God.”
“ You know I will not bind myself with
pledges, Hal. I will never do that. It is too
childish.”
“ Childish !” repeated Dr. Manson, scorn-
fully. “In every business transaction, you
bind yourself by some pledge. In every
friendship, pledges are made or implied. Say


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
25€
you are determined to go on as you have com-
menced; but don't say that pledges are child-
ish.”
The man thus addressed replied as best he
could ; and the conversation was continued,
until, convinced that no good would be effected
by further discussion, the doctor rose to leave.
Clasping the hand, and looking steadily into
the face of his cousin, he said, “I promised
your mother I would appeal to you, by every
motive man holds sacred. Tell me, Warren,
if I have redeemed that promise. If you are
ruined, shall I be held guiltless ?”
Yes, Hal, yes! God bless you!” and for
a moment all that was noble in the nature of
Warren Lewis, struggled for ascendency. “I
shall think of what you have said. Good-
night.”
“Good-night, cousin Warren. I shall never
allude to this subject again, unless you desire
it; but I shall never cease to pray for you.
66


260
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
God bless you, and keep you from all evil.”
Thus they parted.
The morrow brought its cares and re-
sponsibilities. Mr. Lewis could not stay in
his old home; yet refused to go with either
of his daughters.
Mrs. Manson invited him to spend a few
weeks with her; but this he was not pleased
to do. At length, his son proposed a long
visit west; and the family seeing no objec-
tion to such an arrangement, were rejoiced
when he decided to go.
This decision was no sooner announced to
Dr. Manson, than he wrote a long, confiden-
tial letter to his sister and her husband.
“I must say that I think brother Harry is
troubled without cause, this time,” she re-
marked, after reading the letter aloud.
“ Perhaps not," answered her husband.
* You may be sure he understands Uncle
Johr far better than we do."


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
261
Marion Lewis welcomed her father-in-law
upon them.
>
66
affectionately, tears expressing both sympathy
for him, and sorrow for her own loss. The
children divided their attention between papa
and grandpa ; winning smiles from the latter,
despite his heavy heart.
“Five noble boys,” he said, looking fondly
“ You ought to be a happy man,
Warren. "I am afraid you will find me tire-
some,” he added, turning to his daughter.
My wife was everything to me, as you are
to your husband, and I am afraid of going
wrong without her. She was my conscience."
“Father, you will take a glass of wine,"
said Warren Lewis, as they sat at the dinner
table the next day.
“No, I think not,” was the reply.
mother never liked to have me drink it."
“But you need it, now, as a medicine.
You said you felt better for it, on your
journey."
66 Your
>
>


262
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“Yes, I did. It seemed to put a little
life into me; but I don't wish to get into
the habit of drinking it.
This was said listlessly, as though drinking
or not drinking was of small consequence;
and a little more persuasion silenced all
scruples. “Marion, do you never taste of
wine?”
“ Never!” she replied, emphatically; and
a glance from her husband prevented further
remark.
“I seldom drink it," remarked the old
gentleman. “But coming out here, I don't
know how I should have kept up without
an occasional glass of wine.”
“ He wouldn't have drinked it, if mother
had been with him," thought Marion, with
difficulty repressing the words which sprang
to her lips.
How she longed when alone with him, to
unburden her heart, and beg him never to
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
263
taste wine again at her table. But fear that
he would betray her interference kept her
silent, while day after day, both father and
son drank wine in her presence, and in the
presence of her children.
How could a man do this while mourning
the loss of one whose whole life had been a
protest against such indulgence, and who,
as he often said, had saved him from a
career of dissipation! I cannot tell. I only
know that so it was; until Mary Carr, aware
of the fact, no longer wondered at her
brother's anxiety.
66 What can we do ?” she exclaimed, after
returning home from a dinner at her cousin's.
“ It made me shudder to see Uncle John
drain his glass. And how Warren has
changed! Did you notice how he looked,
to-day?"
“ I always notice his looks,” was the reply.
“ He is growing old too fast.”


264
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“ And Marion, too, John. I tell you that
she has more trouble than she allows any
one to see.”
“ Mr. Lewis is considering a new specula-
tion,” said John Carr, after a short silence.
“He didn't speak of it to-day, as I hoped
he would ; but Uncle John told me about
it. He has enough business on his hands,
now, and I am growing anxious in regard
to his health. He must break down soon,
if he goes on at this rate.”
Mary, knowing what was implied by this
last remark, asked no questions. Her anxi-
ety, just then, was for her uncle rather than
her cousin; and this anxiety was increased
when told by the former that he had some
thought of making the west his permanent
residence.
" I don't think I would,” she said seriously,
in reply to this.
“Why, Mary, wouldn't you like your old
uncle for a neighbor ?”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
265
“ Yes, sir; but it would never seem like
home to you here."
“ It will never seem like home, anywhere,"
he responded. “I can't go back to the house
I
where I lived so many happy years with my
wife. I can't do it,” he repeated. “It un-
mans me to think of it. I haven't
any
heart
for business, either. I believe I can endure
life here, with Warren and his family, better
than anywhere else.”
“ But what would Mr. Jewett and Paul
say to your leaving the store ?” asked Mary,
in her surprise, with no definite thought of
what she was saying.
They can do well enough without me," he
answered. “ Paul could manage the entire
business alone. My daughters don't need
me,” added the lonely man, sighing as he
thought of her whose life had so long formed
a part of his own. What shall I do but stay
here? Can you tell me, Mary ?”


266
THE HERMIT OP HOLCOMBE.
She wished to say, “ Go back and do your
duty;" but then would come the question,
“What is my duty ?” and this she was not
prepared to answer.
The speculation in which Warren Lewis
proposed to engage, fascinated his father, who
was only too ready to consider his judgment
infallible.
“ Shall you invest with your son ?” John
Carr ventured to ask, when this speculation
was under discussion.
“ I am thinking of it,” was the reply. " To
tell the truth, John, it makes little difference
to me what I do. I am interested for a little
while; but it is all over, when I think of my
wife. I must get throngh the rest of my life,
some way.”
“ Yes, uncle John, and you must get
through eternity, after this world."
“ Yes, yes,” he replied. “I wish I was
sure about that, John. I never could feel as
>
66


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
267
Mary did, and since she left me, it is all
strange and dark.”
Well might John Lewis say his wife had
been his conscience, and in one way he had
trusted too much to her. She supplied the
religious element in her family, praying for
and with her children, while their father bade
them look to her for instruction.
The daughters became Christians. The
son, engrossed in worldly pursuits, was in
danger of forgetting the prayers learned at his
mother's knee. Was he also in danger of
forgetting his mother? He would have been
indignant, had any one suggested the possi-
bility of this; yet he dishonored her memory,
with little compunction. He had tempted his
father to drink wine, constantly repeating the
temptation, until persuasion was unnecessary.
Justice, however, compels me to say that
the message delivered by Dr. Manson, and the
appeal accompanying it, did have the effect


268
THE AERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
to make Warren Lewis very wretched, for
several days. Some things he had before seen
but dimly, now stood out in bold relief; and
he denied himself the unlimited iudulgence to
which he was accustomed. He could not
think of total abstinence. It would involve an
utter prostration of his powers, both mental
and physical ; and yet he knew there would
come a time, when
Often had he reached this point in his
conclusions; and as often refused to see the
end. His wife no longer remonstrated with
him, or, indeed, replied at all when he was
in his worst moods. It seemed to her now,
that she could bear anything from her hus-
band, if his father was not injured. Danger
threatened and she was powerless to avert
the blow.
His visit had been extended long beyond
what was expected, when entering the room
she usually occupied with her children, Mr.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
269
Lewis surprised his daughter-in-law weeping.
"Why, Marion, dear, what is the matter?”
he exclaimed.
“ Nothing, only I am tired and a little
nervous," she replied. “Tears are sometimes
a great relief to me."
• But it hurts me to see them,” was the
reply. “I always felt myself responsible for
every tear my wife shed. Now she has gone,
I have nothing to live for but my children,
and they have enough without me."
“Oh, no, father.
We should miss you
sadly. We all wish to make you happy."
“I know it, Marion, and you have done
me good since I came here. I don't know
but I might be interested in business again,
if I should be with Warren. Would you be
willing to have the old man stay?”
“ Yes, father, if you could be happy with
us."
“I could be happier here than anywhere


270
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
else," replied the old gentleman; and after
this, weeks lapsed into months, without any
definite arrangements for return or permanent
residence.
His house was occupied by Dr. Manson and
the lovely woman whom he called “ wife.” A
second wife she was; yet in the rich maturity
of his manhood, he gave her all of devotion
and tenderness her heart could crave. Every
one rejoiced at his marriage, and this occupa-
tion of Uncle John's house had been proposed
by its owner, so that he need feel no care
in regard to it. The furniture remained as
it had been arranged by his wife, and he was
pleased to have it so.
Dr. Manson often thought of his uncle,
wondering if it was well with him ; while
Mary wisely or unwisely forbore to write
anything which would cause anxiety.
66 What
good would it do?” she asked her husband
when he once suggested it.
66 Uncle John


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
271
6. But
can't be placed under guardianship, and
Warren is nearer to him than Harry. He
has a right to invest his money as he pleases,
and to eat and drink what he pleases. I wish
Marion would speak to me about it. Then,
perhaps, something might be done.”
At length Marion did speak. “I don't
know as I ought to tell you," she said, sinking
into a chair, after their first greetings.
I must tell some one or I shall die. O Mary,
thank God there is no wine-drinking in your
house. It is a curse, the deadliest curse;
and then the speaker's voice was choked
with sobs. "I have come to see if you can
help me.”
Fatigue and excitement here so
powered her that she required support to
prevent her falling. Lie down and rest,"
said Mary, tenderly. “ Tell me anything
you please; and be sure I will find some way
to help you.”
over-


272
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
With sighs and tears and groans a story
was told, the like of which has been told by
many a heart-broken wife and mother. A
husband, honored and respected by the world,
was an exacting tyrant at home.
“I don't know how it is that he controls
himself before father,” said Marion. « But
,
he does; and usually before me. Some-
times he seems so unhappy, that I pity him
more than I blame him; and I know he is
fast wearing himself out. In his sleep he
talks of an old man with streaming hair and
flaming eyes. He starts and shrieks, until I
think every one in the house must hear him.
Yet I could bear that, if it was not for
father. He is learning to love wine. I have
watched him, and I can see it. He has been
here almost four months, and he ought to go
home. He talks of selling out his business
and spending his life here ; but it will kill
me if he does, and, and "here her voice
.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
273
>
fell to a whisper,—“ he will be a drunkard.”
Mary Carr had said this often to herself; yet
shuddered as she heard it said by another.
She was unable to command her voice for a
reply. Marion looked up sadly, asking,
“ Can't you help me ?"
“I will try,” answered Mary, with great
effort. “ If Harry was only here, he might
influence uncle John. I have thought of talk-
ing to uncle John, myself.”
“Did you ever say anything to Warren
about drinking as he does ? ” After all, the
thought of her husband was uppermost in the
mind of Marion Lewis, as this question plainly
showed.
“ It would do no good,” answered Mary.
“ John has talked with him, several times;
but cousin Warren thinks he knows best.
May I tell John what you have told me ?”
“ Yes,” was the reply, after some hesita-
tion. “Some one must help me, and I know
I can trust your husband.”
66


274
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
2
Back to her home went Marion Lewis, with
heart somewhat relieved, and courage strength-
ened, by this interview. Such a beautiful
home as was hers! How could its inmates be
otherwise than happy ? Additions had been
made to the house, until it would be hardly
recognized as the same into which a happy
bride had been ushered.
ance.
So far off seemed that day, it was sometimes
almost lost from sight; then it would re-
appear vividly, as if to mock the wretched
wife. She had intended to talk frankly with
mother Lewis, hoping for counsel and assist-
Now she must seek these elsewhere;
and contrary to her intention of bearing her
troubles alone, she had made a confidant of
Mary Carr.
Matters were worse than John had feared,
although he considered himself well ac-
quainted with his old employer. “You must
do something,” said his wife. 6. Uncle must
go home, and Warren must be reformed.”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
275
“Easier said than done,” was the reply.
“ Uncle John may be managed, but Warren
will do as he pleases. Suppose we go there
this evening."
This suggestion was carried out, but Mr.
Warren Lewis was spending the evening with
some gentlemen at one of the hotels.
“ Another speculatiun, uncle John ?” asked
his niece.
Something of the kind,” he replied. "A
great railway project is under consideration.
Things move pretty fast, out here. Per-
haps I may catch some of the wide-awake
spirit myself,” he added, rubbing his hands in
the old fashion. “I believe I have talked
more about railways to-day, than in any month
of my life before;” and by the brightness of
the speaker's eyes, and the flush upon his
cheeks, John Carr knew the talking had been
enlivened by drinking.
Before leaving, the visitors proposed that


276
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
uncle John should spend the following day
with them. “ Come early, and take breakfast
with us," said Mary, cordially. 66 We will
have it half an hour later than usual, and I
will make the muffins myself, if you will help
9
eat them."
66
“Agreed," was the reply. “I will come.
But you must have breakfast at the usual
hour. I am an early riser.”
The next morning, Mr. Lewis was at John
Carr's an hour before the time appointed, and
his niece was about to greet him playfully,
when she noticed his worn and haggard looks.
“ What is it?" she asked. “ Are you sick ?
Have you heard bad news ?'
“ Both," he answered. “ I am heart sick
and I have heard bad news.
I want John."
John came, and the old man prayed for
help, even as his daughter had done, the day
before. “My boy is a drunkard ! Did you
know it, John ?"
66


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
277
6. He
“ Not quite so bad as that,” was answered,
soothingly. “He don't practice total absti-
nence, but I should be sorry to call him a
drunkard."
“ But he is," persisted the father.
abuses his wife and never hears to her advice.
He didn't come home till midnight, and —
“ He had taken too much wine," added
John Carr, without waiting for the sentence
to be completed.
“A great deal too much. We had a
dreadful night. He was a perfect madman,
and I don't think it was the first time he has
been so. His mother used to worry about
him ; but I never have since I sent him to
Holcombe with Harry Manson. I wish Harry
was here. Seems to me he could do some-
thing ;” and at this Mr. Lewis broke down,
utterly weeping without restraint.
Can't
you help me, John. I can see, now, that
Warren has changed in many ways. Oh, I


278
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
would rather see him dead than as he was
last night. My boy a drunkard! It will
.
kill me. I am glad his mother didn't live
to know it. Yes, John, I am glad. She
could never have borne it. I'll see you again
to-day, John, but I must go home to Marion,
now. She needs me.”
“ See Mary, first," said the younger man.
She will be disappointed if you go so soon.”
“You must stop until after breakfast,” said
Mary, coming into the room. 66 It can be
ready in a few minutes, and we will eat
before the children come down.”
Mr. Lewis, of course, said he did not care
for breakfast; but he could not withstand
Mary's pleadings, and the three were soon
seated around a well spread table. The
hostess compelled herself to eat, and per-
suaded Uncle John to follow her example ;
yet it was by no means a cheerful meal.
" I suppose, now, you are willing I should


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
279
>
one
go,” remarked Mr. Lewis, absently, when
they rose from the table.
“ It may be best that you should go,” an-
swered Mary. Then clasping both his hands,
she added, “If you would make me
promise, uncle, I should be a great deal
happier.”
"I will promise anything in reason,” he
replied, stooping to leave a kiss upon her
forehead.
“ Then promise me not to drink any wine
to-day. You wouldn't if Aunt Mary was
with you."
A deathly pallor overspread the face of
John Lewis. His breathing was quick and
labored. “ What have I done!” he cried.
“ Mary, my Mary, forgive me!” and he
raised his hands, imploringly. “Never again!
God help me! Never again!
Mary Carr, for speaking to me. It was time,
I must go to Marion," and before another
word could be spoken, he was gone.
ܕ
Bless you


280
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
Even the servants looked strangely, in the
home of Warren Lewis that morning. A
spell seemed upon all in the house. Doors
were opened and closed, noiselessly. There
were whispered consultations in the kitchen,
and anxious glances in the breakfast room.
Of course, the servants had known that
their master was no saint; yet they had never
seen him intoxicated.
• I don't believe it, now,” said one.
“ You can believe or not,” was the reply.
“ I tell you he lumbered up-stairs last night
like any drunken man, and his tongue was
running till most daylight. The old gentle-
man went to see what was the matter.
Humiliated, indeed, was the merchant,
when he realized what had occurred. Cursing
himself for a fool, he yet blamed his wife for
not having in some way, concealed his folly.
66 Father will think me a great deal worse
than I am,” he said, in a morose tone, after


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
281
being assured that his own boisterous demon-
strations had roused his father. “We got
so deep in business that I drank more than
I ought to ; and that is all there is to it."
That was only the beginning, as his wife
might have told him; but adhering to her
self-imposed silence, she made no reply.
“Why don't you say something ?” he de-
manded sternly.
6. You would drive any man
desperate, with your tears. I've had enough
of them."
Oh, would he never stop! What could
she say to soothe his irritated feelings ! Past
experience had taught her many bitter les-
sons; and she choked back the sobs which
must not be heard. Her husband had never
struck her; but this morning she feared even
:
that, and felt a sense of relief when she
closed the door upon him, and went to meet
her children.
How she managed to control herself at


282
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
breakfast, she did not know. Everything
seemed vague and dreamy. She saw, as not
seeing, and heard, as not bearing. Yet
she attended to the wants of all, with the
same gentle courtesy as usual ; and while
forgetting her own needs, was solicitous for
others.
From the breakfast room Warren Lewis
went directly to the library, and throwing
himself into a chair, considered what he
should do. He knew his father would de-
mand an explanation of his conduct; and
for the first time he felt his father's presence
a burden. Moreover he fancied that his wife
had looked upon him coldly; and he recog-
nized the possibility of losing her respect.
As for himself, he was in no condition to
attend to business.
He heard his children in the hall, talking
with their grandfather; and presently some
one asked admittance.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
283
ness.
“ Come,” he said. The door opened to
admit five boys; the youngest cradled in
the old man's arms. 66 A committee of the
whole,” he exclaimed, with forced cheerful-
“ This is an unexpected pleasure.
66
What matter of importance is now under
consideration ?"
“ Not any, father,” replied John, the eld-
est boy. Grandpa thought it would be nice,
to come in all together. So we did, baby
and all."
5 And isn't it nice, my son,” grandpa
hastened to add. " Don't you think we look
well, together? For my part, I am proud
of these boys, and hope they will make
good, true men; such men as their grand-
mother prayed they might be. I tell you,
Warren, we ought to be a great deal better
ourselves."
“ Certainly. We are none of us perfect,"
was the reply. “I hope my boys will de
right."
>


284
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
.
“ Then you must set them a good example
A man has no right to expect his children
to be better than himself.”
“I mean to be good,” now chimed in some
young voices. “Mother says we must, and
she knows," added John, decidedly.
Grandpa did not care to prolong this visit;
yet soon after leaving the room, with his
companions, he returned alone; and looking
at his son sadly, said, “I never thought to
see my boy a drunkard. God forgive me,
if I failed to do my duty by you. I would
rather see you in your coffin, than as I saw
you last night.”
It cost the speaker a terrible effort to say
this; how terrible, one might guess by the
great drops of perspiration upon bis fore-
head, and the agonized expression of his
face. Conflicting emotions prevented the
son's replying, until silence became painful,
and he was about to make some further re-
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
285
marks, when Warren said, in a husky voice,
“I never thought to hear my father call
me a drunkard."
6 But it is true, my son.”
66 It is not true ;” and now the voice was
clear and distinct. “No man shall say that ;
not even my father. I told Marion you would
think me a great deal worse than I am ;”
and here followed a detailed account of the
previous evening's entertainment.
Of course everything was shown in its best
light, yet the father saw no reason to retract
his obnoxious statement. He talked long
with his son, acknowledging his own weak-
ness, and early indiscretions.
“Your mother saved me," he said.
have wondered how she dared to trust me;
but she did, and I tried to make her happy.
I shouldn't have been fit to live, if I had
ever spoken to her, as you speak to Marion.
You will lose your wife, unless you treat
her differently.”
66
>


286
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“ Lose her! How?” asked Warren Lewis,
startled at the very thought of such a ca-
lamity.
6 She will die, and thus you will lose
ber."


CHAPTER VU.
High noon of life. The brightest days,
The grandest work, the noblest praise
Should crown this noon, and make it blest,
Beyond all time of toil or rest;
And woe to him who dares misspend
The years on which such joys depend.
OR weeks, it seemed that the prophecy
was about to be fulfilled. Marion-
Lewis was prostrated with an illness
from which even her physicians thought
it impossible that she could recover. Uncon-
scious of what transpired around her, there
were days when she never ceased to moan
piteously, except when under the influence of
stupefying drugs. Sometimes she murmured
softly, as if hushing an infant to rest. Then
287


288
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
she would call for her own dear mother, who,
long before, had gone to dwell with the angels.
Her husband, tortured with remorse and fear,
longed to implore her forgiveness; but when-
ever he came into her presence, she turned
from him as from an enemy.
Mr. Gregory visited his daughter, and,
shocked by what he saw and heard, adminis-
tered a
severe rebuke to his son-in-law.
Apologies were useless. Nothing could ex-
cuse the ill-treatment of such a wife, and the
wretched husband attempted no justification
of his conduct.
That he should ever be forced to make the
confessions which he did! That he should .
ever bow his head for very shame, and beg
to be spared further reproach !
- If Marion dies, I will never forgive you!
Never !” said Mr. Gregory, with fearful
emphasis. “She ought to have denounced
you, years ago!"


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
289
My readers will please remember that the
man who cowered beneath these words was a
wealthy merchant, holding various offices of
trust and emolument. In society, he was
generous, courteous, and genial. At the
head of an extensive business, he was in
pecuniary matters, honorable and upright.
All this he was, and yet, at the same time,
he was a drunkard.
He did not drink the coarse, cheap liquors
with which poor men satisfy their depraved
appetites. He did not curse and swear at
the street corners,- Oh, no! He was a man
of refined tastes. Only the best would be
tolerated by him; and he walked the streets
proud of his position. His father's entire
property was small, compared with his own;
while his yearly income would have seemed
to many, a fortune in itself.
“Do you suppose Hal would come, if I
should send for him?" he one day asked his
cousin, Mary Carr.


290
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“He would come, if it was possible for him
to do so," was the reply; and in less than
an hour, Dr. Manson received a despatch,
summoning him to the bedside of Marion
Lewis.
A letter, giving an account of her sickness,
had reached him the day previous; and this
with his anxiety for his uncle, decided him.
He left his patients in the care of another,
and started at once; hoping to benefit his
friends in more ways than one.
“Bless you for coming, Hal! Thank God
you are here!” were the greetings which
told how earnestly his presence had been
desired. While resting, for a little, before
seeing the invalid, he learned what he could
of the symptoms and progress of her disease.
“ You will save her life," said his cousin,
questioningly.
“I will do what I can," he answered ; and
applied himself to the task with untiring
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
291
devotion. Watching and waiting, consulting
,
with others, yet relying upon his own judg.
ment, he was, at length, able to say that
there was a prospect of recovery.
Then every one in the house breathed more
freely. A burden was lifted from every heart,
and other interests were considered. - In a
long, confidential talk with his uncle, Dr.
Manson was assured of many things he had
before suspected.
“I pity Marion, and I wish I could help
her,” said the old man, tears attesting to his
sympathy. “She has a hard lot to bear with
her husband, if he is my son. I wish I could
take her and her children home with me, and
make them happy. You must talk to War-
You know how better than I, and if any
one can influence him, you can. I am thank
ful his mother didn't live to see this day. It
is bard enough for me.
But I must tell you
how wrong I have been. I am going home as
ren.


292
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
66
you and
soon as Marion is better,” he added, after a
long silence following his confession of the
sin into which he had fallen. "I don't seem
to have much to live for; but if
your
wife will stay with me, I will try to do my
duty; and -- and - I want to be a Christian,
Harry. You don't think it's too late for
that."
“Never too late, while life remains," was
the answer. “I have prayed that you might
be brought to this, Uncle John. I know how
tonely you are, and how desolate your life
seems; but God knows best what we need to
draw us to himself."
Notwithstanding the oft-repeated request
that he would urge his cousin to reform, Dr.
Manson felt himself pledged to silence. He
knew by the haggard face and bloodshotten
eyes, that a terrible penalty was paid for sinful
indulgence, yet his lips were sealed.
Silence, however, thus enforced, had its
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
298
own language, more eloquent than words; a
dumb reproach, to which no reply could be
made. The cousins talked freely upon other
subjects; sat at the same table, and loved
each other none the less, that they were drift-
ing wide apart. Indeed, it is possible that
their affection deepened, as they realized this.
Certain it is that Harry Manson never felt
more solicitude, or prayed more earnestly for
any friend, than he did for Warren Lewis.
The children, too, - how his heart yearned
over them.
“ I believe my mission is so far accom-
plished that it will be best for me to leave in
the morning,” he said, at the close of a day,
when Mrs. Lewis had shown such improve-
ment that there seemed little danger of a
relapse.
“ You must prescribe for me first," re
sponded his cousin, after some hesitation.
"I have more confidence in you than in any
one else, and I need medical treatment."


294
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“ What can I say?" asked the doctor,
after listening to a fearful category of infirma-
ties. “You know what has brought you to
your present condition; and there can be no
permanent relief, without — "
“Without what?” demanded Warren Lewis,
impatiently. “Speak out what you mean.
The truth won't hurt me."
“I wish it might do you good," was the
reply, made in a serious tone. "I can tell
you nothing which I have not told you before,
You must reform, or die the death of a drunk-
ard. Medicine will have little effect upon you,
until the cause of your disease is removed.”
“ I have been more temperate since mother
died,” was said, after a somewhat prolonged
silence. “I indulged too freely, one evening
in company, but I have been punished for that,
and am not likely to offend again, in the same
way. Tell me how much or how little stimu-
lant I can take with safety.”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
295
“ Not a drop, cousin Warren. Nothing but
total abstinence will save you;, and that
should be adopted soon. If you will follow
my prescription faithfully, I think you can
regain both mental and physical strength.
The old hermit will cease to haunt you, and
you may yet be a happy man."
66 Who said the old hermit haunted me?”
asked Warren Lewis, in an excited tone.
“ I did not need that any one should say
it," answered Dr. Manson. “I have seen you
,
close your eyes, as if to shut out some disa-
grecable sight, or turn aside to look from a
window, when I knew, by the expression of
your face, that you saw what you did not wish
>
to see.'
“ It's true, Hal. No use for me to deny it,
although I know I am a fool. I see the old
man everywhere. Sometimes his hateful face
comes between me and my children; and
sometimes it stares at me, from my Ledger."
.


296
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
* Cousin Warren, do you remember that
you have often said you would give up the use
of liquor, whenever you were convinced that
it injured you ? Has not that time come?
Do
you
doubt my word, when I tell you you
are killing yourself?”
“No, Hal, I believe every word you say.
I wish to God I had never tasted of wine; and
yet, it will kill me to give it up. I can't do
it, Hal. I don't know as I have the power;
and the proud man pressed his hands to his
forehead, in the vain effort to still the throb-
bings of his brain. “I never dreamed I
should come to this. Think of it, Hal; I have
been 'prospered in everything except myself.”
Hal had thought of it sadly, and could not
find it in his heart to congratulate his cousin
upon the accumulation of property. He did
what he could in the way of prescription,
hoping some good might be effected ; yet
knowing well that this depended upon the will
and conduct of another.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
297
“ I will try to do as you tell me,” said
Warren Lewis. “I dare not promise more
than that. If I am saved, it will be through
your influence. If I am lost, I alone shall
be guilty.”
When Dr. Manson left, every member of
the family felt that a tower of strength had
been removed. He was so cheerful, even the
servants caught something of his spirit, and
rejoiced to do his bidding. For each and all,
he had a kind, hearty word.
As he had predicted, the health of Mrs.
Lewis continued to improve ; and when able
to join her children, she was so thankful for
having been spared to them, that she could
not murmur at her lot. The world did not
seem wholly dark; although for her the
brightest dream of woman's heart had faded.
She would not look back, but prayed for
strength to go forward. She had leaned
upon an arm of flesh; henceforth, she must


298
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
depend upon one able to save to the utter.
most.
66 Let
Her husband had asked pardon for his
unkindness; acknowledging his fault so hum-
bly, that the very humility pained her.
us never speak of it again," she said, after
assuring him of her entire forgiveness
“ Perhaps I have been too sensitive. We
can both try to do better in future; and
remembering that he was annoyed by tears,
she repressed so far as possible, every appear-
ance of emotion.
He would have been better pleased had she
thrown herself into his arms, and wept with-
out restraint; but she could not know this.
Desiring to act in accordance with his wishes,
she assumed a calmness she was far from
feeling
Mr. John Lewis remained until he saw his
daughter attending to her ordinary duties,
and then he, too, went to his eastern home.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
299
“ You can depend upon me, always,” the old
man had said to Marion. “ If you need a
friend send for me. We neither of us know
what the future will bring; but you and I
must do our duty, even if it is hard. If your
happiness depended upon my wishes, you
would be a happy woman.”
To Warren he spoke differently; entreating
that the past might suffice for wrong doing.
When gone, the son was more than ever
absorbed in business. The speculation in
which he had engaged, demanded attention.
To be carried through successfully, it must
be well managed; and he had too much at
stake not to realize this.
His health was good, as he assured every
one who ventured a question upon the subject;
and there certainly was a decided improve-
ment. There was a change, too, in his habits.
No wine at dinner, and no fault-finding. He
manifested more fondness for his children, and


300
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
addressed his wife kindly. John Carr hoped
for a radical reform in his friend; and Mary,
glad to transmit the good news, wrote her
brother to that effect.
Six months went by. Warren Lewis con-
sidered himself a redeemed man, although he
did occasionally drink a glass of wine. He
made no disclosure of what he suffered from
the cravings of appetite. Indeed, he would
have denied that he suffered at all; yet it is
true that he often endured the most intense
torture. His will was strong, as he proved,
day after day; and it would have been com-
paratively easy for him to forego entirely the
use of intoxicating liquors. He could do it,
as he acknowledged to himself, with conscious
pride. Why did he not do it ? Perhaps the
very success of his present course made him
less inclined to this.
Business called him from home, as he an-
nounced to his wife. “How long will you be
gone?” she asked.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
301
>
“I can't tell," he answered.
“ Certainly
not longer than is necessary. I will write to
you, if I am gone more than a week.”
She asked no further questions, and her
husband did not explain his business; but
John Carr knew that the grand speculation in
which he had embarked, threatened to prove
a failure. Mr. Lewis had been chosen by
those associated with him, to investigate the
matter, and act as he judged best, for all con-
cerned.
“ I don't like the looks of things for that
company,” said Albert Jefts, a few days after
೩
the merchant had started on his mission. “I
wish Mr. Lewis was at home; I never fancied
his going. No good will come of it.”
** You and Mary are inclined to look on the
dark side,” was the reply of John Carr.
won't hurt Mr. Lewis to lose a few thousand
9
66
66 It
dollars."
“In one way it will not. A few thousand


302
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
dollars, more or less, would not effect hig
style of living, or his business.”
“Of course not. He is beyond that, and I
am thankful. I should be sorry to have him
meet with any reverse.
Mr. Jefts was quite willing to change the
subject of conversation, since the expression
of his fears would have no influence upon the
point at issue.
Mrs. Lewis received a letter from her hus-
band. He could not tell when he should re-
turn; but there was no cause for anxiety in
regard to him. He might go further west.
After this letter was dispatched, Warren
Lewis could hardly have told what it con-
tained. He was in a state of great excite-
ment. He had accomplished nothing he
desired. There still remained a possibility
of doing this, by extending his journey, and
he prepared for another effort. Yet he was
despondent; easily depressed by every un


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
303
1
favorable report; and in no condition to act
wisely. A brave heart is in itself a pledge
of success; but this he lacked. He knew
that his business at home required attention.
Care pressed heavily upon him.
As was natural to one of his previous
habits, he had recourse to stimulants to
supply courage and strength ; and the result
was what might have been expected. So
soon as convinced that the scheme which had
seemed to promise so much would return far
less than had been invested, he was complete-
ly prostrated.
Yet, still desirous of reaching home, as
soon as possible, he turned his face eastward.
Brandy kept him equal to traveling, for
twenty-four hours; and then he was seized
with a delirium, which left him no power of
choice. The country was new, and the hotels,
by no means first class; yet accommodations
were found for him in one somewhat better


304
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
than the average. He was among strangers ;
but, fortunately, one of his traveling compan-
ions was able to give his name and vouch for
all expenses incurred by him.
Still more fortunate was it that, later in
the evening, a surveying party came in to
pass the night, and obtain supplies. With
them, was one whose clear-cut, intellectual
face stamped him as a scholar, rather than
an ordinary worker; and whose enthusiastic
comments upon what he had seen, bespoke
him a lover of nature.
“ Well, Professor, are you going on with
us?” asked one of his companions.
“ Certainly," was the reply. “I am equal
to long tramps and camping out, so long as
I can get plenty of pure air and clear, cold
water."
“Got a doctor among you ?” The land-
lord had been called from the room; and on
his return, asked this question.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
305
“There's the Professor, about half a doc-
tor,” answered one. • He can manage any
ordinary case.”
6 Then I wish he'd try his hand on a man
up-stairs. Something's got to be done, or
he'll tear the house down, in some of his
tantrums. He's a stranger to me, left here
by the stage ; but somebody said he was rich,
and told his name.'
66 What is his name?”
“ Lewis.”
66 Show me to his room, and I will do what
I can for him," said the man, who had been
called half a doctor. “I am a good nurse,
>
at least.”
“ The man's pretty crazy," the landlord re-
marked, as they went up the stairs. “Reckon
he's a high liver, when he's at home.”
Never was a meeting more unexpected than
this, when Ellis Farley grasped the hand of
his cousin. “ You, my cousin!” exclaimed


B06
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
the delirious man.
“I don't believe it. You
you ?
can't fool me. Cousin Ellis was lame.
Couldn't walk a step, when the old hermit
made us a visit. You don't know anything
about him. No, you don't. The old fellow
is my particular friend. Look at him, over
there in the corner! You see him, don't
Don't talk much; but stays right
along, and keeps jolly.”
“ I see you, cousin Warren. You must
have been dreaming. How came you out
in this country?”
“How came you out here?” was asked, in
reply. “I believe it is Ellis, after all. They
call you Professor, now, don't they ?”
“Some people call me so.
I came out
here to study nature a little; and I am very
glad our party found it convenient to spend
the night in this house. Else I should prob-
ably have missed you."
Mr. Lewis, roused for a little, made a great
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
307
effort to control himself, and talk coherently;
but this was impossible. He complained of
headache and feverish thirst. He asked for
brandy; then demanded it; and, at length,
swore that no one should keep it from him.
“Hal has no right to treat me as a child,"
he cried. “I'll do as I please, and drink
what I please. And you old fellow, over
there, better keep out of my way,” he added,
shaking his fist towards a corner of the room.
Ellis Farley had never seen such a case
as this : but he understood it, sufficiently, to
know that his cousin was suffering from an
attack of delirium tremens. His medical
knowledge was only such as is gained by ob-
servation, and the practice which usually falls
to the best nurse of a traveling party. He
had not expected such a call as this; and
doubting if he was equal to the occasion, was
about to ask if a physician could be obtained,
when brandy was again demanded.


308
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“ Shall I bring some ?” asked the land
lord, who had been standing just outside the
door.
“No, sir. Bring my knapsack, if you
please ; and a glass of cold water.”
It required both persuasion and force to in-
duce Mr. Lewis to swallow the potion pre-
pared for him, although assured it would do
him good. He accused Ellis Farley of at-
tempting to poison him, declaring that what
he had taken was liquid fire.
His ravings were frightful and discon-
nected; yet the old hermit and Hal seemed
first in his thoughts. At length he slept;
starting, muttering, and shouting, until his
delirium exhausted itself. By this time, it
was nearly morning, when his cousin obtained
a few hours' rest.
This meeting necessitated a change in the
Professor's plans. He could not go on with
his party, as he announced at the breakfast


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
309
one,
66
9
table, greatly to the disappointment of all
concerned.
“ And the best of our route before us,” said
56 I don't see how we can do without
you. We might wait a day.”
“ You need not do that," was the reply.
“ It is quite possible that I shall go home with
Mr. Lewis. Unless he improves very much I
must, and trust to joining you again some-
where this side the mountains."
They did wait, however, one day. But the
sick man could not be left. Neither was he
in any condition for
for travelling; so that
several days went by, wearily.
“ It seems strange that we should meet out
here, Cousin Ellis, when I supposed you a
thousand miles away,” he said, in answer to
some remark.
“There was a providence in it," his cousin
replied. “I must have been sent here for the
purpose of meeting you ; and I am very glad


310
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
it was so.
You needed some one to take care
of you.”
“ Yes, and need still more. I must get
home as soon as possible. Can you go with
me ?"
“ Whenever you are able.”
“ Then let us start to-morrow," was the re-
sponse. “I know you have sacrificed your
plans, to stay with me, and I am very grate-
ful. I can never repay you ; but what I can
do, I will. I used to think money would buy
everything.”
“ Not everything, Cousin Warren. Health,
strength and happiness are not to be bought
with silver or gold.”
“ If they were, I should be a richer man
than I am now; although I am poorer by
some thousand dollars, than I was six months
ago. My journey out here has been a waste
of time, and I must go home.”
“But vou are in no condition to travel,”
و


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
311
said Ellis Farley.
66 You must wait until you
are stronger.”
“I must be strong," was the reply, and re-
monstrance was useless. The next morning,
he resumed his journey. That he was suffer-
ing, his looks plainly showed ; yet he made
no complaint. Eating little and drinking
much, he succeeded in reaching home, with
his companion.
Seventy years seemed to have been added
to his age, during his absence ; and he had
hardly returned the greetings of his family,
when he begged to be allowed to rest. “I
have had a hard jaunt, as you know,” he said.
“I shall be better to-morrow; but now, every
noise distracts me.”
Ellis Farley was welcomed cordially, and
urged to prolong his stay. Mrs. Lewis was
very grateful for his kindness, and so far as
dollars and cents were concerned, he was
generously remunerated, although refusing to
>


312
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
accept half which his cousin wished him to
receive.
“ You ought to stop and allow your friends
here to become acquainted with you,” said
Mary Carr.
“I consider myself neglected
by my relatives. Father and mother think
I am so far away, they can come but seldom,
brothers and sisters make the same
and my
excuse.”
>
" Then you must make amends, by visiting
them,” was the reply.
“I do visit them, but not so often as I
should, if my husband could spend time to
visit with me. We are such an old-fashioned
couple, that we don't like to be separated ;
and the happy laugh told that, to one at least,
life had not been a disappointment.
“ Then you wouldn't like to have cousin
John spend his summers, exploring forests
and climbing mountains, while you remained
at home.”


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
313
Indeed, I wouldn't.
1 should insist upon
going with him.”
“ So my wife said, before we were married,
cousin Mary; and some of my most pleasant
excursions have been made with her. I think
we are as old-fashioned as you; although we
live differently. My pursuits take me from
home, more than I could wish. John is a
model family man; and for that matter, he
ought to be.”
“ So ought others. I wish cousin Warren
was more like you and John. He has done
better for the last few months,” she hastened
to add. “But I never feel that he is quite
safe.”
It was a great mortification to Mr. Lewis
to confess that his journey had been unsuc-
cessful, and the speculation of which he had
been so confident, a failure. His loss was
insignificant, compared with his means; but
there were others, who had trusted his judg


314
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
ment, upon whom the loss would fall heavily.
He shrank from seeing them; yet, when in
made a frank statement of the
case, acknowledging that he had been de-
ceived.
their presence,
>
The meeting of the company was a severe
tax upon his strength ; occurring, as it did,
when he ought to have been under a physi-
cian's care.
Wine enlivened the occasion,
while men drank to hide their chagrin and
disappointment. Warren Lewis intended to
drink sparingly; but prudence was forgotten.
At a late hour, he was taken home in a car-
riage. His friends said he was ill; his
enemies would have said that he was intoxi-
cated.
His wife did not send for medical assist-
ance. She was stronger than she had been,
when this occurred before, and moreover,
Dr. Manson had instructed her how to meet
such an emergency. With steady hand she


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
315
prepared the draught which she pressed to
his lips; speaking firmly, when he declined
it, and conquering by her very calmness. It
was dreadful to do this ; but necessity knows
no law.
The next day, the merchant could not leave
his room.
Suffering intensely, and craving
what he knew would aggravate his sufferings,
peace and happiness seemed infinitely re-
moved from him. His nerves, quivering at
every breath, protested against the unnatural
sensitiveness to which they had been reduced.
Over and over again, he cursed his weakness.
His business required attention, and he must
go to the store.
So he said to his wife, and attempted to
rise from the bed, which he, at length, suc-
ceeded in doing, with her assistance.
“ Poor Marion !” he added, looking at her,
pityingly. “I never thought I should lean
upon you, in this way. I have made a mis


316
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
66 You
take somewhere in my life. I wish I could
rectify it, for the sake of us all.”
“I think you could rectify it,” she an-
swered; and the tears would come despite
her efforts to restrain them.
“ Poor Marion !” he said again.
deserved a better husband than I have been.
And my boys ought to have a better father. I
know it, as well as you do.
Here his speaking was interrupted by a
paroxysm of pain, and he called for a remedy
which he kept constantly at hand. For the
first time, however, it produced no effect,
and he was obliged to return to his bed. He
suffered mentally, as well as physically.
Mind and body reacted, each upon the other;
and like a child, he desired the presence of
some one who would give him sympathy. .
He begged his wife not to leave him, and at
last broke down so entirely, that he wept.
“I wish Hal was here,” he said, after a


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
317
short silence. “I need him. No one else
66
>
can do me any good," he added, when it
was proposed that the family physician be
called. - Hal understands my case.
A few hours later, however, it became
absolutely necessary to have some medical
advice; and for the time, relief was gained,
Mr. Lewis was again seen in his store, attend-
ing to business and professing to be well.
Yet his friends were not deceived. John
Carr, who was always anxious in regard to
him, advised that he devote six months to the
recovery of his health.
“ And what should I do?" asked the elder
merchant. 66 How should I set about it?”
“ Take your family, and go east,” was the
reply. “Put yourself under Dr. Manson's
care, and follow his directions, implicitly. My
word for it, you'll take a new lease of life.
That is what I should do, if my health was
like yours.”


318
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
tell me.
"Your health will never be like mine, John
You began right, and when you are of my age,
you will be in the very glory of your life. I
have lived too fast, stimulated too much;
and there was a sad cadence in the voice
which uttered this. “I am now paying the
penalty. I know it better than any one can
I hope my boys will do as you have
done. John, you will be a friend to my
boys."
“ Yes, sir; I love them now, next to my
own children; and I have not forgotten your
kindness to a poor, lame boy, who was almost
a beggar."
“ Not very near to being a beggar now,
John,” was the response, made with affected
cheerfulness.
“ No, sir. But I never see a poor boy,
looking as though he was hungry, without
thinking of the days when I lay bolstered upon
the bed, longing for mother to come and give


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
319
-
me something to eat. Poor mother! How
hard she worked to take care of me! I assure
you, poor children appeal to my heart, as they
never can to yours. I have twenty boys in
my Sabbath school class, every one of them as
destitute as I was; and I hope to make good
men of them. I have all their names on my
temperance pledge."
“ That is right, John. I used to think
But no matter. I shall be getting tedious,
unless I stop where I am. Preach temper-
ance to my boys as much as you please. I
will think of your proposition, if I find myself
getting worse.”
Dr. Manson was constantly advised in re-
gard to his cousin's health. He knew of the
meeting with Ellis Farley. The details of
this had been given to him, with such minute-
ness, that he comprehended it all ; and it was
at his suggestion that Warren Lewis was in
vited to spend several weeks in the old
home.


320
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
your health
was
The letter containing this invitation was
received when the merchant had been confined
to his house for two days; and his wife, who
had been previously consulted in regard to
such a visit, urged its acceptance.
“ Let us go,” she said. “ You ought to
give up care for a while. You can have the
benefit of Dr. Manson's skill, and
is now the first consideration. Let us go as
soon as you are able to ride."
“ But my business. What of that ?”.
asked ; and the wife supposed that this was
the cause of his hesitation. He would have
said to any one that business kept him at his
post; yet in his heart he knew it was not so.
He cared for his pecuniary interests. The
ambition which had moved him, when
younger, still held its sway.
.
But money was
not counted against health. Oh, no! He
would have given half his fortune for the
strength which had been his ten years
before.


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
321
Another motive influenced him. He was
now free to drain the poisoned cup, when-
ever appetite overmastered his will, or circum-
stances seemed to demand it. In his father's
house, and under his cousin's care, he could
not do this. The veriest drunkard who wal-
lowed in the gutter, was not a more abject
slave than he who had so often boasted of his
own strength of purpose. He was sometimes
so goaded almost to madness, that but for his
family, he would have been temp?ed to forego
everything, like the hermit of Holcombe, and
drink until he died.
He debated long. John and Mary Carr
implored him to go to his father's: his wife
made preparations for so doing, and at length
his physician said his life depended upon it.
Then his cousins proved themselves friends
indeed. Mary was willing to take four of his
boys into her family, and although her father
could not consent to being separated from


322
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
them, her kindness was none the less appre-
ciated. John accompanied him the entire
journey, guarding against every annoyance,
and making the trip one of comparative
comfort.
Having been expected, everything was in
readiness for them; the doctor himself meet-
ing them at the depot. Acquaintance was to
be made with a new cousin, yet she seemed
more like a sister than a stranger, as she wel-
comed both parents and children.
“I am glad you have come,” said the father,
looking anxiously into the face of his son.
“I want you all to be comfortable, and con-
sider this as your own home, while you re-
main. Harry and Jane proposed leaving me,
when you decided to come; but I wouldn't
hear to that."
“ We thought it might be more pleasant for
you, if we were away,” added Mrs. Manson ;
but it certainly would not have been, as both
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis hastened to say.
>


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
323
It was necessary that the invalid should
و
seek rest at once; and he was assisted to his
chamber, where nothing which could add to
his comfort was wanting. Few questions
were asked, although Dr. Manson allowed no
movement or expression of his cousin to pass
unnoticed.
“ I shouldn't blame you, Hal, if you refused
to do anything for me,” was said, at length.
“I have come to you, as a last resort.”
“ You are not the only one who has done
that,” replied the doctor, cheerfully. “I con-
sider every such instance a compliment to
my skill. But you must rest, now.
.
.
To-
morrow morning, we will see what can be
done for you.”
“ How is Warren ?” asked the father,
when he met his nephew, in the parlor.
“Very tired,” was the reply.” A night's
rest will refresh him, so he will be more
comfortable. We must give him time to re-
cover from the fatigue of his journey."
>


324
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“Fle has borne the journey much better
than we feared," added John Carr. “He
seems stronger than when we started."
Later in the evening, John told his brother-
in-law that the physician who had attended
Warren Lewis said decidedly there was no
reason to expect his recovery ; adding, “I
knew he must give up the use of liquor, be-
fore he could be cured. I was sure he would
never do that, at home."
“ But since I saw him, he has drinked
less than for some time previous.”
“Yes, much less. But he has drinked
enough to injure him; and if I am not mis-
taken, he has had one or two attacks of de-
lirium tremens, within a month. Not very
severe, perhaps, but bad enough. If you can
save his life, you will effect a wonderful
cure.”
The doctor shook his head, as he replied,
“I could have saved him six months ago,
if he had followed my advice."
ܪܐ


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
325
By the next morning, the family seemed
comfortably established, the children, es-
pecially, -enjoying grandpa's house, and
grandpa's society. Their father had so long
held himself aloof from them, complaining
that their noise was troublesome, they hardly
missed him.
He did not appear at breakfast, and it was
more than an hour after the morning meal,
before he was ready to see his father. “I am
sorry to see you in this condition," said the
old man.
“ And I am sorry to be in this condition,”
was the reply. “I expect Hal will bring
me round, all right, in a few weeks. If
not” – Here he paused.
-
“ If not, what, my son ?”
“I must bear it,” was answered, after
what seemed a long silence to him who
waited. “I have brought this upon myself,”
continued the invalid. “Of course you know
.
that.”
"


326
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
“I thought so, my son;" and these words
came slowly and painfully.
“ It is so; and now the mistake of a life
time must be repaired. Hal is to help me,
and I am to do in all things as he tells me.
No more wine or brandy for me, whether my
life be long or short.”
Hal, as his cousin called him, fearing the
effect of a prolonged conversation, interrupted
this interview, and his uncle gave place to
him. Then followed a thorough examination
of the patient; which completed, the cousins
looked thoughtfully at each other.
“ Tell the worst, Hal," said Warren Lewis,
in a husky voice. “I have no wish to be
deceived.”
6. You should have come to me three
if you are ready
to -
months ago ;
but now,
“I am ready to do anything, anything,"
was the exclamation which interrupted this


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
327
remark. “Only save my life. You may
order anything I shall eat or drink, and come
what may, I will obey you. Lying here last
night, with the old hermit staring at me, I
thought over my past life, and saw it in a new
light. I have been all wrong. I have not
lived as I should, and now I am not fit to die.
Pray for me, Hal. Pray that I may be such a
Christian as my mother was.”
Since Warren Lewis finally decided to come
home, a new spirit had taken possession of
him. He had thought seriously of death and
eternity, and thus his life assumed deeper
significance.
Dr. Manson did not say he could restore
him to health, neither did he discourage all
hope. He did, however, recommend that
business be so arranged, it could be settled by
another, without sacrifice.
“ It is always best to be prepared for the
worst,” he added, by way of softening the


328
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
>
blow he had given. “ Perhaps your business
.
is never at loose ends, Cousin Warren.”
“ I don't intend it shall be at loose ends,"
was the reply. “ But there are some things I
should prefer to settle myself. I have never
made a will, and it is best that I should do so
now. Every man ought to do it, when he is
in full possession of his faculties."
The will was made with all due formalities.
John Carr bade his friend farewell, and re-
turned home. One day went by after another,
while few beside Dr. Manson and his patient
dreamed of the suffering endured in that
luxuriously furnished chamber, where a natu-
rally vigorous constitution combatted the
weakness and disease induced by the use of
intoxicating drinks. Bitterly did Warren
Lewis repent of his sin and folly. Enduring
physical pain, which was one prolonged agony,
he was at the same time tormented with
strange, frightful fancies. The hermit of


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
329
Holcombe was his constant companion, until,
gradually, he ceased to be so much annoyed
by the pale, care-worn face. This was a part
of his punishment, as he said to his cousin,
who sought to rid him of the haunting
presence.
- The old man looks at me more kindly
than he did. After all, I have done but little
better than he. Strange we can't see where
we are wrong, until too late. It is too late for
me; isn't it, Hal ?"
This question had been often upon his lips,
yet remained unspoken, while friends hoped
for his recovery.
Never, since he had looked into the eyes of
her he had called wiſe, and told her she must
die, had it been so hard for Dr. Manson.to
speak the words which precluded further hope.
" I fear it is too late, Cousin Warren. I have
done my best ; but you should have come to
66
me sooner.”


330
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
2
>
>
“I know how it is, Hal. I have killed my
self. How long shall I probably live ?”
66 That I cannot tell. You may live for
weeks, and you may be called suddenly."
66 Oh, Yal, it is hard to die so," murmured
She sick man, grasping the hand which was
outstretched to him. 66 It is hard to leave my
wife and children ;” and the hot tears
soursed down his cheeks. “ God pity them,
and care for them better than I have done.
And father! How can he bear it? Will you
tell him ? Oh, if I had only pledged myself
to abstinence, when we were at Holcombe,
this would not have come upon me. Pray,
now, that I may be prepared to die. You will
be a friend to my boys, Hal. Don't leave
me,” bu added, as his cousin turned from the
bed. “Warion will come when you go, and
she must not ste ne yet. Pray with me,
Hal."
At such a time, the Christian comes to God,


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
331
with no formal petition. From the very
depths of his heart, ascends the earnest cry
for help; while the All Merciful, looking
down compassionately, hears and answers.
Dr. Manson remained upon his knees, until he
felt that a blessing was given. Then, rising,
he resumed his seat, and spoke of what most
concerned his companion.
It was a sad day for all. The father was
not surprised, when told that his son must
soon die, although he had hoped otherwise.
“I must bear it,” he said, with quivering lips.
“ Help me, Harry. I shall depend upon you,
and Warren must prepare to die. I think he
has been different, since he came here,” re-
marked the old man, looking wistfully into
the face of his companion.
“ He is different,” was the reply. “I trust
“
he will be prepared to go home in peace.”
Marion Lewis thought she had schooled
herself to bear whatever might come; but the


332
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
blow fell heavily. Small consolation was it
that an ample support was secured to herself
and children. She cared only that her hus-
band should live. Forgotten were the years
of disappointment and anxiety, when his pres-
ence had sometimes inspired her with fear;
and as she expressed her grief, he learned
how fond and true a heart he had wounded.
For what? That he might show his manly
independence. That he might drain the glass
with others, and enjoy the momentary exhil-
aration of a quickened pulse and stimulated
brain. On the other hand, that he might be
tortured with racking pain and weird fancies ;
and at last, bid adieu to the fair earth, while
life's duties were but half accomplished. He
saw it all now, and wondering at his per-
versity, asked God to forgive his great sin.
He consulted with his father, in regard to
his children ; desired above all things, that
they should avoid the danger into which he


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
333
had fallen. He wished Dr. Manson to be
their guardian, yet deferred to his wife, and
she, with a readiness which showed it had
beer. before
before considered, assented to the
arrangement.
Mr. Gregory had married not long after the
death of his first wife, and with new claimants
upon his love, might not give to Marion so
much of sympathy and assistance as she
would require. But here, in the home where
her husband had spent most of his early days,
there was room for all; and, as Grandfather
Lewis said, a vacancy which no one else could
fill.
So this was decided ; and there remained
only some business arrangements to be com-
pleted. From his sick bed, the merchant dic-
tated various letters, and until three days be-
fore his death, interested himself in everything
pertaining to the settlement of his estate.
We might linger over these last days, dur-


334
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
ing which the dying man exhibited a calmness
in marked contrast to the agitation of those
about him. I might describe the parting
with loved ones, record the words of admoni-
tion spoken to his children, and paint the
final death struggle.
But last days, sad partings, and death tri-
umphs come alike to us all. It is not from
these, but from the lives I have sketched, I
I
would have my readers learn a lesson.
In a wretched cellar, where never a ray
of sunlight penetrated the gloom, a beggar
died, and there were none to mourn his
loss.
A long cortege of mourners followed the
body of Warren Lewis to its resting-place,
where trees waved and flowers bloomed.
There were many to honor his memory, and
speak of his virtues. But so surely as the
beggar had fallen a victim to intemperance,
had this man signed his own death warrant,


THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
335
when he refused to forego the use of intox-
icating drinks. Was it well to do this?
When, to live at one's best, insures true suc-
cess, is it not worse than folly to barter all,
for a mere caprice of appetite or fashion ?
By the death of his son, Mr. John Lewis
was once more placed at the head of a family,
and well did he fulfill the trust he had as-
sumed. Dr. Manson, the nominal guardian
of his grandchildren, gave them counsel from
time to time; but it was the mother's influ-
ence which, above all, molded their charac-
ters.
When the eldest was fifteen years of age,
a sealed envelope was placed in his hand, as a
legacy from his father. This contained a long
letter; and if anything had been wanting to
confirm him in habits of temperance and self.
control, the words he read supplied this
need.
There were four other sealed envelopes ;


336
THE HERMIT OF HOLCOMBE.
but only three of these were opened. The
youngest child died before attaining the age
of fifteen, and Dr. Manson, knowing the temp-
tation to which he was peculiarly exposed,
counted his death a blessing.
Mrs. Lewis lives to see her remaining sons
among the noblest and best, serving God
faithfully, and repaying her care, and devo-
tion. Their grandfather, too, having passed
the allotted age of man, by nearly a score of
years, rejoices in his boys, and half forgets
there was another more nearly related to
him.
20





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