His parents received tidings of his seizure, but beyond that
they could learn nothing. It was the loss of their main prop. The
father, who was already infirm, grew heartless and melancholy, and
sunk into his grave. The widow, left lonely in her age and feebleness,
could no longer support herself, and came upon the parish. Still there
was a kind feeling toward her throughout the village, and a certain
respect as being one of the oldest inhabitants. As no one applied
for the cottage, in which she had passed so many happy days, she was
permitted to remain in it, where she lived solitary and almost
helpless. The few wants of nature were chiefly supplied from the
scanty productions of her little garden, which the neighbors would now
and then cultivate for her. It was but a few days before the time at
which these circumstances were told me, that she was gathering some
vegetables for her repast, when she heard the cottage door which faced
the garden suddenly opened. A stranger came out, and seemed to be
looking eagerly and wildly around. He was dressed in seaman's clothes,
was emaciated and ghastly pale, and bore the air of one broken by
sickness and hardships. He saw her, and hastened towards her, but
his steps were faint and faltering; he sank on his knees before her,
and sobbed like a child.
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