It was the worst night I ever saw, and I hope I may never see another
one like it. How the winds did roar through the branches and the wild
crash now and then of a falling tree was most appalling. The darkness
was intense. The cold rain came in beating gusts, and I felt it was
gradually turning to sleet and snow.
Think of it, I, a city-bred woman, alone on an out-of-the-way country
road, dense woods on either side, mud and slush ankle deep, wandering I
knew not where!
My clothes weighed a hundred pounds. They clung to my tired form and
I seemed ready to fall with fatigue, when I saw, not far ahead of me,
the glimmer of a light which seemed to come from a small log house a
quarter of a mile back from the road.
Straight toward the welcoming glimmering light, through bramble, bush
and stumps, I stumbled my way, now and then sinking near knee deep in
some hole where a tree had been uprooted. I think I rather pounded on
the door than rapped, and so fearful was I that I would not meet with
a welcome reception, that I began scarcely before the door was opened
explaining in a loud and excited voice (for I am but a woman after
all), begging that I might be warmed and sheltered only until daylight,
when I could make my way back, promising pay in a sight draft on
Hustler & Co., for in my coming away I had left my purse in my office
dress. I only remember that what I took for an old man opened the door,
led me in, showing not the slightest look of curiosity or surprise, but
seeming rather to be expecting me. He stopped my excited talking by
saying, in the mildest, sweetest baritone I ever heard,
“Yes, I know. It is turning to snow. You lost your way and are wet and
cold. Look at this cheerful fireplace and this pile of pine wood. My
wife is here; but no, I have no woman’s clothes either. You had better
take off your dress and let it dry over the chair. Then if you stand
before the fire your other raiment will soon dry on you, which is as
good as changing; and in the meantime, I will get you something to eat.”
That night seems now as if it belonged to a former existence, so soft
and hazy when viewed across memory’s landscape. I only know that as
soon as the man stopped my hurried explanations, the sense of fear
vanished, and I felt as secure as when a child I prattled about my
mother’s rocking-chair as she watched me with loving eyes. I said not
a word, so great was the peace that had come over me. After a plain
supper, of which I partook heartily, I remember climbing a ladder up
into the garret of this log house, and stooping so as not to strike my
head against the rafters; also The Man’s tucking me in bed as though I
were a child, putting an extra blanket over me while saying softly to
himself as if he were speaking to a third person,
“She must be kept warm. Nature’s balm will heal, sleep is the great
restorer, to-morrow she will feel all the better for this little
experience. So is the seeming bad turned into good.”
He passed his hand gently over my eyes, took up the candle and I heard
him move down the ladder and--sweet childlike sleep held me fast.