Lessons in Life, For All Who Will Read Them | Page 6

neighbourhood,"
said Mr. Halpin.
"Yes, it is choice land," returned the unhappy Mr. Bolton.
"The place has been a little neglected since the last occupant left,"
continued Mr. Halpin. "And since your purchase of it, some
ill-disposed persons have trespassed on the premises. Day before
yesterday, as I was passing along the lower edge of your farm,--you
know that, through some ill-contrivance, my right of way to the public
road is across the south edge of your premises. But we will talk of that
some other time. It's not a good arrangement at all, and cannot but be
annoying to you. I shall make some proposition, before long, about
purchasing a narrow strip of ground and fencing it in as a road. But of
that another time. We shall not quarrel about it. Well, as I was saying,
day before yesterday, as I was passing along the lower edge of your
farm, I saw a man deliberately break a large branch from a choice
young plum-tree, in full blossom, near your house, that only came into
bearing last year. I was terribly vexed about it, and rode up to
remonstrate with him. At first, he seemed disposed to resent my
interference with his right to destroy my neighbour's property. But,
seeing that I was not in a temper to be trifled with, he took himself off.
I then went back home, and sent one of my lads over, in company with
a couple of good dogs, and put the property in their charge. I found all
safe when I returned in the evening."
"It was kind in you--very kind!" returned Mr. Bolton. He could say no
less. But, oh! how rebuked and dissatisfied he felt.
"About that right of way," he stammered out, after a brief silence,
partly averting his eyes as he spoke. "I--I"--
"Oh, we'll not speak of that now," returned Mr. Halpin cheerfully.
"Let's get better acquainted first."
"But, Mr. Halpin--I--I"--
They were now at the gate entering upon Mr. Bolton's farm, and the
neighbour pushed it open, and held it for Bolton to pass through. Then,
as it swung back on its hinges, he said, touching his hat politely--
"Good-day! Mrs. Halpin and I will call over very soon;--perhaps this
evening, if nothing interfere to prevent. If we come, we shall do so
without any ceremony. Make my compliments, if you please, to Mrs.

Bolton."
"Thank you! Yes--yes! Mr. Halpin--I--I--Let me speak a--a"--
But Mr. Halpin had turned his horse's head, and was moving off
towards the place of entrance to his own farm.
Poor Bolton What was he to do? Never had he felt so oppressive a
sense of shame--such deep humiliation. He had reined up his horse
after passing through the gate, and there he still stood, undetermined, in
the confusion of the moment, what to do. Briskly rode Mr. Halpin away;
and only a few moments would pass before he discovered the outrage
perpetrated against him, and that by a man for whom he had entertained
the kindest feelings in advance, and even gone out of his way to serve.
"Oh, why did I act with such mad haste!" exclaimed Mr. Bolton, as he
thought this, and saw but a moment or two intervening between him
and the bitterest humiliation. He might repair the wrong, and, in his
heart, he resolved to do it. But what could restore to him the good
opinion of his neighbour? Nothing! That was gone for ever.
So troubled, oppressed, and shame-stricken was Mr. Bolton, that he
remained on the spot where Mr. Halpin had left him, looking after the
latter until he arrived at the place where an obstruction had been thrown
in his way. By this time, the very breath of Bolton was suspended.
Unbounded was his surprise, as he observed Mr. Halpin leap from his
horse, swing open the gate, and pass through. Had he seen aright? He
rubbed his eyes and looked again. Mr. Halpin had closed the gate, and
was on the other side, in the act of mounting his horse.
"Have I done right?" said a voice at this moment.
Bolton started, and, on looking around, saw Mr. Dix.
"Yes, you have done right!" he returned, with an emotion that he could
not conceal: "and from my heart I thank you for this kind office. You
have saved me from the consequences of a hasty, ill-judged, ill-natured
act--consequences that would have been most painful. Oblige me still
further Mr. Dix, by letting this matter remain with yourself, at least for
the present. Before it comes to the ears of Mr. Halpin, I wish to let him
see some better points in my character."
To this, Mr. Dix pledged himself. After repeating his thanks, Mr.
Bolton rode away a wiser and a better man.