Before I Dismiss For Ever The Troubles And Sorrows Of 1836, I
Would Fain Introduce To The Notice Of My Readers Some Of The Odd
Characters With Whom We Became Acquainted During That Period.
The
first that starts vividly to my recollection is the picture of a
short, stumpy, thickset man - a British
Sailor, too - who came to stay
one night under our roof, and took quiet possession of his quarters
for nine months, and whom we are obliged to tolerate from the simple
fact that we could not get rid of him.
During the fall, Moodie had met this individual (whom I will call
Mr. Malcolm) in the mail-coach, going up to Toronto. Amused with his
eccentric and blunt manners, and finding him a shrewd, clever fellow
in conversation, Moodie told him that if ever he came into his part
of the world he should be glad to renew their acquaintance. And so
they parted, with mutual good-will, as men often part who have
travelled a long journey in good fellowship together, without
thinking it probable they should ever meet again.
The sugar season had just commenced with the spring thaw; Jacob had
tapped a few trees in order to obtain sap to make molasses for the
children, when his plans were frustrated by the illness of my
husband, who was again attacked with the ague. Towards the close of
a wet, sloppy day, while Jacob was in the wood, chopping, and our
servant gone to my sister, who was ill, to help to wash, as I was
busy baking bread for tea, my attention was aroused by a violent
knocking at the door, and the furious barking of our dog, Hector.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 437 of 670
Words from 118452 to 118736
of 181664
