" I was very happy to
meet my old friend again in such good spirits. The next day while,
conversing with my mother, I suddenly remembered Farmer Judson, and
I enquired if his temper was improved any of late. My mother looked
serious as she replied, "I had forgotten to tell you, Mr. Judson has
been ill for a long time. He first had lung-fever from which he
partially recovered, but he now seems like one in a slow consumption; I
have not as yet called to see him, as I hear he is very irritable and
does not care to see people, and I feared he would take my visit as an
intrusion. I very much pity his poor wife, who is almost worn out with
attending upon him, and would gladly aid her were it in my power." As a
boy I had cherished anger toward the farmer; but that had all passed
away and I felt sorry to hear of his illness.
Two days after my arrival, Charley Gray came. Our meeting could not be
otherwise than happy. He was, I believe, the most changed of the two;
and I thought at the time I had never before seen so perfect a type of
manly beauty.
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