She was somewhat advanced in years, and of a very
mild and prepossessing appearance. Upon the death of her parents, which
took place many years before, she was left the owner and sole tenant of
the house in which she lived. She lived entirely alone, and was
considered a very valuable person in the village. She seemed, upon all
occasions, to adapt herself readily to surrounding circumstances. At
merrymakings, no one was so lively or social as Miss Simmonds: in the
chamber of sickness, no hand so gentle and no step so light as hers; and
when death visited a household, her services were indispensible.
Although occupying a humble position in life, she was very much
respected by all who knew her. Very few there were in the vicinity but
could recall some act of kindness from Miss Simmonds, rendered either to
themselves or their friends; and many there were who could remember the
time when her hands had prepared the form of some loved relative for its
last resting-place in the grave. Thus was Miss Simmonds bound to the
hearts of the people of Littleton, as by a strong cord. In person she
was tall; she had fine dark eyes, and her hair was lightly sprinkled
with grey. From the expression which her countenance wore at times, I
gathered the idea that she had, at some period of her life, experienced
some deep sorrow.
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