`` Why , how you have changed ! I 've been seeing you every day all winter , and never knew you , '' I said , shaking hands with my old patient , and very glad to see him . `` Nigh on to twenty years makes consid ` able of a change in folks , ` specially if they have a pretty hard row to hoe . '' `` Sit down and warm yourself while you tell me all about it ; there is no hurry for this answer , and I 'll pay for your time . '' Joe laughed as if that was a good joke , and sat down as if the fire was quite as welcome as the friend . `` How are they all at home ? '' I asked , as he sat turning his cap round , not quite knowing where to begin . `` I have n't got any home nor any folks neither ; '' and the melancholy words banished the brightness from his rough face like a cloud . `` Mother died soon after I got back . Suddin ' , but she was ready , and I was there , so she was happy . Jim lived a number of years , and was a sight of care , poor feller ; but we managed to rub along , though we had to sell the farm : for I could n't do much with one arm , and doctor 's bills right along stiddy take a heap of money . He was as comfortable as he could be ; and , when he was gone , it was n't no great matter , for there was only me , and I do n't mind roughin ' it . '' `` But Lucindy , where was she ? '' I asked very naturally . `` Oh ! she married another man long ago . Could n't expect her to take me and my misfortins . She 's doin ' well , I hear , and that 's a comfort anyway . '' There was a look on Joe 's face , a tone in Joe 's voice as he spoke , that plainly showed how much he had needed comfort when left to bear his misfortunes all alone . But he made no complaint , uttered no reproach , and loyally excused Lucindy 's desertion with a simple sort of dignity that made it impossible to express pity or condemnation .
`` How came you here , XXXXX ? ''
Joe Lucindy Mother Suddin fire left misfortins right roughin years