Here Lies

On St. Paul’s Hill, old Chauncey and Old Shep have perfected their own version of communal living. They share a pair of comfortable log houses, tobacco, chores, and nearly everything else—though Shep’s habit of opening Chauncey’s mail and helping himself to the better supplies tests the limits of their friendship. Chauncey is patient, practical, and sparing with words; Shep is just as thrifty with speech, but considerably less restrained when opportunity presents itself.

Their quiet routine is watched over by Celia Lilleoden, an efficient and warm-hearted housekeeper whose presence reminds Chauncey of the bachelorhood he has long accepted. When he casually raises the possibility of marrying her, the balance between the two old companions begins to shift. Beneath the jokes, complaints, and rituals of daily life lies a sharper contest over loyalty, generosity, and whether either man is ever truly serious. This dryly comic tale turns an unhurried friendship into a sly lesson in taking a few carefully chosen words to heart.