The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-09-05

paupers were usually employed in washing the
parish linen, and whence the sound of voices
in conversation now proceeded.
Henri said Mr.. Bundle, summoning up
all his native dignity. "These women al least
shall continue TO respect the prerogatiyes.-
Halo halo there what do you mean by
this noise, you hussies !"
With these words Mr.. Bundle opened the
door, and walked in with very fierce and
angry manner, which was at once exchanged
for most Inundated and covering Dir as his
eyes Unexpectedly rested on the form Of ms
lady wife.
"My DEAR" said Mr.. Bundle, 81 didn't
know you were here"
Didn't know was here % repeated Mrs.
Bundle. "What do you do heref'
II thought they were talking rather too
much to be doing their work properly, my
DEAR" replied Mr.. Bundle, glancing distract
eddy at a couple Of old women at the wash-tub,
who were comparing notes OF admiration at
the workhouse humility.
"You thought they were talking too much!''
said Mrs. Bundle. "What business IS it OF
yours?"
"Why, my dear" urged Mr.. Bundle sub
missively.
"What business is il of yours 7" demanded
Mrs. Bundle again.
.'Its very true you're matron here, my
DEAR" submitted Mr.. Bundle shut thought
you mightn't be in the way just then
"Ill tell you what, Mr.. Bundle" returned
his lady, I" we don't want any Of your inter-
ference, and you're great deal too fond OF
poking your nose into things that don't con-
Germ you, making every body in the house
laugh the moment your back is turned, and
making yourself look like fool every hour in
the day. Be off; come"
Mr.. Bundle, seeing with excruciatIng feel
ings the delight OF the two old paupers who
were titterng together most rapturously, hesI-
tated for an instant. Mrs. Bundle, whose
patience brooked no delay, caught up bowl
of soap-suds, and motioning him towards the
door, ordered him instantly to depart. on pain
Of receiving the contents on his portly person.
What could Mr.. Bundle do? He looked
deiectedly round, and skunk away !; and as ne
reached the door, the titterings Of the paupers
broke into shri chuckle Of irrepressible de-
light 1t wanted but this. He was degraded
in their eyes he had lost cast and station be.
fore the very paupers he had fallen from all
the height and pomp of beadleship to the low
est depth Of the most snubbed henpeckery.
"All in two months !" said Mr.. Bundle, fill
ed with dismal thoughts. 1.-Two months
not more than two months ago was not only
my own master, but every body else's, SO lar
as the porochial workhouse was concerned
and now ="
1t was too much. Mr.. Bundle boxed the
ears Of the boy who opened the gate for HIM,
(for he had reached the portal in his revene,)
and walked distractedly into the street.
He walked up one street and down another.
until exercise had abated the first passion Of
his grief, and then the revusion of feeling
made him thirsty. He passed great many
pubc-houses, and at length paused before one
in byway, whose parlor, as he gathered from
a hasty peep over the blinds, was deserted,
save by one solitary customer. 1t began to
rain heavily at the moment, and this deter
mined him; Mr.. Bundle stepped in, and or
dering something to drink as he passed the bar,
entered the apartment into which he had look
ed from the street. ...":
The man who was seated there was tall and
dark, and wore large cloak. He had the
air of stranger, and seemed, by certain
haggardness in his look, as well as by the
dusty soils on his dress, to have travelled some
distance. He eyed Bundle askance as he en-
teTed, out scarcely uciSHco W hoo h'o hSou 11
Acknowledgement of his salutation
Mr.. Bundle had quite dignity enough for
two, supposing even that the stranger had been
more familiar, SO he drank his gin-and-water
in silence, and read the paper with great show
of pomp and importance.
1t so happened, however,-as it will happen
very often when men fall into company under
such circumstances,-that Mr.. Bundle felt
nd nj ipIn
which he could not resist, to steal look at the
stranger, and that whenever he did so he with
drew his eyes in some confusion, to find that
the stranger was at that moment stealing look
at him. Mr. BUNDLES awkwardness was en-
HANGED by the very remarkable expression Of
the strangers eye, which was keen and bright,
but Swallowed by scowl Of distrust and sus-
picion unlike anything he had observed before,
and most repulsive to behold. ..
When they had encountered each others
glance several times in this way, the stranger,
in harsh, deep voice, broke silence.
"Were you looking for me" he said, "when
you peered in at the window p
Not that Pm aware of, unless you're Mr..
-" Here Mr.. Bundle stopped short, for
he was curious to know the strangers name,
and thought in his impotence he might supply
the blank. ... ......
81 see you were not" said the stranger, an
expression Of quiet sarcasm playing about his
mouth, " or you would have known my name.
You don't know it, and | should recommend
you not to inquire"
81 meant no harm, young man," observed
Mr.. Bundle majestically.
land have done none," said the stranger.
Another silence succeeded this short dia-
loguc, which was again broken by the stran-