Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-06-14

hat they should vacate their several posts
bn the debut of the new mistress.
| Ned sat perfectly still while they de-
livered their speeches, with the air of one
petrified, and when they had all departed,
he scratched his head in bewilderment,
and giving himself a pinch, exclaimed
us this me, Ned Wilson, or is it some
body else? sPon honor! [ verify be-
lieve it is not me, but some spurious Ned,
some impostor, or else have got a night
mare :"
He stretched out first one foot, then the
other, and sazed abstractodly at the care
fully darned stockings, the result of the
labor of the housekeeper, and then rose.
and looking at the image reflected in the
glass, he came at last to the conclusion
that it must he himself. and casting
plying glance at said reflection, sank in
to his easy chair, and thus soliliouized-
Il say, Ned Wilson, you are misera-
BILE fellow I sincerely pity you from the
bottom of my heart; you are too good
naturod, end the selfish world takes ad-
vantage Of it, and rides over YOU rough
shod: they mean to kill you, and will not
be contented till they finish you; your
affairs are in decidedly confused situa-
ton, and your we'll regulated establish
ment has gone to the dogs: you must
think of some way to conciliate Martha,
for if you do not, the case is hopeless" !"
lie passed his hand over his forehead
and fell into deep ft Of musing, which
lasted half an hour. What the result Of
his cogitations WAS, he did not make
known, other than by piteous groan,
and with a subdued, meek expression On
his open face, he rang the bell very timid
ly and gently. Martha, after q time.
made her appearance, and with an air Of
ill.concealcd triumph requested to know
what he wished for. Poor Ned, in an
humble, half entreating tone, said
Ny good woman, YOU do not really
and seriously think Of going g
Martha, looking like a very much abus
ed person, and in voice that expressed
the deepest affliction, answered.
"For many long year [ have waitcd
on you, Mr.. Edward. but [ feel that it is
my duty not to allow myself to be i'm
posed upon, even by you, and shall 90 as
soon as the new mistress comes. have
served YOU almost for nothing, and never
complained, and this is my reward :" and
the apron was brought into use again.
"Your wages shall be doubled if you
Twill only stay, and persuade thc rest Of
the kitchen department to dc !he same
but do not think Of leaving, on any ac-
count"
Martha was extremely shocked at the
idea Of having mercenary motives impu,-
cd to her, but after many signs, tears and
protestations, consented TO stay, and out
of pure affection, though very reluctantly
accepted the offer Of double wages, and
left the apartment, with the air of a self
sacrificing martyr, while the grateful Ned
overwhelmed her with thanks.
When the long dreaded dav for the ar
rival of his ward came round, he tried to
convince himself that he was The most
miserable Of mortals, and wandered about
very deiectedly from his store to the
house, then back again.
q am the most unfortunate CT men,
unless it is poor Tom Stanton, who so
foolishly committed rlatri.nony some
time ago. and though he has repeatedly
invited me, never could bring myself 10
witness his misery. / will run down
there to-day, for perhaps I shall feel bet
ter, as it will divert my mind from my
own pitiable conditions" and mutterins
Poor Tom" he started
The first object that greeted his sight,
was his old friend, who was dancing a
very rosy checked baby on the piazza.
He groaned, and casting commiserating
look at his happy face, went up to him;
but he was making SO much noise, be did
not hear him till he said, in tones Of deep
sympathy
q am sincerely sorry for you, wretch
ed Tom, docs she make You do this while
she is reading novels! To think you
should have ever degenerated into a nur-
sery maid -
a hearty laugh was the first answer to
this speech, and holding the baby up to
him. he shouted
x Amt he famous fellow, Ned; fit for
President? By Jove! Don'tyo wish
YOU owned him q
Ned's face only grew longer, as he
said
ITS no use trying TO hide your unhap-