Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1856-12-12

back chamber, devoted to the somno
lency of that old mortal, Mr.. Hodija
Pamboger. In the entry, on the sam
floor, was a cedar clothes-closet with
spring lock.
One night, after Miss Mottle and Mis-
Starch had gone to bed, the Widov
Liver, who had always an eye to busi
ness. was sitting up in her chamber an,
thinking about marrying again.
1T is very lonely sighed she to her
self, 'to live single, after enc know
= what it is to be married. Now, Poll,
and Sally can get along well enough
because they have not lost anything
but to be a contcnted widow is Just a.
ditficul. as it would be to expect an an
imal to go on two legs as well as he die
on four . Well, | suppose | must go tc
bed. Oh dear what life. Poor MIR
j Pamboody, | wonder what caper he i,
cutting up now: l wonder if he's a.
sleep ?.
At this moment Widow Liver heard
Mr.. Pamboger walking his room rapidly
and oceasionly uttering deep sigh.
He is troubled in mind How
pity him y thoaght the sympathetic
widow. Now he's talking to himself
and walking about. wish could re-
lieve him. Besides, l am dying to
know something about him. I've good
mind to 60 and ask him. DO you suppose
he'd tell !, III venture, and yet I'm
almost afraid of him
With these thoughts. Widow Liver
stole from her chamber and knocked
softly at Mr.. Pamboger's door. 1t was
ajar, and he answered Immediately
Enter, highly respectable feminine :,
said Hodiiah, throwing open the door
and extending his arms as if to give her
full possession of the premises.
| Hodjah was encased in a shirt and
combinations of red flannel, a nisht-cap
OF the same, and sky-bluc dress
ing-gown, SO that, as he stretched out
his arms, he strongly rescmhlcd one oi
the hend in Don Juan, wrapped up in a
blue blanket.
But the widow was not at all alarmed
sic oiuil oldII UaCh, UuI sdlu, III d
whisper -
'Hush-sh ssh hope you will
excuse me, but l thought YOU might be
troubled in mind and as | had often
noticed pecularity in your manner,
ard as | had taken great interest in
your welfare, especially as you are a
riend of Mr.. Bounce. I-I-'
Come in, come in . said IIodijak,
backing out, politely.
'ThoughtI would take The liberty OF
asking you what was the matter, if any
thing was, and if so-
Come in at once, and you shall know
all !. said llodi III, in a hoarse whisper,
with tragic look.
If | could do anything 70 relieve you.
added the widow. boldly walking into
the apartment, as she spoke on which
the door was instantly closed. and they
were seated, Hodijah offering her success
slveiy cigar, a pinch of snuff, and a
chew OF tobacco, each of which she
gracefully declined.
You must know, oh, highly interest
ing and singularly considerate, if not
manageable widow began Hodijah,
waving his hand with agitation. that
But We must break off here and begin
IN another plnce.
1t was about this time that Miss
starch. who was asleep with Miss Met
tie, awokc, and fancving that she heard
voices IN Mr.. Pamboger's room. and
rather suspccting one of them might be
'he widows, and curious to be certain
al any rate, slyly arose. left the side OF
her sisterly friend and without even re-
moving her night-cap, crept into the en-
try noiselessv.
He IS speaking to somebody. bv jim
go : said Miss Starch, fattcred with hcl
discovery, and now I'll lis-oh y
She made this exclamation invoIunta.
rily, for she trod with her bare foot up
on stray tack and now, fearing discov-
cry herself, turned to regain her cham
Der; but hearing a hurried step, and
apprehensive that she might not reach
her room before Pamboger's door was
opened, she slipped into the cedar close,
we have mentioned, the door of whicl
CHANGED to be open. Forgetting the
spring-lock, she closed the door. and
found, too late, that like Rogers 'Ginev.
ra,' she had fastened herself in
oh, that devilish tack l don't care
if l do swear = she muttered, excited a
her narrow escape.
Miss Sally had trodden upon the tacl
at the precise moment that Hodiiah hat
begun his revelation to the widow be
witched, and when the latter heard the
outcry, she screamed, slightly, and Hod
iiah hurried to the door and looked out
upon which both heard the faint click O
the spring lock.
Nobody there-must have been
noise outdoors said Hodijah there
fore permit me, amiable fair one, to con
tinue on"
Not momentum afraid-not TO
worlds ! exclaimed the widow, and sh,
hurried through the entry. closely follow
ed by the tenacious Hodiiah. who en-
tered her room before she had time, il
her agitation, to close the door.
4 must be permitted to express m,
views" he insisted and in an under
tone, but with great vehemence, the fear