The penny press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1859-1860, 1859-08-25
A KISS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES;

A KISS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES;
OR, HOW Mr.. PIcKLEBY CAME TO Be FLoaaED.
Our clearinghouse is not a common
clearinghouse nor are our boarders
common boarders. do not by this,
wish to convey the idea that there is any
thing peculiarly uncommon aboutus orour
house-only that we reside in on aristo-
cratic portion Of the town, and consider
ourselves on the whole, rather select
set.
But however select company may be,
the fact that they are select is not an in
fallible proof that nothing disreputable
can occur among them.
This has been especially proved in our
case. We have just been deeply agitated,
excited-shocked! Happily for the repu-
tation of our place, the affairs Of which l
speak had a gratifying termination.
In our clearinghouse resides an invet-
crate old bachelor named Wigley. Mr..
Wigley is by no means such person as
some people invariably represent old
bachelors to be, neither in appearance nor
disposition. He is portly, middle-aged,
good-nstured, fun-loving sociable fellow,
and likes the society of ladies far better
than. three-fourths of the married men.
Mr. and Mrs. Pickleby are also Of our
company: the former, o commission mer-
chart, is very quiet and very respect.
able sort Of man. exceedingly fond of
his wife, and withal, a little inclined to
jealousy; the latter is beautiful and
afeotionate creature, who dotes upon her
husband, and isn't jealous at all,
One day last week, Miss Celestia Nobbs-
another of our boarders, and a maiden
lady Of thirty-fve or thereabouts-heard
q noise in the hall below, and stepping
out Of her apartment, she leaned over the
banisters, to see what was the cause Of it.
She disteuded her stork-like neck to it's
utmost limit, and listened with breathless
interest
II am so glad you are come!" she heard
a voice, which she at once recognized as
Mrs. Pickleby's, exclaim; and the next
moment she saw that lady pass beneath
her to meet gentleman, Of whom che
had but partial view. Then loud kiss
was given, and Mrs. Pickleby said, in O
somewhat lower tone Of voice:
"Come with me--come to my room; Mr.
Pickleby is at his Office, and l am alone. u
Then, both started to ascend the stairs
and Miss Nobbs hastened to withdraw
into her room, but not before she caught
abstter glimpse ofthe man who was with
Mrs. Pickleby, and discovered in him al
she thought, no other than Mr. Wigley
That gentleman had been absent in tht
country for week, and she had seen him
on his return, not more than an hour pre-
vious, enter the house.
Miss Celestia Nobbs is one of thos'
pure and immaculate beings, the chic
desire of whose hearts it is that nothin!
sinful shall occur on earth, and who, feel
ing themselves to be spotless philanthrop
ically, as they seem to imagine, spent
their time in prying into the affairs o
other people, and debating to them tn
course they should pursue.
"Ahl hal said the spinster, as sh
closed the door of her room, and walke'
on tip-toe to o seat--"it's come to this, ha
it9 Ialways thought there was somethin,
more than everybody knew going Oh
between the two"
She sat for half an hour in deep medita
ton upon the matter, and then she aros
and moved toward the door.
"If the wicked, shameless creatur,
thinks" said Miss Nobbs to herself-"i
she has the faintest idea that such action
will be suffered in this house, she will fnt
herself mistaken, I can assure YOU"
She heard footsteps without, and as sh
passed into the hall, she saw Mr.. Wigle,
descending the stairs, and heard him leav
the house.
"Left her, have your she uttered unde
her breath. "Well, well, I never expecte
to witness such goings on-neverl Blu
you're found out-you'll know-both q
you!"
She hastened to the room of Miss Dobb.
on the floor above. Miss Dobbs is cor
tident of Miss Nobbs, few years olde
than herself, and few degrees thinne
in person. Miss Nobbs was gratifed
find Mrs. Briggs in company with he
friend on this occasion. Mrs. Briggs,
may as well state, is widow lady of som
twelve years standing who had long er
deavored--it is generally believed b
nearly all in the house-to captivate an
ensnare, in the meshes OF matrimsny, MI
Wigley.
Miss Nobbs smiled mysteriously as sh
. entered, and, carefully closing the dool
she seated herself beside her friends.
II am glad to find you together" sh
said, "for / have thing Of the creates
importance to make known"
"Do tell" exclaimed Miss Dobbs, wit
an eager air-"whatis it2''
Something you'll be surprised to know
OH it is the most wonderful thing in tn
world how deceptive some people can b.
Sneyer in all my life"
"But what is itY' exclaimed both tf
ladies in breath.
"The most shameful goings on you eve
witnessed, I'll be swornl" replied the e:
cited virgin, in so impressive mann'
that the curiosity Of the listeners becan
asindurable Then Rausing momen
10 let her words take full effect, Mi
Nobbs looked solemnly from one to Il
other, and continued:
"Will you believe it ladies, when | te
you that / saw with my own eyes, Mr.
Pickleby in the hall below with a-man'
MXn.i donik aaulu ,,kko.nd Miaa Dnhha