The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-02-18
LITERATURE.

Ithersr WIN pressing mvltau0n 70 nim 70
as he makes himself agreeable. The man breaks
up my living, a. one may say; though. for tho mat
ter OF that, my fa m supports the Washington. and
Imay say that We take boarders more Tor company
than profit The old woman and me are lonesome,
because we have no children to come to see u.s. and
brighten US mp, and We don't thank John Withers
for interfering with u, and them that stops with
us."
"A pestilent fellow this withera must be-" was
the smiling reply of the young man as he threw
himself into capacous seat aud cast aside his hat;
but you need have no Il airs Of him on my account,
for assure you l shall not take up my quarters
with him"
"I'm glad to hear you say that" said the old
woman; but really don't think that Mr.. Withers
has ever brought pestilence here young man,
fall Is celebrated far and wide for its good health
and fine air."
"A quibblipg old pair" thought the youth.
"How delightfully."- verdant they must be-" He
then spoke aloud
Il am very hungry and thirsty, my friends; can
have milk and eggs served to me here under the
trees with such other food as s already prepared?
AS long as CLEAN Of light remains wish to
watch the shadows "a o.: deepening over the hill sides
People that come here often have the same
whim," remarked Mis-. higgins. "You eau have
table here with your supper in few minutes.
will see after it myself, because like your
looks"
Mrs. Higgins hustled into the house. end soon re-
turned, followed by q welI-grown, red-armed girl
with hair cut short to her head, and her somewhat
scanty garments Of unmpeachable neatness. She
brought small table covered with snowy napkin,
on which palatable supper was soon spread
While he slowly enjoyed the repast. the stranger
was conscious that his host and hostess were inces
santly talking TO HIM. though hh mind took little
note of what they we're saving.
At length the broad questions were asked:
"What is your naue. young manand what may
your occupation be when You are at homer
This aroused him from his reverie, and he re-
Piled
"My, name is Harry Arden, and am dabbler in
paint"
"a painter, well that is lucky" said Mrs. Hig-
gins: IL was jest wanting the xindcr shelters to
our house done over; the green amt nigh pretty
as it was. Eff you stay with us long enough, Mr..
Arden, you can get the job, and pay your way at
the came time"
Arden laughed.
Excuse me, ma am, but you make slight mis-
take. ! am not house painter. but an artist; l
shall hove no objection to take the portraits OF
yourself and Mr. Higgins. as saw you sitting here
as came toward your house but could not un-
dertake the other commission"
ooh, fgger painter; and that's all !" exclaimed
Mrs. Higgins. with an expression of disappoiDt-
ment al yally. things according to their use, Mr..
Arden; and don't see no sense 10 two ugly old
people, like my old man and me- gittin our picters
painted. I'm sorry you can't undertake the shet.
tiers, because that would suit me to notch. I've
been after Higgins long spell to have 'em done
over, but he wOuldnt send for a man from the next
town. Don't you think, now, you could manage it
for me?"
az am really sorry that cannot accommodate
you, ma'am; but seriously ] cannot consent to do
what is so entirely ont of my line"
"Phoo young man; anybody that can paint
man, can paint plain piece of plank of solid
COLOR" here remarked Mr.. Higgins "but know the
difference between you picter painters and the
others. You'd better let him alone, old woman, or
he'll git ailronted and 60 to Wiihers at once. AS
live, there be comes now to see who we've got
here. Remember your promise, Mr.. Arden, and
don't be coaXed away from Withers has
daughter, too. and she likes handsome beaux to rt
with. sure Better keep away from Miss Dora"
DO not be uneasy as to my allegiance to the
Washington" said Arden. laughing. T" I am pre-
determined not to find Mr.. Withers irresistible,
even if he has pretty daughter an ally"