The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1866-07-28
THE VICTIMIZED LODGER.
BY PAUL CREYTON.

MIR. BENJAMIN f. DERBY returned
TO town and his lodgings at Mrs. Covey's
rather sooner than he was expected. 1t
was late in the evening, and having en-
tered by means of his night-key, and
finding nobody stirring, he walked leis-
urely up to his room.
This was the apartment Mr.. Derby al
ways occupied in Mrs. Covey's house !;
but on this occasion it seemed very little
like home. Before leaving town he had
carefully put away all his clothes in his
trunks, and during his absence other
revolutions had been made in the room
which gave it a different air.
Not the least disagreeable thing in the
room was darkness. Mr.. Derby had en-
tered without lamp, expecting to find
that desirable article in the old place ;
but after knocking over an ink-bottle, a
vase, and snutf-boX in his blind search,
lhe concluded that the wisest course
would be to stop swearing and go to bed
in the dark.
In no very good humor Mr.. Benjamin
F. Derby began to undress. 10 return
home after an absence of two weeks and
to be obliged to go to bed in such dis
NAL manner, almost broke his heart.
He might have rung for the servants, it
is true and he might have reflected
that his friends were eXcusable, since
they did not expect him; but Mr.
BENJAMIN F. Derby chose to be angry
and silent.
"And where is Margaret Maria"
muttered the unhappy man. ION
faithless daughter of an unfeeling land
lady! didn't expect this from you
When tore myself from your arms
two weeks ago you protested with tears
in your eyes and perfdy in your hear
that you would watch, with the anX
ious eyes of love, for my return! Oh
this looks like it! Even now, know
YOU are making yourself merry witt
some fresh conquest, or, If you ar
+ sleeping under this roof, you are dream
ing of pleasure in which | have III
share!" So saying, Mr.. Benjamin i
Derby threw his trowsers on chail
and began to grope his way in darllneS
to the head of the bed. AT this momen
amerry laugh, close to his chamber door
startled him. Mr.. Derby paused.
"Margaret Maria's laugh, by all tina
is false !" groaned Mr.. Derby. Ssh
said she would do nothing but sigh an
weep during my absence-and hear her
nh she laughs again! The false hear
ed"
Mr.. Derby's reflections were suddenl
interrupted by a sound of hand grasl
ing his door-latch. With considerab
trepidation he flew to lock the dooi
but before he could reach 1t, Il merr
laugh and blaze of light and two cir
burst into the room.
Now Mr.. Derby was very mode
person, and it was a lucky circumstan'
for him that the closet door was ala
the retreat convenient, and his linn
active. He lodged out Of sight befo
the girls had time to cast their ey
about them; and soon the door W
shut, and Mr.. Derby's ears pinn'
back.
"What time do you suppose it is
asked Margaret Maria. "There, Z
bells are striking twelve! Oh, hail
we had Il gay time, Susan?"
"Gay enough! Ha! ha! but wouldl
your poor, dear absent Derby be anus
If he knew"
"Ha! ha! ha" laughed Margal
Maria. "My poor, dear absent Derb
That is too good If he knew! Pc
fellow, it would break his heart.
thinks / do nothing but sigh and {
during his absence. Am / such
goose"
"Such goose! OH" groaned Der'
painfully interested. "Oh,"
"Such goose!" echoed Sue.
wouldn't think of it if he had seen y
.eating the oysters with Dan. Robin
81 only hope" added Marga
Maria, "that he will keep away a W.
longer"
$50 that we can have this room""
"NO-not exactly that-but Dan.
invited me to go to ball on ThulsC
night, and you know ] couldn't 90