Weekly Trinity journal., 1867-10-26
WEEKLY TRINITY JOURNAL,
Terrible Rat story-L.ush.bl. 1ne,a.n,


A short time since the wife and family Of
New York merchant returned from Eurone br;na. =
Ing with them young lady, who came
Far, far, across the sea-
to visit some relatives living in New Yor,, Tho
moment the steamer was telegraphed as being
below, Nr. L., the merchant, left his store and
drove to the pier, anxiously awaiting the mo-
ment when
1.-TWO souis with but single thought.
Two hearts that beat one,"
would be gladly reunited in q loved embrace
The minutes seemed hours, but at length the
steamer came. Mr. L.. in an ecstacy of delight
embraced and kissed his wife and children, and
after welcoming Miss Lena, the young lady,
drove home.
Happiness reigned through the household.
The day was passed in romping with the chill
dren-those dear little ones who had been absent
so long in listening to stories of journeys
through Germany and Switzerland, and with
bantering Miss Lena with having como SO far
from home not to visit her relatives, but to Sc
cure husband in foreign cline. Dinner was
announced. Away scampered the children, and
Mrs. and Mr.. L. and Miss Lena bringing up the
rear. The dining-room reached, and the happy
family were about seating themselves, when the
sound OF music in the distance was heard. Each
listened TO the delicious strains, which,
." Like music Of the sweet South,
Breats upon a bank of violets,
Stealing and giving odors,'
approached the house. Away, out TO the front
door the children in joyful glec, after them
Mrs. l..
elbow delightful What can it be ~ inquired
Miss Lena.
90 Some regiment returning from parade !" re-
sponded Mr.. L., seating himself quietly to discuss
the elegant dinner he had ordered to be prepared
Just then-oh, horror Miss Lena, with look
of unutteTable misery and alarm, clasped her
skirts and gave forth terrific scream
Good heavens What has happened ?'' ex-
claimed Mr.. L., rushing frantically beside her
:" There's something running up my skirts T.
she gasped, grasping the aforesaid still tighter.
I" Something running up your skirts? What
can it he % and dropping on one knee, encir-
cling Miss Iena's with arm, Mr.. l.. COM
menced to feel cautiously under the skirts for
the terrible something
Oh, Mr.. L. Mr.. L. what shall l do ~
screamed Miss Lena.
;. Be quiet don't get frightened" said Mr..
j.. when the door opened and Mrs l.. appeared
What situation Mr.. l.. upon his knee, one
arm about Miss Lena's waist, the other-where
under her skirts Mrs. l.. stood for a moment
transfixcd with Indignation then throwing her.
self into Il chair, wept bitter tears of shame
saying
''Oh, George oh, George l never could
have believed this of you-nevcr p
Mr.. l.. tried to explain. Mrs. L. would not
listen. Miss Lena, conscious of her innocence,
but realizing the awfulness of the position in
which she had been placed, began to weep as
well as scream, when Mrs. L., feeling she had
been cruelty deceived, rushed angrilv toward
her, evidently with the intention of doing her
bodily harm, when large rat ran from beneath
Miss Lcnas clothes Such Il time as there was
then Mrs. L., folding her dress about her form.
jumped upon a chair. Miss Lena tainted out
right and Mr.. L., seizing poker commenced
with his ratshp a race for life. Up and down
the room, here, there, everywhere, ran the rat,
followed close by Mr. L. At length-''O Oh, twas
n sorry sight with one fell swoop the cause |
of this terrible mishap was defunct
Mrs. L. could scarcely forgive herself for sus-
pecting her dear George. Miss Lena was re- /
stored to consciousness, kissed Mrs. /. a dozen
times, and finally acknowledged that the posi- |
tion was rather strange one fora married man.
But Mr.. L., after having placed hors de combat
his ratshp, restored tranquility and laughed
good naturedly at the jealousy of his wife, and
resolved within himself that the next time he
hunts for rats under young lady's SKIRT it will
be away from home.