The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-10-02

A short time since, the wife and family of
New York merchant returned from Europe,
bringing with them young German lady,
who came
.s Ear, far acress the sea-
to visit some relatives living in New York.
The moment the steamer was telegraphed as
being below, Mr.. L., the merchant, left
his store and drove to the pier, anxiously
waiting the moment when
1.-TWO souls with but single thought,
Two hearts that beat as one"
would be gladly reunited in loved embrace
The minutes seemed hours, but at length
the steamer came. Mr.. L, in an costa
cy of delight, embraced and kissed his wife
and children, and, after welcoming Miss
Lena--the young lady,-drove them home.
Happiness reigned throughout the house
hold. The day was passed in romping with
the children, those dear little ones who had
been absent so long,-in listening to stories
of journeys through Germany and Switzer-
land, and in bantering Miss Lena with hav-
ing come so far away from home, not tovisit
her relatives, but to secure a husband in q
foreign cline. Dinner was announced
Away scampered the children, Mrs. l.. and
Mr.. l.. and Miss Lena bringing up the rear.
The dining room was reached, and the hap
py 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,
Breathing upon a bank of violets,
Stealing and giving odors,"
approached the house. Away, out to the
front door, ran the children in joyful glee,
and after them Mrs. l.. allow delight
full What can it be ?n inquired Miss Lena
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-O, horror =
Miss Lena with a look of unutterable misery
and alarm, clasped her skirts and gave forth
terrific scream! "Good heavens? What
has happened ?" exclaimed Mr.. l., rush.
ing frantically beside her. There's some
thing running up my skirts p she gasped
clasping the aforesaid still tighter. Some
thing running up your skirts? What can il
be ?" and dropping upon one knee, enclrcl
ing Miss Lena's waist With one arm, Mr.
L. commenced cautiously to feel under
her skirts for the terrible something. "Oh
Mr.. l.! Mr.. L.! what shall / do P
screamed Miss Lena. "Be quiet don't gel
frightened" said Mr.. L, when the door
opened and Mrs. L appeared. What 6
situation! Mr.. r. upon his knees, one
arm about Miss Lena's waist, the other
where? under her skirts Mrs. L. stood
for moment transfxeG with Indignation
then throwing herself into chair wept bit
ter tears of shame, saying, 80, George
Georgel / never could have have believed
this of you-never" Mr.. l. tried to
explain; Mrs. L--would not listen. Miss
Lena, conscious of her innocence, but realiz
ing the awfulness of the position in which
she had been placed, began to weep as vel
as scream, when Mrs. l., feeling she
had been cruelty deceived, rushed angrily
| toward her, evidently with the intention o
| doing her bodily harm, when q large rat ran
| from beneath Miss Lena's' clothes Such {
time as there was then? Mrs. L., fold
| ing her dress about he form, jumped upon 6
chair. Miss Lena tainted outright, and Mr.
| L, seizing the poker, commenced witt
| his ratship. race for life. Up and down
| the room, here, there, everywhere, ran tbs
| rat, followed closely by Mr.. L. At length
10 twas a sorry sight''--with one sfel
swoop the cause of this terrible mishap was
defunct $50
Mrs L. could scarcely forgive herself fo
suspecting her dear George. Miss Len;
| was restored to CONSCIOUSNESS kissed Mrs.
| L. dozen times, and finally acknowledged
| the position was rather strange one for 6
married man. But Mr. L., after having
placed hors de combat his ratship, restoret
| tranquility and laughed good-naturedly a
the jealousy of his wife, resolved within him
selfthat the next time he hunts for rats Jun
der young .iadys skirts, it will be awa..
| from home.