The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-01-31

Mr.. r. Perry was an old bachelor, and
Miss Briggs was an old maid. He lived in
the brick house on the hill, and she lived in
the cottage opposite, and they were mortal
enemies. lie despised her because she kept a
canary and two cats, and she hated him for
his affection for q huge mastitf and knock
kneed horse.
"Whvon earth the man don't get de-
cent horse is more than I can imagine !"
she would say as he plodded up to the door.
Z" believe he is too mean and misery to
buy one" -..e..,.--.-
Miss Briggs would hardly have felt pleased
had she known that Mr.. Perry rode back
and forward on this old, WORKOUT piece OF
horsefesh merely for the purpose of annoy
ing her.
up perfect warfare by disagreeable man
ners and wrathful glances.
She sat by the hour beneath the canary
bird in the window, with her eats perched
upon the sill, and her knitting in her hand,
throwing chances Of Scorn to the opposite
side, where he, with cigar and newspaper,
and boots a few inches higher than his
head, received and paid them back with in
terest.
The detestable dog came over and ran
through her garden, destroying all her
beautiful tulips and hyacinths, and she gave
him hot bath, which sent him bowling to
his master, and when said master remon-
strated, sent word that she would treat him
worse next time.
Her little red cow broke through his en-
closure and devourcd his turnips and cab
baee, and he led her home, and informed
Miss Briggs that second offence would
give her a comfortable pasture in the pound.
For two years they lived and fought, and
no one could bring about peace between
them. It was pity, the neighbors all said,
''tor Miss Briggs was dear little soul, and
there was not a finer man in the country
than Mr.. Perry"
'sJulia, nv love-" says Mrs. Perkins one
afternoon, as she entered the cosy parlor, 81
am going to have party, and want you to
come down in the afternoon to tea, and re-
main during the evening. Every one will
be there"
"Will that old bachelor over the way be
there %
''Mr. Perry? Oh, yes! We couldn't get
along without him."
"Then that settles the matter. / shan't
go.'
remain ut home he will think that you are
afraid of him.
Miss Briggs thought the matter over.
Well, it would look little like it, and she
would not have him think so for the world
the conceited wretch!
Mrs. Perkins went home, and it was ar
ranged that Miss Briggs was to spend the
afternoon and remain for the party.
She was Il pretty little woman, and it was
always puzzle to every one why she never
married. She had round, rosy face, clear
brown eyes, beautiful hair, and sweet
mouth, and although past thirty, there was
not Il smarter woman III town.
She stood before the gilt-framed mirror in
her little chamber, and fastened her lace
collar over the neck of her aforementioned
dress with plain gold brooch, and began
to think she looked very well. There was
bright, healthy flush upon her cheek, and
her eyes were full Of light and beauty.
She walked into Mrs. Perkins, sitting
room, and found that lady awaiting her
with smiling face. She thought she must
be in very good humor, but said nothing,
allowing the good lady to smile as long and
as pleasantly as she wished.
She understood it all when supper-time
came and Nj. Perkins entered, followed by
Mrs. Perry. This was a well-laid plan to
make the two become friends.
Miss Briggs bit her lips, and inWardly
vowed that nothing should tempt her to
give "that man" her hand in friendship.
She hated him.
lie was placed directly opposite her at
the table, and many times forced to pass the
biscuit, cakes, or preserves, and Miss Briggs
accepted them, although she declared to
Mrs. Perkins after supper that they nearly
choked her.
Before evening they both were persuaded |
to overlook the horse and cow difficulty |
be civil, and Miss Briggs was frighten-
ant. N she found herself talking to him |
ed !. WI. aud pleasant familiarity. -
WIN ease. was success, and although |
The party generally monopolZed by \
the sports were er + ia, y. they found room for
the old maid and her '1 dnin,c any tha serea vera
times she found herself oottfs tne h los
ridiculous things in the way - p'' LIS toi
feits. Mice Gripqs
was at the door, ready 10 depart ~
called. vo,,r
Womb She ride, and behind that oId1
horse. and beside that detestaole man !
She was wondering whether she would OF
not, when Mrs. Perkins came and TIL
umphantly led her out, and packed her lnlo
the carriage. %,
1t was as dark as pitch, and they had to
let the horse 70 his own way, and ina II
the best he could. He did very well until
they reached the cottage, and then he was
bewildered.
Mir. Perry spoke, jerked the reins, but |
80 nnrn0se. He then took out the whip. |
Whet6,ar his natural dislike of the article, !
Wv the mo ,oories of the indignities he had
ons Snu FROM the hands Of the owner OF the
c e overcam. him, it is hard to decide |
Init af all events he kicked up MS heeis,
ran u few rods, and To-, oIertufhihs 'ie
buggy and its precious cont. Nus.
Miss Briggs was up In L. 'in,n,, w u,,
harmed, but Mr.. Perry was as sie- d" S, ,Ie
grave. She ran shouting through the t't IA
ness until Mr.. Perry's g help came out "
her assistance. They found the man hal1 /
dead beneath the carriage; ana whlie Ian
was at work, Miss Briggs ran home Tor hef |
servant. After much hard labor they sue |
ceeded in eXtricating him from the wreck
hut he was senseless, and they bore him
home and sent for the village doctor. Upon |
examination they found his leg to be
broken, and thus Miss Briggs's enemy was
at her mercy.
dreadful ones TO the poor sufferer, but Miss
Rr;ngs never left him. Day and night she
stood beside him, and her little plump hand
administered to every want.
He forgot the COW and his turnlpS. lie
forgot the cats and canary. He only saw |
nat}ent little woman, with a pretty rosy
lace. trim figure, and tender hands ana,
would you believe it, he TELL III love Will
her. ,4
him through the long, weary days OIL pau
she had brought him her preserves, her
wine, and nice invigorating cordlals sne
had made him blanc mango and delicate
custards, and in all probability saved his
What could he do? Nothing but fall in
IVY .Hr, pr;oos - he said one day, when he