Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1872-04-27
INrHE WRONG HOUSE.


Mai. John Parkinson was a good
looking bachelor who had Hyed ior-
ty-fiye wears, but who had taken
such good care of himself that he
was really quite young man
He had gone to India when only
fifteen years old and was now re-
turning after thirty years absence,
the possessor of an ample fortune,
most of which he had already sent
to America for investment.
q. The Major did not like boarding
houses. and had therefore written
to his agent in New York to pur-
chase and have fitted up for him
comfortable residence in some good
neighborhood.
On a cold, rainy November even
ing the "Ghundaree" entered the
harbor. bringing the Major once
more to his native land. BE eager
Iv hastened to the Office of his agent
for information regarding the loca-
ton of his new home, determined
to pass the first night of his arrival
nnder his own roof.
On reaching the office or MI
| Smith, his agent, he learned that ne
was absent, but the key had been
| left for him, accompanied by anote
reoretting that business in the coun'
trV compelled the writer to relln'
| ouish the pleasure of personally
greeting the Major on his arrival
| but assuring him that he would hno
! his house in complete order, witt
servants to minister to his wants.
Though sorry the agent had no
| t,i i'm
the Major made the best of 1t, an'
turned to the card attached TO IN
kew for instruction as to the loeatlol
of his residence, and saw wrltIei
thereon: Mo- Wakeley St.
but what number, unfortunately
the card did not say. However,
muttered the Major, 81 cant go yer
far wrong, as it says between Huu
son and Vandam streets. At tn
worst, it is only trying the door
with my key until l come to I'd
And the Major strolled briskle
off through the rain, humming
himself, "Home, sweet home"
After much inquiry of policeme
and consulting of directors at co
ner drug stores, and studying,
cabalistic characters on the sire,
lamps, our Major succeeded IN Oil
covered Wakeley street-a Droa
handsome street, lined on each SIC
with substantial-lOoking brow
stone houses.
, ga very good neighborhood
thought the Maj, approvingly;' we
GOOD indeed. don't object to this so
of thing at all. Smith is certainly
capital Judge of real estate. Now
wonder which of these houses ;
= longs to me?."
Thev were all painfully alike
all with handsome bay windows
, the first floor, imposing Nights
stone steps, and Vestbules OF Whl
checked marble. The Major ere
\ softly up to the steps of one, and 9
Z piled his key under the silver plat
4 knob.
could not be the house; moreover,
felt unpleasant like burgular as
sneaked down the steps again.
He tried the second door, q
then the third. Both obstinately I
clined to yield to the gentle pursl
sion of the key.
- sThis is beginning to get aWkWaT
thought the perturbed Major, W
ing the beady drops from his bro
"Supose l should be obliged to spe
h the night here, trying to get in.
sides if I'm not careful, l shall
arrested, and spend my first nj:
for thirty wears in my native lanG
the station house. Pl try one m
door, and if that doesn't prove tC
[, the right one, I'll 60 to the hotel
He slipped the key in the key-h'
It reyolved noiselessly, and the d
En swung softly open upon its polisl
ne hinges. >.
nd 1.-THE right one at last, as l Ii
'E' -chuckled the Major. That g
hearted rascal, Smith means to
me a surprise. see through it
~ now; but don't intend to be
ae- prised at anything after this"
He looked around. The gas lis
were burning brightly in hall,
ception room, and parlors, the :
mp summer-like atmosphere of a
l5SE- mace dispelled all lingering ide;
cold or wet; and there were groI
of merry guests moving to and
to the inspiring notes Of a g
"Smith never told me a wor
the place." thought Major Pal
son. "butit's a good idea-a ca
rs idea. Called unexpectedly in
taste country eh? All, he's a 81.
Smith"
:. He placed his dripping umb
in the stand, and deliberately
in M his hat and overcoat on the
II nAbe be gsnt black walnut hall-rack,
as a then he came and stood in the
ttsS;,s e; wav. both hands serenely jOine
a. der his coat tails, and bea
; re- countenauce, which showed al
and white teeth to very good Al
d tue tage. -,
7,-,-+ a portly lady in black velvet,
is that is the doorway"
"Aha," laughed Major Park
!, ct al complacentIy rubbing his b
ie in "you intended TO surprise me
Iction Won didn't after all. My dear
am, how do you dO:"
"Sir, l don't know who you
an OF said the lady of black velvet, I
arris. grimlv, failing to recognize th
part ior's profl'ered hand.
unity, sDear me, aunt Rosa,p CHR
/. NJ Younger Iady-she certainly CO
here have been more than eighteen
ithout old. and was as fresh as 70
tripping forward, "dOuft yo
. its cousin John"
M 6-. The Masor looked puzzled;