Delaware Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1843-1874, 1873-12-29

MAhNhlNd Tramp!
trampl Pray, Mrs. Mellick, is regiment
marching over this house, or has a private asy-
lnm taken possession of it ? it would be relief
to my mind to know the worst
Mr.. Sempronius Siverton stood erect and
brlstling, In the middle of the floor, in a gor-
geous scarlet anc maroon dressing gown, slip
pers with spaniers heaes embroidered on them,
amt light blue eyes glittering with Indignation.
Mrs. Mellck, his landlady, quaked before his
glance.
I'm sure, Mr.. Siverton, I'm very sorry, and
can only hope that no offence will be took when
none is intended; but when there's a TO Let
on the house, the law demands as 1t be showed
10 all as is civil and decently-spoken, between
the hours OF twelve and four. But, Mr.. Siver-
ton
House hunters, oh9' snarled Mr.. Sempro-
MUS wishi had .ss sftnng S1 them hem o, BSt Ut
them in this room at your peril, ma'ain Do
you hear? am not wild beast in Il mena-
gerie, to be exhibited TO every one who has
permit from the landlord, and won't stand 1t
Do you hear, maam? | won't stand 1t
And Mrs. Mellick fed from the presence of
her nfuriated best bOarder, so to speak, gored
| to the death.
Its very trying said the meek aud much
| enduring woman to Eliza Ann, her fleckled
niece, 'but there's one blessing to be mar
ried in a month. pity his wife,
Il don't, said Eliza Ann. 'ne's kind enough,
/
his way like a prince! Pm sure, I'll be sorry
when he's gone, Hark, there goes the door bell
again.
| Sits more of them tormenting house-hunters,
| I'll be bound groaned Mrs. Mellick. you 60
this time, Eliza Ann, and for The life of you,
don t let them 60 near Mr.. Sverlon's room.
| And Eliza Ann, only staying for moment to
! see If the bow of blue ribbons In her saucy
tresses was straight, hurried to answer the
tlnkling summons.
Two ladies', radiant in spring bonnets that
were all narcssus buds and yellow ribbon, rust
ling in silk founces, stood there-two ladies
who pit the stereotyped question:
is this house To let p
why, Blanche Beamesp cried Eliza Ann
Mellick; lis 1t possible that this Is youT
Miss Blanche Beames looked with some un
graciousness at poor, shabby, hard worked little
Eliza Aun, half disposed to forget that she sal
on the same bench with her at tine establish
! ment for young ladies kept by Madame Farrell
lin everyday life Mrs. Farey,) For Blanche
was dressed like young queen, and glovsd ant
booted TO perfection, while a real India scar
was looped artistically across her shoulders, ant
her black silk polonaise was trimmed, inch deep
with thread lace.
'Yes,' said Blanche, its me. | hope you ar,
well, Eliza Ann. Aunt Sophie and are look
Ing for elegible residence, suppose we cal
see this one.'
Yes, said Eliza Ann, rather chilled by th
, trigid reception of her delighted recognition
!, 'Its a very nice place. My Aunt Mellick keep
boarders here.
sBoarders p echoed Miss Blanche drawn
hack the silken flounces, lest they should b.
any possibility come In contact with the fade
calico skirts, OF Eliza Ann the plebeian. Ho'
very common
.Oh, but they're quite nice people, said Eliz
! Ann, misiaking the meaning Of Miss Blanche
: Very genlle | assure you.'
I
izing, nelliauous way.
But dear Blanche is so fastldous and ju'
> about to be married, you know
:, Married y echoed Eliza Ann, stopping sho
y with the instructive interest that every fema
shows Oh the subject OF matrimony.
,r Miss Blanche laid hold Of the door handle {
/ Mr.. Siverton's room at that moment, and gay
n 1t an energetic shake.
N is this door locked y demanded she, sharp
s. why won't 1t open? p
,e 20, please don't,' taltered Eliza Ann. 'lt
one OF our boarders, very particular sentl
ne man, and I'll tell YOU all about the room, on
lie won't let anybody in.'
III "A pretty idcar said Blanche Beames.
4. will get inP
ss 'Bnt, please, YOU mustn't. Blanche, dea
n pleaded poor Eliza Ann. 'He is such MI
m gentleman, | wouldn't offend him for Il
re- world.'
Perhaps he don't know, sait Miss Beanie
We purposely elevating her voice, that We are 100
p- ing with the intention Of buying
ife Yes added Aunt Sophie, her own voice IL
iy- ing note or two higher, my niece is to
mt married to an old man as rich as 'Croesus, Al
NOT we want stylish home for the ceremony.
ne don't matter what we pay, for he'll settle Z
1. bills afterwards. Blanche is very fortunate, !
"a assure You, Miss Mellick.'
And the best OF IT. added Miss Blanel
he with laugh, is that he's SO old, IL won't
,n, very long before he leaves me rich widow. ;
r. 20, Blanche cried out the Mortified Ell
"a Ann, 'how can you talk so when
gu GU just at that moment the door of the big 81
OF ond story room swu ~ open,' and Mr.. Sempro
uid i0us Siverton, in the red and maroon dressi
m robe, and the dogs head slippers, stood bow
lite lu the portal, with red flush on his temp
and peculiar mocking smile playing arou
Irs- his lips:
rk. Walk In, ladies, walk in said he. ~
ant are quite welcome to look at the rooms. do
allow it to be shown 10 general, hut you shall
a;d an exception TO the rule. Pray, make no str;
ger of me-
- AIR. Sivertonr stammered out Aunt Sopt
y with a spasmodic attempt at a smile.
'Sempronius y faltered Blanche
But you were mistaken about Two III
llso thugs remorsecssly went on the old gem
our man. Il shan'L settle any little bills OF y
= contracting; neither do intend 10 leave Bl
ud- che rich young widow. To be my wido"
and Is first necessary that you should become