Middletown transcript., 1875-04-03
US in every way. You refuse to join
both our yacht and boat clubs

i pureuaSeu my uoiSes ~ snS WIN
fort of myself and wife, and not fol
sport"
sYou won't pay dollar towards oul
suppers-
II don't eat them"
"And you refused point blank te
subscribe to our club
II don't belong to the club"
.But we voted you in unanimously
"Not by my request, however.
"It makes no odds. Paul. You can't
creep out Of that small hole. You have
disappointed US in every way"
Paul Britnall reflected for brief
space. and finally he looked up with a
pleasant smile and said:
boys, think | understand you.
My carriage is around at the black
smiths. where have left it to have q
tire frightened There is room for you
three to ride. Will you 60 with me
out to my place and lunch If you
will do 50, l will try and convince you
that I am innocent Of the charge you
bring against me- If, when you have
heard my defense, you do not exonerate
me, will agree to subscribe five hun
dred dollars to your club. Will you
Gomez
They had nothing particular to do.
and. moreover, they were really curious
to see his place upon the inside. So
they told him they would 60 with him.
The ride was not a long one. Only
a short distance into the country, and
they turned from the highway into q
winding carriage path, fanked with
magnificent shade trees, and sson drew
up before cottage Of exceeding grace
and architectural beauty. A fountain
sent up its silvery jet Of sparkling water
upon the lawn, and its adornments we're
two marble nympbs.
Votel spoke Of the fountain, and
Tom and George declared it was beau
tiful.
Il think it helps the general effect
Of the picture, said Paul 1T costs
me goodly sum. but | believe I draw
fair interest from the investment in
comfort and satisfaction. Will you
walk in y
He led them into the house. In the
hall they left their hats, and were then
conducted into an apartment where
were cases filled with books; cases
containing stuffed birds and rare speci-
mems of minerals; chaste and beautiful
statuettes in marble and 10 parian; and
choice old paintings in handsome frames
upon the walls. There was writing
and reading table, and some easy
chairs.
This is ny snuggsry," Paul said,
"and here take solid comfort. The
mbellishments which you see about
you cost great deal Of money; but |
deem money well and proftably spent
that serves to make home cheerful and
pleasant. :"
1t was certainly cheerful and pleas
ant place, and the visiters did not sup
press their appreciation and admira-
tion.
Paul led them next into an apart
ment where there were more pictures
and more choice bits Of sculpture, and
where also was an open pianoforte, with
a violin lying upon it.
"This, gentlemen, is our music room.
All"
A door opened, and lady entered.
my wife, gentlemen"
They knew the beautiful woman, for
they had been introduced before. After
little conversation, Tom Gardiner ven
tured to ask for music.
"Will you play, Mary 2"
Mrs. Britnall, with ready smile Of
acquiescence, took her seat at the piano.
forte, and Paul took the violin.
Half an hour passed in listening to
the music, and to the visitors it did not
seem that half that time had flown at
all As Paul laid down the violin, be
said:
"While Mary prepares our lunch,
suppose We take turn in the garden"
So in the garden they went, and
here they found everything tasteful and
pleasant. There were flowers and
fruits and vegetables Of many kinds.
"Here." said the host, Il find my
healthy exercise. OF course, my man
Friday does the heavier work; but !
take care Of the fruiting- trees and
vines. and Mary looks to the flowers"
When they returned to the house
lunch was ready, and Mrs Britnall
presided at the well-filled board. There
was fruit Of pears and peaches. all
raised upon the place and the other
ediblcs were Of Mary's preparation.
By-and-by the guests were ready to
depart, but they fingered in the hall.
and upon the broad piazza, as though
they knew not how to get honorably
away.
Paul saw their trouble, and helped
them out