Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-06-15
rront;nued from first page. ]

and nv tr1en0 was auouo W Sioss 10Y
dirty road Alter he had fairly deposited
himself and boy on the pavement, l went
to him, got into conversation, and strolled
In his direction. When we arrived at the
corner of the street in which he resided,
johnson said, 'ti r.
We'll, 1 shan't ask you in now. but I'll
tell you what, I'll call at the office to-mor-
,row-you can get away early we'll
come home together" ,n.
was, Of course. somewhat dubious
about the result, and this time made no
elaborate preparation; but just before my
usual time for clearing out and going to
dinner, johnson made his appearance.
1 may as we'll state that used in those by
gone and now apparently blissful days to
dine punctually at four, and that the mid
day meal-so-called, ! suppose because
nobody dimes at noon-was my chief SO
lace after the, cares OF the morning, and
my principal protection against the
troubles of the evening; SO when Johh-
son arrived l was quite ready for him.
Such an appetite as had that day IS but a
"Reminiscences. 1t would be welcome Wis
itor indeed now. But it seems as ii a de-
sire and the means of gratifying it sell
dom come together in this world-at all
events, ia this world of journalism.
Ia 1t was winter time, the day was just clos
ing in, the air was bracing, and was aw-
fully hungry--ih fact, ravenous. AS we
marched along through the streets and
squares, visions Of rich and fragrant soups,
beautifully Drowned fish, Of juicy joints,
and of the various paraphernalia of well
ordered dinner table, which had so often
read about. fitted across my mind, and oh !!
how pitied the poor folks that we met,
some Of whom only too evidently had had
no dinner that day, and were very unlikely
to get any on the morrow. Also had
rather a contempt for those who had al
ready dined-in common way.
Presently we stopped at door, on
which were two large brass plates, neith-
er Of which contained the name of john
son, but that scarce appellation was al
terward discovered to be discerned upon
. small scroll under one of the several
bell handles. Had then seen this might
have had some misgiying as to the treat
ment 10 store but, as my guide possessed
q iatch-key, had little time for observa-
Con, l knew that most of the ground floors
of these houses were let as offices, and
thought it quite possible that the up stairs
might be laid out in true palatial style.
had romanced so much about the estab-
lishment in which now found myself,
that, like many others who stray from the
truth, at last firmly believed in my own
lies. e.o4s4s
look" said johnson, when we got in
side, "you don't often see door like this.
It'sall oak. came down one night when
there was no one about. one tried it. I'll
law a level tenner there amt such another
door in London"
The door was certainly very well in its
way as strong street door; but as l had
long been imported from town famous
for its medieval architecture, and boast
ing cathedral thousand years old, built
when strong street doors were almost as
valuable as they are likely to become un-
der the regime of Colonel Henderson,
could not Tor the life of me see what john
son had to rejoice about. A few steps
further on began to divine the secret.
..You could almost drive coach and
four up these. stairsr-this when we had
reached the first floor, and were about to
enter on the second story" they're oak
too; and look at the banisters-did you
ever see anything like them they'd bear
the weight of q regiment of soldiers. Aud
uert pduclinS nHouiu bho W huO"
where there's any more like it. ! never
see any"
My heart began to sink rapidly. But
with the destruction Of my hopes, the de-
sire for dinner grew alarmingly.
We were gradually passing up to the
top of the house, and still he found fresh
beauties, and seemed never tired of dlat-
ing upon them. But / was anxious to
reach the goal, and pushed on, though but
sadly.
There, now. you can see right over
Gray's Inn gardens" Eve were at the sum-
NIT of his abode). II don't think there's
= finer prospect in the world than from
here. Talk about the country! Well. !
lived at Peckham for three years, but give
me this in preference to any provincial
neighborhood. Come along; know my
little lady will be glad to see you"
4 had been paying but scant attention
toshis pratsle, having been endeavoring to
obtain Whit of the dinner preparation !;
and though soup. fish aud entrees had
gradually fallen from the mental pro-
gramme, / was in that state when the
Odor of steak and onions. or the smell OF
a good Irish stew, is Paradise itself.
CONTINUED TOMORROW