The daily gazette., 1877-04-02

| 10 IcteS and dinner parties, picnicS and
moonlight excursions; but all in vain.
One lady, whose charms were in the
"sere and yellow leaf," was so bold and
persistent In her attentions that he was
fain to take refuge behind an attack of
rheumatism. 'Woe worth the day!" Miss
Celestina Badger came near establishing
her headquarters under the same roof
with The repatient. As it was, she was
so officious in recommending this, that
and the other remedy,so anxious to be of
service to him, that he got excessively
irritable and grouty, and positively for
bade the servants admit her or any one
to his presence. He was not BY any
means as badly off as he pretended, but
just in condition to be snarly and
crotchety.
| He was in one of his worst moods when
MerleDame called and requested an in
terview. She was politely told that Mr..
fercy was not at home. III beg your par
don, but Seddie, his nice, just informed
me to the contrary.
New Merle's voice was clear and reso-
nant, and penetrated the gentleman's
apartment.
"That brat ofniece y gnashed he, in a
minor key.
s'The master is mighty cross" said
Bridget, "but Pll ask him If he bes here
or not"
every WELL"
Bridget came back with rueful coun-
tenance.
"He bids me tell yes that he hates
women and will not see you."
"Say to him that hate mon, but love
children; and must and will speak to
him."
Allen Percy came to the top of the
stairway.
"Since it is the only way to get rid of
her, shoW the virago up"
"The virago is here, Mr.. Percy.
She was certainly not vision of love.
illness; but she had shining eyes and a
resolute, truthful face, albeit a little
defiant and scornful. She might have
been twenty, and she might have been
thirty. A stranger could not have told,
since she was Ione over whom age has
small power,
"Well?"
Allen Percy thrust out the monosyllable
with jerk.
II am Merle Dame
"And, like the rest, you come to curry
favor with the old bachelor p"
"No sir, lam not here to catch hus-
band. I don't think you would add any
sunshine to my life in that capacity"
He regarded her curiously.
"You have not come to take me cap
tive against my will? Have the kindness
to enlighten me as to the object of your
visit then,"
"To teach you your duty"
He arched his eyebrows.
Slump! Let's hear about that. Who is
Miss Dame that she dares venture to
lesson me?"
Gone who does not live altogether for
herself, as you do"
"Pharisaical, eh! Do you know you
have taken bold step?"
eyes sir.'
THAT ifI choose. can throw you out
OF employment as teacher in the depart
ment you fill?"
eyes, sir"
"You think yoxr responsibility ends
when you have paid his bills, warmed
and fed him?"
eyes"
"You came to teach me my duty-try
your system of instruction upon me,
Miss Dame"
"You have nephew who is one of my
pupils"
eyes.
"He will grow up a ruined young
man"
"What?"
cit is as I tell you. You are not con-
cerned as to where he spends his even
ings and halfholidays, so engrossed are
you with your own special ills and
grievances, so afraid of being wheedled
into matrimonial alliance against your
better judgment"
"You are severe"
"Don't speak truly?"
"Perhaps. At least you are candid
in the expression of your opinion.
How do you know that Leon is in
danger?"
''The affection l feel for my scholars
leads me to watch them carefully. I
accidentally discovered that he fire.
quents gaming saloons, and thought
my best course would be to report him
to you"
"What do you adviser"
"Talk with him gently and firmly.
Inspire him to with love and reverence
for you, and you can make of him
what you will"
Chow can I, If 1 am as selfish as you
think?"
She scanned his face narrowly.
"You are capable of more noble
and loving existence. You have not
always been what you are now"
How do you know"
81 have the gift of divination."
"Well. Miss Dame. yeu have not
played tosdy to Mammen. like yeur
courage and spirit, and will endeavor
to do right by Leon and Seddie."
THANK yeu, my mission is accom-
plished then
Allen Percy forgot his rheumatism
right suddenly, and took straightway
q wonderful interest in the case OF
education. His influence over Leon
became unbounded. The lad conscious
that his uncle's eye was upon him, sc-
quilted himself sccordlngly. From
him, Allen learned much in relation