The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1877-03-23
Miscellaneous.
TIE FIRST AND THE LAST OF HER.

They were all enjoying the breeze that
swept through the wide parlor that summer
evening, it had been so hot of late The
month was May, the place was Philadelphia
and-1 am almost AFRAID to say this, it was
the Centennial time. But don't be alarmed
my reader I am not going to describe the
Great Exposition, nor tell anything about it
nor shall l give any information concerning
&c Of either this or the las century. only
intend to relate an incident that happened
to take place then al d there.
The people enjoying the breeze were a
family by the name of Fenton, and consisted
of father and mother,t two grown up daugh-
ters, one grown-up son and little girl
Mrs. Fenton had just been saying that she
supposed they would soon be overrun with
visitors coming to spend few days and see
the Centennial.
"Well, let them come |" said Mr.. Fenton,
heartily, as he turned his paper inside out
81 don't know one that wouldn't be glad
to see."
"Nor T. returned Mrs. Fenton. 81 am
always 80 thankful that we needn't be
ashamed of any of our relations. There's
sister Kate who could be more delightful
| than she is9"
"Oh, Aunt Kate is perfectly splendid y
chorused the young people.
"And there's Uncle Phil andAuntEmily,"
said Mabel, the eldest girl.
"And Cousin Joe and his wife," added
Florence, the second daughter.
"And John and his family" put in Mr..
FeDtop.
"Oh if you 60 to counting up, you'll
never get through" said Tom, the son and
heir. But ! say, haven't we any objection
able connections at all' Isn't there some
old duffer who'll turn up just at the wrong
moment ="
"No, haven't any," said Mr.. Fenton,
No-o-o," said Mrs Fenton, rubbing her
forehead thoughtfully. Stop think
remember one. Ofcourse-Cousin Jerusha!
| wonder didn't think before. But don't
know that she is Objectionable the fact is, |
don't know anything about her. She is a
niece of grandfatser's, and is an old maid
at least she ought to be, if she isn't married
or dead. Her name is Hevington-Jerusha
Hevington. ! always thought it such pity
to spoil such a fine name as Hevington with
Jerusha. hope she won't come I'm sure
she must be perfectly awful"
The two young ladies had been looking
at their mother in blank silence ever sir ce
she had mentioned this unpleasant relation
Tom had gone off in a fit of laughter; 50
that Mr., Fenton was the only one who
spoke:
'Well, if she comes, all we can do is to
make the best of it, and treat her as well as
we know how"
"Oh, of course" said Mrs. Fenton.
| Tom here looked at his watch, and started
up, exclaiming that he should be late, he
had an appointment, and bolted of. prnmis
ing to be home early. Then Mr.. Fento
settled down for nap Mrs Fenton buried
herself in Lorna Doone;" and the girl,
yawned over their Japanese canvas, fearing
a dull evening
The air gently fiuttered the lace curtains
the mellow light shone down from the many
globed chandelier upon the fresh, white mat
ting the linen .draped furniture, the pictures
and statuettes, the three ladies in their pretty
evening dresses, and the old gentleman snor'
ing away behind his newspaper all was as
quiet as quiet could be when violent pea
at the door.bell made them all nearly JUMP
out of their skins.
"Who on earth is that 7" asked Mr.. Fen
ton, bouncing up,
Mrs, Fenton dropped her book and gave
scared look into the hall
81 suppose it's Mr.. Vsnderpool," said Ma
bel.
"oh, no, he never rings like that" sal,
Florence.
Their old colored waiter had opened tn
door by this time, and a loud voice was hear
inquiring "Does Mr.. Fenton-Mr Ssmue
Fenton live here |"
"Yes.ms'Am.h he docs. ''old James snswere
respectfully.