Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1878-04-18

about the whole establishment there
hung the air of staid respectablllty
that will hover around single people
no longer young. The only break up
on the quiet monotony Of the house
was when the three young 1retons-
Herbert, Amelia, and Walter-came
to visit their uncle and aunt, which
was not very often, as they were
verse to the rather strict rules regard
ing flowers, fruit and the use Of tie
best furniture.
Mr.. and Miss Treton, if truth must
be told, although fond Of their broth
ers widow and children, only half
enjoyed any break in the calm monot'
onv of their existence; and even Wal
ter, his aunt's tavorite, was watched
with terrified eyes when near his un-
cle's library or his aunt's pets. Books
were the companions sufficient for the
happiness OF :he gentleman and birds
rabbits, cats, and goldfish for that Of
the lady. They lived in perfect har-
mony, each giving full scope to his or
her peculiarities, and each having an
ample income for their own comforts,
and many acts of charity for they
were kind hearted, even if in manner
their gay nephews and nieces found
them formal and precise. On the mo-
lnentous first of April, when such i'm
portant Vaccinations against their
peace were IN progress,they were seat.
ed at luncheon, calmly unconscious ot
impending ills.
The gentleman, short, stout, and
tlorid, had been experimenting his
gardener in some horticultural mys-
teres and the lady, also short, stout
and horid, had been finishing an elab.
crate piece Of embroidery destined to
cover a pair Of ottomans Cor the draw
ing,room. The conversation natur.
ally turned upon their occupations,
and Miss Matte sail, half-sighing
Sister Grace and the children are
coming to morrow to pass the day
Herbert Little did they guess the
reason for the propose visit.
Dear me | hope that young
scamp Walter will let my young pear
trees alone. He almost ruined the
apricots last year with his penknife
You gave him Matte.
He's only boy, said Miss Matte
iudulgently.
You spoil him, said the gentle.
man.
who gave him shovel this week
with which he dug up all my carna-
tions? retorted the lady.
Where the discussion would have
ended it is impossible to say, but at
that moment the door opened, and
the staid old waiter man, who remem.
bered the childhood Of the brother
and sister, handed fn letter Mr.
Ireton read it with puzzled face.
DO you remember anybody named
Rifool p he asked his sister.
'Rifool Rifool What a queer
name
He is going to send me some game
I think it must be mistake. No
here is my name and address, as plair
as print. What kind of game can il
be at this season.?
When is it coming"
This afternoon There read the
note.
1t would be useless to deny that
Miss Matte was in quite a huttet
over the note. Live game Perhaps
some rare birds, that would be fresh
ornament to her aviary. She was
quite determined Herbert should nev-
er kill them, if they were golden
pbeasants, lop-eared rabbits, or any
rarities of that kind. She took her
work to the front window to watch
for tie express wagon, but to her dis
gust it was driven right past the win
dow. 1t was long past dinner time,
and was quite dark, before the long
expected ring was heard.
If it is hamper of game, bring it
in here, Joseph, said Mr.. Ireton, as
the man servant crossed the hall to
open tbs door.
"A hamper, sure enough, it is,' said
Joseph and obsyed orders.
There was no hutter Of wings, or