Connecticut western news., 1878-10-16
Mrs. Bland.

70 D'on 0oAno 1AEe0 years ago nad the advantages of quiet and seclu- slon. 1t was an out-of-the-way place on the Sound, which believed then had almost discovered. There was modest coantrlted hotel, where food and mo- squltoes might be had at minimum of cost. With two weeks holiday and an exceedingly moderate amount of money to devote to my pleasures, after due con sideratlon, had selected Ripping Beach for my fairing. As a third clerk in the bank, my vacations were few and far be- sween, and l had determined to make the best of the occasion. When MT. Rowland, the assistant teller. whose business 1t was to pay the employees tflelr salaries, had given me my check. he had casually asked me where I was gong, and had expatiated on the charms o1 hlppling Beach, and it's being one of the lost places on Long Island.
 Visitors at the Beach House were though goodish people, not congenial. I was Indifferent, however, to society. boatmen and fishermen were my boon companions. had been week at Rip- ping Beach when became acquainted with Mrs. Bland. This lady was late arrival. How I came to talk to Mrs. Bland l can hardly say. I rather think that, hearing the lady express desire to see city paper, had handed her a newspaper, and in this way some com mon-place conversation had commenced. A certain pleasant way the woman had, 1alrly WelI-bred manner, disinclina- ton to indulge in tittle-tattle with the rest of the boarders, made her society rather agreeable than otherwise. Mrs. Bland was diminutive, had a graceful figure, and dressed in quiet taste. Though Mrs. Agnes Bland was fully 30. she impressed me with certain child. ishness of expression, in which vague description trust am not paraphras- ng Mr. Bret Harte. The ladys eyes were of pale blue, without ixity of glance. No one would ever have been nude enough to even attempt to stare Mrs. Bland out of countenance. Itwould nave been, apparently, too easy thing 10 do Without having evasive eyes, they seemed subdued and the least bit 1urt1ve. An immense volume of fair Diona' hair which she wore in one big Dralo' addad most essentially to her charins. For alIy trait of fixity of pur- pose 1n Mrs. Bland's regularly oval face the only indication of it was a sliobt Wrlnkhng of the forehead between the eyes. Such furrows had, however. no permanence. You might see such little Wlnrows on child's face when some passing matter for brief moment had engaged its scattered wits. Conyersa. tionally, Mrs. Bland was fairly amus- Ing. Educated she was not; but having good amount of intuitiye perception her remarks were clear and defined. It was the day after had given her the paper, when said to Mrs. Bland. :sHas your budget failed to reach you? It is one of the annoyances of an out-of-the. way place. Mails are dilatory, or come in batches.''
 What do you know about my mail ? asked Mrs. Bland, the little wrinkles roughening her forehead.
 Why, Mrs. Bland" I replied. "i you do not receive many letters, at least you have famous collection of news papers coming to you every day-at leas dozen"
 How do you know that?"
 The only grocery man in the httl, town, who sells me fsh-hooks, is tn, Postmaster. I go there early in tn, morning, before the mail is sent to th, hotel. The grocer generally runs tn, whole mail, before me, into a bushe basket, prior to handing me my occa slonal corrosponence. I see Mrs. Agne Bland on ever so many journals. Have the honor of addressing lady core spondent-a literary woman %
 " Nonsense what an idea l! My bus band sends the papers to me. It is delicate attention on his part. In read ing them time passes away during hi absence" Then there is a Mir. Bland. said to myself.
 ssI expect MT. Bland will be here in few days. I hope you will like him. H. is great fisherman. Now, l notice yo1 carry a fshing-rod to the water-side ever,