Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-10-01
The BacheIOfs Surprise.


A chill December Genln, with the
rain and show forming dsagreeable
sort of cOnglomcratien IN the idewalks,
the gas lamps at the crner dickering
sullenly through the mist and he wind
taking one viciously as Ole cam round
the corner. Not pleasant eve,ing to
assume possession Of ncwhomt; but
necessity knows no law, ano Mr.. Bark
dale put his night key into tie dor of
the red brick house IN the middle otthe
block, hoping that his new 'andl&y
would have common sense enugh to
light fire in the CRATE.
&Is it you, :ir?' Mrs. Hiuman qloth
beamhgly. There's good fire, ans
it's all right
All right, eh?' said the bacheor,
feeling the blue TIP Of his frosted noe,
TO see whether it had escaped beiIg
frozen off entirely. Pm glad to hca
that. Have the trunks Gomez
oh, yes, sir; and the other things.
What other things?' demanded Mr.
Barkdale.
Mrs. Hinman pursed up her lips.
wasn't 10 tell, sir, please
Rather an eccentric old lady,
thought Mr., Barkdale pushing past hel
up to The third story front room, which
he had solemnly engaged the day before.
1t had been rather a dark and dingy
little den by the light Of the moon but
now, softencd by the bright coral shine
of well filed CRATE, it wore quite an
other and brighter aspect.
Velvet paper on the walls, gilt PAN
cling, rcd carpet and Sleepy Hollow
chair thought Mr.. BarSdals, glancinG
around. Not so uncomfortable, after
all. When I get my things uupacked
it will appear quite home-like.'
He set his valise down IN the corner,
deliberately opened it, took out a pair
of embroidered slippers and inserted bis
tired feet therein. Next he laid off his
overcOst.
Now for cigar thought he.
But the brown covered weed was YET
IN his hand when there was hustle anc
futter, merry noise and whisper up
on the landing outside, and the dool
few open as if by magic to admit half g
dozen laughing girls.
Mr.. Barkdale dropped his cigar and
retreated step or two.
Don't be alarmed said the tallest
and prettie.t girl Of the bevy; It's on
ly a surprise
"A very agreeable one. I'm sure, ,
said our friend. recovering in some de-
gree his presence Of mind.
There's no mistake, hope said a
yellow tressed blonde. Your name is
not Greenfeld?'
No mistake at all, assure you.
said he. OF course it is not Greenfield.
SIT down, ladies'
And he pushed forward the Sleepy
Hollow chair, a camp stool and two
rheumatic reception chairs, which COM
prised all the accommodations presents
ed By his apartment.
But, instead Of accepting his courtesy
the GIRLS all 6uttered out again, glgslng
and in a second, before he could realize
the strange condition OF affairs, they
we're back again, bearing benches anC
a tablecloth, dishes, bouquets pyra-
mid OF maccaronies, piled dp plates ant
sandwiches, frosted cakes and myste
rious something like an ice cream free
Zer.
The yellow haired girl gleefully clap
ped her hands.
You needn't think we are doing al
of this for you, sir, she said.
'Oh.' said Mr.. Barkdale, bashiully
any such impression
sIrs all a surprise designed for Kate
cousin
sIslt?' said Mr.. Barkdale, more II
the dark than ever.
And how do you suppose we foun'
it all out p demanded the tall girl will
the sparkling black eyes and scarle
feather in her hat.
Il haven't the least idea.'
We found your letter to Kate, an
we girls read it, and we resolved to tax
you and her by surprise. She is to b
here in half an hour. Barbara-that
Barbara Morris IN the blue merln
dress with a turn Of her long lashe
toward the golden haired girl, pre-
tend. that she has moved here; an
Kate 10 to come and spend the evenln
with Barbara. Won'tlt be nice joke
'Stupendousl' said our hero, gradu
ally beginning to comprehend the fac
that he was mistaken for some one else
what will Kate say when she see
you here9' calculated another malt
Laughing merrilv.
'Ahl what indeedr said Mr. bari