Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-10-01
An Eccentric Bachelor.
A CHAPTER OF REAL LIFE.

An Eccentric Bachelor.
CHAPTER OF REAL LIFE.
F was q living specimen OF the
typical old bachelor. parsonage more
often met with in the pages of fiction
than in real life; lean and sharp visaged
Of aspect, crusty and cynical OF temper.
He was, moreover, an avowed oddly
ono OF the privileged class who, by vir-
tue of this reputation, can do what 9TH
ess dare not without exciting surprise
or giving offense; whose eccentricities
are met with shrug of the shoulder
and the remark, "What else could you
expect Of an oddly like me?"
He was an unpopular man, receiving
seant sympathy; yet capable, never
theless Of kind and generous acts, per-
formed ON the condition that they we're
70 be kept strictly secret and that he
Was never to be thanked for them. Woe
betide the recipient of favor to whom
It was brought home that he had men.
tioned the same to any one, or extolled
the kindness of his benefactor! The
n0lucky wight once detected in thus
giving vent to his gratitude had taken
the surest method of cutting himself
Oh from further help. He never 90,
another chance.
Oar old bachelor enjoying, as We
have said, the privileges of eccentric.
ity, it excited no surprise when on one
occasion, after an absence from home,
he wrote to intern his servants-an
old couple who had lived with him for
years-that on his return he would be
accompanied by widow lady, who was
likely to make long stay in his house,
snd for whom apartments were to be
got ready.
And o pretty upset she'll make! I"
exclaimed the dismayed old housekeep.
q. "A fussy, middle.aged party, no
dopbt; ordering and interfering and
wanting TO have everything her own
way; which she won't get, John, as long
- yon and I can prevent her. She'll
b clever madam if she gets her foot
inaide my storeroom while there's locks
and bol.s to keep her out, I can tell
heIl"
Don't You make too sure" said
John. The old man could not resist
now and then teasing his helpmate, as
. little set off against sundry naggings
on the part OF that good lady. May
b its . mistress Of the house and of
yoerself that's coming to it. Them
widders are great at wheediipg. It's
time, II the master is ever to marry,
That "
Alb, stop your croakiug now! cries!
Hrs. John. This dire suggestion WAS
too overpowering for her feelings.
The appointed day arrived; aud when
The cab drove to the door, the two old
domestics, with very sour faces and
their backs very much mp, went to re-
eeive their master and his unwelcome
guest. Their first glimpse of the latter
showed them they might have spared
their fears and hostile Intentions. Out
nom the cab, before their astonished
eyes. sprang . girlish figure, whose
bright, happy face contrasted curiously
WIN her mourning garments.
Mind the step. uncle!" ["Oh, his
niece, she 10! she cried, tripping up
70 the hall door. Don't trouble,
please" with smile to the ole house.
Keeper; =" that bag is too heavy for you !;
IN carry it,"
And when the stranger came down to
breakfast next morning with morsel
Of esp perched on the top of her
golden braids of hair {" not nay idea of
. widows cap" said the dame to her
husband; "and would you believe it,
John, singing away like a bird while
she was dressiDgl"J she looked absurd
y Young; more like girl in her teens
th.n an experienced, "settled " mstron.
The advent of his pretty niece made
some change in the habits of the old
gentleman. He had friends at dinner
more frequently than of yore; and in
addition to the elderly fogies tina.
formed his usual society, younger
guests were invited. suited to the years
Of his visitor. With great amusement.
her uncle observed the attraction her
Homeiiness and winning ways we're for
these. "Swarming round-Iike flies
about honey-pot! Seeming. dare
say, Tat jointure. All widows are
supposed to be rich; and Just because
she is widow, and for no other reason.
0sking mp to her. the fools!" This to
himself with a cynical chuckle. Aloud:
I" Nice little woman, sir. that niece Of
mine. Plenty of good locks; but
hasn't . sixpence-not a sixpence to
bless herself with"
II was wonderful how the old house
vas Enlightened up by the presence of
it, blithe young inmate. But by none
vas its pleasant influence more felt than
y the domestics. who had vowed such
hostility before her arrival. The old
woman especially was devoted to her;
loving her for her own sake Is well as
for the kindly help and goodeoffices she
Vas always receiving from the deft and
wiling hands of the young girl. In
tho storeroom-that sacred retreat
which her foot was never to invede-the
latter was to be found on company
days." busy and happy as q bee; with
sleeves tucked half way up her plump
arms, her heavy Grape skirts slowed
away under one OF the cid lady's capa-
eious Holland aprons, and lappets
pinned high over her head, while,
laughing merrily at the queer figure
abe made of herself. abe worked awav