Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-05-12
A CURE FOR BADNESS.

"What can be the cause of my hair
falling out in this way?" was Mr.. Green
leafs exclamation, addressed, perhaps,
to his image in the looking-glass, for
there was no other conversible person in
the room. at must be want of exercise
or strong coffee, or perhaps anthracite
coal. must consult physician"
Mr.. Greenleaf omitted to mention
forty-five years-no uncommon cause of
badness, and one, unfortunately, upon
which it is vain to call in medical aid.
He looked at the increasing forehead,
passed his fingers fearfully over spot
near the crown, where there was an
ominous smoothness, and then seated
himself, with a sigh, in his great arm
chair before the fire.
What were his reflections as he sat
gazing at the CRATE must be gathered
from circumstances. His countenance
wore for some time an air OF great
solemnity, not to say moodiness. Ever
and anon his hand wandered, as if I'M
consciously, to the fatal spot, and then
descended caressingly upon thesample
whiskers below. Now his face would
brighten a little, then again he looked
as il all his stock was below par,
AT length he seemed to come to a sud
den resolution, and, ringing for his
servant, he made very careful toilet
and sailed forth.
Behold him next seated i'm the neat
parlOr of Mrs. Armour, n widow lady of
comely appearance, who lodged not
very far from Mr.. Greenleafs.
Mrs. Arthur was charmingly dressed,
and seated at her little workable en-
gagged in some lady-ike employment.
She received Mr.. Greenleaf most gra-
ciously, and wheeled an ensy-chair round
for him so near her own that the scene
became at once almost alarmingly cozy
Mr. Greenleaf felt little frightened. 1t
looked as if she had devined his thoughts,
since in these days of mesmeric revela-
tions one never knows when one is safe
He edged back little, for he felt that
it would be poor tactics to remain
voluntarily close within range of the
enemy's fire.
"Too warm, Mr.. Greenleaf?" said
Mrs. Armour, and she reached him n
screen with the prettiest little hand in
the world.
Yes, rather rather warm." said the
embarrassed bachelor, looking down
upon the screen. " Is this specimen of
your skill, Mrs. Armour
"a long time ago!" sighed the fair
widow.
"Not very long, l think said Mr.
Greenleaf, gallantly plueking mp
courage as danger thickened.
"Ah, yes-ages y said the lady, as
ladies will.
Here came pause. When Mr.. Green
leaf had nothing particular to say, he
could be very agreeable, but now his
tongue Glove to the roof of his mouth.
Mrs. Armour kindly relieved him.
"Have you been sleighing yet, Mr..
GreenleafT'
"I? No; have not thought Of it"
"How strangel But perhaps you do
not think it safe to drive sleigh in the
city? Now / had the most charming
drive with Mr.. and Mrs. Dovelyl /
really wonder you do not keep q sleigh,
Mr. Greenleaf."
Take care, Mrs. Armour; with all
your tact you are treading on dangerous
ground. II Mr.. Greenleaf has fear it
Is that somebody will take him in by
marrying him for an establishment.
Really, now" went on the uncon-
scious widow, "I should think you
would find il delightful to keep hand
some sleigh, and then for summer Just
such n beautiful open carriage as Mr..
Forrester's. Mr.. Forrester's whole
establishment is so beautiful T.
Mr.. Forester had been q bachelor of
about Mr.. Greenleafs standing, and he
had lately takes gay wife and set mp
housekeeping in style that Mr. Green
leaf Thought very absurd.
"She wants 10 lead me to make my
self equally ridiculous," whispered The