Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1881-04-14
THE ECCENTRIC BACHELOR.

F was a living specimen of the
typical old bachelor, n parsonage more
often met with in the pages Of fiction
than in real life lean and sharp-visaged
of aspect, crusty and cynical oftemper.
He was, moreover. an avowed oddly;
ono ofthe privileged class who by virtue
of his reputation can do what others
dare not without exciting surprise or
giving oflense; whose eccentrlCltles are
met with shrug of the shoulder and
the remark, "What else could you ex-
pect Of an odity like him|'
He was All unpopular man, receiving
scant sympathy; yet capable OF kind
generous acts, performed on the con
dition that they are TO be kept strictly
secret and that he was never to be
thanked for them. Woe betide the re-
cipient of IL favor to whom it was
brought home that he had mentioned
the same to any one, or extOlled the
kindness of his benefactor, The I'M
lucky wight once detected in thus CIV
ing vent to his gratitude had taken
the surest method Of cutting himself
off from further help. He never got an
other chance.
Our Old bachelor enjoying, as we
have said. the privileges Of eccentricity
il excited no surprise when on one oc-
casion, after an absence from home,
ne wrote to inform his servants an
old couple who had lived with him for
years-that on his return he would be
accompanied by widow lady wrO
was likely to make a long stay in his
house, and for whom apartments
were to be got ready.
"And a pretty upset she'll make ~
exclaimed the dismayed old house
keeper.
"A fussy, middle-aged party, no
doubt: ordering and interfering and
wanting TO have everything her own
way. which she won't get, John, as long
a. you and can prevent her. Shell
he clever madam if she gets her foot
inside my storeroom while there's locks
and bolts to keep her out, can tel
her "
Don't you make too sure" said
John. The old man could not resist
now and then teasing his helpmate, as
little set-oh against sundry nagging,
on the part of that good old lady
MAYBE it's mistress of the house anC
OF yourself that's coming to it. Them
widders are great at wheedling. IT.
time, if The master is ever to marry
that"
''Ah, stop your croakirg now !" crieC
Mrs. John. This dire suggestion wa
too overpowering for her feelings.
The appointed day arrived; and whel
the cab drove to the door, the two ole
domestics with very sour faces ant
their backs very much up, went to re
ceive their master and his unwelcom,
guest. Their first glimpse of the latte
showed them they might have spared
their fears and hostile intentions. Gu
from the cab, before their astonisheC
eyes, sprang q girlish figure, who's
bright, happy face contrasted curiousl.
with her mourning garments.
mind the step, uncle y (Oh, hi
niece, she is p') she cried, tripping ~
to the hall door. Don't trouble
please" with a smile to the old house
keeper; "that bag is too heavy for you
I'll carry 1t.
And when the stranger came down
to breakfast next morning with a NOR
sci of a cap perched on the top of he
golden braids of hair mot my idea of
widows cap" said the dame TO he
husband; "and would you believe it
John, singing away like bird Will
She was dressing!") she looked NOR
absurdly young; more like girl in he
teens than an experienced, "settle'
matron.'
The advent of his pretty niece mad
some change in the habits Of the ok
gentleman. lie had friends at Dime
more frequent than of yore: and i
addition to the elderly fogies tina
formed his usual society, younge