The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1881-06-25
AN INVITATION TO BREAKFAST.

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AN INVITATION To BREAKFAST.
"Walk out to my house and have
breakfast with me some morning"
Such was the invitation given me one
day by Mr. Robertson, genial, middle
aged solicitor to whom was articled,
in the thriving town of Abbeyton.
Now, l had only been articled for a
few weeks, and what had seen of Mr..
Robertson in business made me wish to
know him and his in their private life;
hence l was much delighted to have
this opportunity of gratifying my wish.
A few days afterward. waking up and
finding glorious summer sun stream.
ing into my room, speedily decided
that this was just the kind of morning
on which l should accept the invitation
to breakfast at Abbey Grove; and in a
few minutes l was on my way thither.
Abbey Grove was situated about two
miles from the town, and consisted of a
small cluster of villas. built in a prettily
situated spot, which, generations ago,
had formed part of the grounds of an
old abbey.
AS / approached Abbey Grove and
saw the houses peeping from out the
surrounding trees, L commenced won
deripg as to what kind of q residence
would be occupied by Mr.. Robertson;
how it would be finished, what kind of
ike, and d' the isss and family would be
late upon when going t w you I beuoe
for the first time. Last, but BY -.
means least. as my walk continued.
wondered what kind of a breakfas
there would be to appease the appetite
stimulated by the morning breeze.
Il walked down the short avenue
leading to the houses. and then begar
to wonder which of the half dozen villa.
l was bound for This small communi
ty dispensed with numbers to theil
houses, nor did they even distinguish
them by the ambitious and ridiculous
names which you see stuck up ON mos
suburban residences. No; nothing
savoring so Of the town for this grouI
of country residents; they all calico
their several houses by the common
name of Abby Grove; and the stranger
had to take his chance of having to e
TO each of the houses in turn, before h,
found the particular one he sought
Fortune favored ME, however, by send
ing across my path a travelling diction
airy in the shape of the local milkman
and in response to my inquiry as Il
which house was Mr.. Robertson's, re
ceived the straightforward reply: "Thi
ere. one as I've just come from sir.
Walking up the path, found the doc
invjtingly open and the house-mai,
putting the finishing touches on the bel
handle.
Master is not down yet, SIR" sh
replied to my inquiry as to whethe
Mr.. Robertson was at home, which
considering the time of day, really ap
peared an absurd question to ask tn
girl; but we get accustomed to use ster
eotyped phrases under some circum
20, then win come in and wait, y
replied.
'.What name shall I say, sirP" aske'
the girl.
s.Just tell him Mr.. Brookes has called
and he will understand"
So saying, the girl showed me into
snug little breakfast room, where tn
sunbeams and the fresh morning al
seemed to be vieing with each other a
to which should hold possession of tn
room, with such friendly rivalry wer
they streaming through two ope
French windows. which opened upon
Hastily arranged lawn and flower bed
outside. While noticing these things
the housemaid had gone up stairs to ar
nounce me. when something like tn
following dialogue ensued:
please, ma'am, Mr. Brookes is dow
stairs"
"Mr. Brookes! Who is hep was til
response, in muffled female voice.
Il don't know, ma'am," the maid r,
piled. II never seen him here before
But he is young gentleman, and say
he will wait till master comes down"
whoever can he be, and what ca
he want. bothering here at this time {
dayP" continued the muffied voice; an
thereupon the door was shut.
Now this was not exactly pleasant I
me; but when / reflected that mo.
probably Mrs. Robertson would be ur
acquainted with her husbands invit.
ton to me, / thought it best not 10 /
offended; so commenced examinin
the pictures on the walls. They wei
not very interesting, and soon col
cluded my inspection. and locke
round for something else to occupy ii
moments, which began to drag vel
heavily. The newspaper Of the prev
Gus day ives on 3 small table by Il
window, so took that up, just to pa!