Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-06-15
INVITED TO BREAKFAST.


"WaIk out to my house and have
breakfast with me some morning"
Such was the invitation given me one
day by Mr. Robertson, a genial, middle
aged solicitor to whom | was articled
IN the thriving town of Abbeyton,
| walked down a short avenue lead
ing TO the houses, and then began to
wonder which of the half-dOzen villas
| was bound for. This small COmmun-
ity dispensued with numbers to their
houses, nor did they even distinguish
them by the ambitious aud ridiculous
names which you see stuck up on most
suburban residences. No; nothing
savoring so of the town for this group
of country residences. They all called
their several houses the common name
Of Abbey Grove; and the stranger had
to take his chance of having to go to
each of them in turn before he found
the particular one he saught. Fortune
favored me, however, by sending across
my path d travelling directory in the
shape of mllkman, and in respOnCe
to my inquiry as to which house was
Mr. RObertsOn's, [ received the strait
W
come from, sir" Walking up O. path, /
found the door invitingly open and the
housemaid putting the finishing touches
on the bell handle.
"Master is not down yet, SIR" she re-
piled to my inquiry as to whether he
was at home, winch, considering the
time of day, really appeared an absurd
question to ask the girl; but we get
accustomed to use of stereotyped
phrases under some circumstances.
'Oh, then, l will come in and wait,
! replied.
What name shall say, sir?" asked
the girl.
Just tell him Mr.. Brooks has called,
and he will understand"
So saving the girl showed me into q
sung little breakfast room, where the
sunbeams and the fresh morning air
seemed to be vyeing with each other
rs to which should hold possession of
the room; with such friendly rivalry
were they streaming through two open
French windows, which opened upon
tastefully arranged lawn and flower
beds outside. While noticing these
things, the hOusemaid hak gone up
stairs to announce me; when some
thing like the following dialogue en-
sued:
Please ma am, Mr.. Brooks is down
stairs"
''Mr. Brooks! Who is hep" was the
response, in a mu1fied voice.
II don't know, ma'am," the maid re-
piled. II never seen him hear before.
But he's young gentleman, and says
he'll wait till master comes down."
whoever can he be, and what can
he want bothering at this time of day?n
continued the mutfled voice; and there
upon the door was shut.
Now, this was not exactly pleasant
to me; but when | reflected that most
probably Mrs. Robertson would be I'M
acquainted with her husbands invita-
ton to ME, / thought it best not to be
offended, so | commenced examining
the pictures on the walls. | had not
been sitting thus above a minute or
two when / heard slight rustling, as
of a lady's dress; simultaneously came
three or four light footsteps through
the window into the room, and before
| could rise from my seat q musical
voice accosted me with: Good morn
ing, uncle; here is your button-hole."
| started up in no little surprise at
this greeting, which was evidently not
intended for me; and there stood be-
fore me fairy-hke maiden of some Is
summers, her brown hair falling loose
ly from q daintily shaped head, her
cheeks aglow with the healthy morning
air she had been enjoying, and deep
ened, too, by rosy blnsh when she
discovered her greeting had been I'M
Willingly addressed to a stranger. She
Mas standing before me holding the
knot of flowers destined for her uncIe's
button-hole-how l envied her uncle
very picture of health, and life, and
happiness, and beauty. An instantan-
eous mutual agreement seemed to flash
between us. We both broke into a
merry little laugh; and | have often
wondered what would have happened
if we had not adopted this course-if
for instance, the young lady had passed
on with dignifed GOODNESS, and sim
pie apologies and bows had passed be-
tween usl Our sudden introduction
was, however, not destined to have this
studded ending. In a few moments we
were chatting away like old friends. |
fancled my fairy seemed to be actually
pleased when / announced that / was
going to stay for breakfast; and l had
almost summoned up my courage to
ask her to present me in reality with
the flowers she had undesignedly offer
ed to me, when the entrance of the
servant with the completing dishes for
the breakfast table served as an excuse
for her to leave the room.
She had scarcely gone through the
door when l heard again the greeting,
Good morning, uncle, " followed by an
unmistakable sound, which made me
long more than ever to be that girls
uncle. The door opened once more.
| stepped forward to meet my employ
er, but suddenly paused, as tall gen
tleman entered the room whom had
never before seen in my life.
He stood looking inquiringly at me,
after sharp ''good morning" l was
too. embarrassed to make any response.
Ny first thought was, ''He is some Wis
ito;" but in few moments the awful
truth damYaa aarpSS NV mind that