The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1882-11-10

he want, bothering here, at this time
of the day?' continued the mutfled
voice; and thereupon the door was
shut
Now, this was not exactly pleasant
to me, but when l reflected that most
probably Mrs. Robertson would be un-
acquainted with her husbands invita-
tion to me, / thought it best not to be
offended so / commenced examining
the pictures on the walls. They were
not very interesting, and / soon con-
cluded my inspection, and looked
round for something else to occupy the
moments, which began to hang rather
heavily. The newspaper of the pre-
vious day was upon small table by
the window, 80 l took that up just to
pass away the time, and l was soon
listlessly perusing the advertisements.
| had not been sitting thus above a
minute or two when l heard slight
rustling, as of lady's dress simultan-
eously came three or four light foot
steps through the window into the
room, and before / could look up from
my paper, or rise from my seat, a
musical voice accosted me with Good
morning, uncle; here is your button
hole boquet."
started up in no little surprise at
this greeting, which was evidently not
intended for me; and there stood
before me fairy-like maiden, of some
16 summers, her brown hair falling
loosely from daintily-shaped head
her cheeks aglow with the healthy
morning air she had been enjoying,
and deepened, too, by a rosy blush
when she discovered her greeting had
been unwi,tingly addressed to a
stranger. She was standing before
me, holding out the little knot OF
flowers destined for her uncle's button.
hole-how / envied her uncle Ia very
picture of health and life and happi-
nesss and beauty. Her expression Of
unrestrained enjoyment had changed
in moment to one of embarrassment
and dismay, mingled with CLEAN Of
amusement in her bright eyes as the
humor of the awkard situation we
were in broke upon her. An instanta-
neous mutual agreement seemed to
flash between us. We both broke into
a merry little laugh; and l have often
wondered what would have happened
if we had not adopted this course, il
for instance, the young lady had pass.
ed on with a dignifed GOODNESS, and
simple apologies and bows and passed
between us! Our sudden introduction
was, however, not destined to have
this sudden ending In a few mo
ments we were chatting away like old
friends. l fancied my fairy seemed tc
be actually pleased when l announced
that was going to stay for breakfast
and l had almost summoned up courage
to ask her to present me in reality
with the flowers she had undesignedly
offered TO me, when the entrance Of
the servant with the completing dishes
for the breakfast table served an ex
cuse for her to leave the room.
She had scarcely gone through the
door, when 1 heard again the greeting
"Good morning, uncle" followed thi'
time by an unmistakable sound, which
made me long more than ever to b'
that girls uncle The door opened
once more. l stepped forward to NEE
my employer, but suddenly paused
as tall gentleman entered the room
whom had never seen before in m,
life. s.0
He stood looking inquiringly at M
after sharp "Good morning l wa
too embarrassed to make any response
My first thought was: ale is som
visitor but in few moments tn
awful truth dawned across my mind
that this was in reality the owner o
the house l was in, and that by som
means or other l had got into tn
wrong one. The situation was tre
mendous. l am naturally cool char
acter, but / was so taken by surpris
and chagrin, that l could only mute
some confused apology about havin
been invited to breakfast by Mr.. Rot
ertson; that l had been directed t
this house by some miserable misundel
standing that l humbly apologize
for my intrusion, and hoped he woul
pardon it. So speaking, made
frantic dash at my hat, maddened 6
my stupidity, at the loss of my breal
fast, and still more at the thought {
never seeing or speaking again to thu
charming little lady, who, in less tina
l five minutes, found / was absurdly
J love with.
| said hurried "good morning." an
} was trying to make a ghastly atteml
at smile as | left the room-whe
l would you believe it that tall, dan
man burst out into loud laugh.
4; felt ready to knock him down.
r knew how my stupidity would |
gaily discussed at that breakfast tab
g before her, and felt my discomfitu
! and humiliation deeply; but this ops
merriment at my expense madden'
u me.
A strange calm succeeded this storI
1t was caused by some words utter'
by my tormentor. "You really mu
3 forgive; could not refrain fro
i laughing. My name is Robinso
J. Your friend Mr. Robertson lives
J. one of the other houses. We frequer
d ly get parcels and letters, and ev,
e callers coming to the wrong hous
l but in my experience we have new
d had so amusing a mistake 80 early
g the day as this one.
Now this explanation toned dov
e my anger considerably but the wor
e which followed We're like balm to I
e troubled heart: "Mr Robertson "
d have finished breakfast by now.
It cannot think of allowing you to
Is Do me the favor of remaining hi
and breakfasting with us this morning
So saying he took my hat out of !
hand and led me in the room aga
ID Of course he did not need much p
suasion to make me stop. Two m
d, utes before had been ready to kuo
this man over; now thought him |
a most kind and considerate fellow
ne the world.
ir OF course the breakfast was delg
f a m