The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1884-11-27
THE MEEK FAMILY.

merit the spite of fortune, which lie,
me TO No, 1872 Peckover street in searcl
Of lodgings.
Were the apartments dingy? De
cidedly so. The paper was of very
trying pattern-in two drabs; the car
pet rather more trying in yellows ant
browns, with this advantage, that it!
pattern was almost orn threadbare anC
pleasantly effaced. The yellow drapery
was of similar hue to the paper, anC
muslin curtains, drawn partially across
had become reduced by dust and smoke
to the same subdued color.
There were one or two striking por
traits family ones probably on the
walls, and yet more striking fire stove
ornament in the CRATE. I forget further
details.
The landlady was elderly and limp
with a sort of washed-out and plalntive
aspect, and a tendency to sigh and fold
her hands. She was very attentive,
however and anxious to show her first
floor" to the best advantage.
"The curtains will wash?" said L,
looking around.
Dear, yes, sir, surely! We was
lettin' EN- hang to save the others,
which the sun fades EN- so. being the
worst of stuffs and such like Like all
earthly things, as fades mostly, don't
they sir?'
The landlady sighed gently and fold
ed her hands again. She wore black
worsted mittens.
Il hope" I said, in my polite way,
you don't mind my naming it-but, OF
course-vour-ahem-the-the beds
free, you know-from-from any little
announces Or
l had had my experience-preceding
those three years of paradise and Mrs.
Chick, and | was nervous, partly from
dread of the indignation I had before
aroused in the housekeeping breast by
the above delicate question and part
~ from the recollection of results that
had followed on the assurance of land,
ladies of another class that their knovl-
edge of natural history did not extend
to the species alluded to, and that they
were at fault to comprehend my mean
ing.
Mrs. Maudle that was her nance
adopted neither of these extremes; she
only shook her head pensivelv and said ::
TO my knowledge there amt liv-
ing flea in this house, Il didn't mean
fieas, thought but you know, sir, we
live in a vale of tears, and in course
there will b. such trials for all at times.
If am so tried, hope to bear it meek
ly."
And think Mrs. Maudle shed tear,
Il am very glad to hear it," said I
cheerfully, "now about terms, if l ar
range to come"
ooh, don't speak of terms, sir; Tn
sure what you've been in the habit of
paying will suit US, CT less, maybe, as
it's more for the keep;n' of the rooms
aired. bein' as the house is too big for
us, and tie protection of havin' a gent
like yourself, under our roof, Maudle
bein' low in his nerves of late years and
myself haven't that sperrit as some
have, which, I'm sure, sir, anything we
can do to make you comfortable and
and feel at home, as there's no place
Like it"
"Ah! thank vou-thank you"
The light-when the windows were
cleaned-would suit my work, the ex-
chequer was somewhat low. time was an
object, and, taking all in all, I closed
with my obliging Iandiady's terms,
which gave her much pensive satisfac-
ton.
s'And if you'll be pleased to name
your wishes, sir, in all respects" said
Mrs. Maudle with faint sigh in con-
clusion, 1--WE hope to do our humble
best to meet EN-"
you're very good" said LII don't
think you'll find me exacting; confess
to few weaknesses. I dislike damp
salt and smoky potatoes. I object to 4
hot dinner on cold plate. and I'm par
tial to clean linen. That's about all,
I think"
Mrs. Maudle readily acquiesced in
these modest requirements, observing
that "a hangel couldn't want less" and
thereupon we parted.
In due time myself and my few belong
ings were conveyed in a cab to 132
Peckover street. I had dined, and be-
yond cup of coffee wanted nothing.
Mrs. Maudle brought me the coffee her
self
Tim sure, sir, hope is as you like"
said she, meekly; "but, If not, you'll
kindly name it. And Sophonisba Ann
will bring you your water at any hour
you'll mention in the mornin', sir. So
phonisba Ann mostly waists on Lodgers,
sir Chats my daughter), and I'm sure
always willin', though that timid and
soft hearted-but there don't mind me
a sayin, as mother. perhaps more than
1 ought respectin' my own
1 said I was much obliged to her and |
her daughter for their kind intentions,
and wished her good night. She sighed |
and held the door handle for
another minute, then, with an air of |
retired
Morning brought breakfast and So
phonisha Ann. This young person was,
if possible, meeker and more depressed |!
than her parent. She carried her head |
q little on one side and shifted with every |
breath as if from chronic influenza. |
Her complexion was pale, not to say |
pasty, and her hair and eyebrows Whitley |
brown. Sophonisba AIMS figure was
for depression where full |
ness might be expected and curious
bullying tendency wherever the opposite
effect was usual. Her attire was chiefly |
notable for hooks and eyes-with diff
ference of opinion that materially him
dered friendship, and refractory hair
pins, which I found had way of drop
ping out into all sorts of odd places. |
found one, one day, at the bottom Of
my Jug of porter, at dinner!
This interesting young person con-
trived to make surprising clatter with
The breakfast ware, upset a chair and
threw down pile of my books before