The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1884-05-23
THE MEEK FAMILY,

dat know what 1 had done tC
merit the spite of fortune which led me
to No. 1872 Peckoyer street in search o.
lodgings.
We're the apartments dingye De.
.cidedly so. The paper was Of q very
trying pattern-in two ,drabs: the car.
pet rather more trying in yellows and
browns, with this advantage. that its
pattern was almost worn threadbare
and pleasantly etfaced. The window
drapery was of similar hue to the
paper. and muslin curtains, drawn par
tally across, had become reduced by
dust and smoke to the same subdued
color.
There were one or two striking por-
traits tfsmily ones. probably on the
walls, ard yet more striking stove
pipe ornament in the CRATE. l forget
further details.
The landlady was elderly and limp.
with q sort of washed-out and pla ntive
aspect anil tendency to sigh and fold
her hands. She was very attentive,
however. and ANXIOUS to show her ssfirst
foor" to the best advantage.
The curtains will wash?" said l,
looking around.
Dear. yes, sir. surely! We was
lett n 'em hang to save the others,
which the sun fades 'em so. being the
worst of ssuffS and such like. Like all
earthly things. as fade mostly, don't
they, SIR"
The landlady sighed gently. and
folded her hands again. She wore
black worsted mittens.
81 hope" said in my polite wav,
-.you don't mind my naming it-but. of
course. yoar-ahem-th beds free.
you know-from- from any little an
,noyances:"
had had my experience-pTeceding
those three years of paradise and Mrs.
Chick-and L was nervous, partly from
dread of the indignation | had before
aroused in the housekeeping breast by
the above delicate question and partly
from The recollection of results that had
followed on the assurance of landladies
of another GLASS that their knowledge of
natural history did not extend to the
species alluded to, and that they were
1t fault to comprehend my meaning.
Mrs. Maudle THAT was her name)
adopted neither of these extremes; she
only shook her head pensively an said
TO my knowledge there amt a liv-
ing flea in this house," II didn't mean
fieas. thought 'but you know. sir, we
live in a vale of tears, and in course
there will be such trials for all at times.
III | am so tried, hope to bear it meek
ly." -.
And L think Mrs. Maudle shed tear.
Il am very glad to hear it." said 1,
seheerfully; ''now about terms, if 1 ar
range to come"
''Oh, don't speak Of terms. sir; I'm
sure what you've been in the habit of
paying viii suit us, or less, maybe, as
It's more for the keepin' of the rooms
aired. bein' as the house is too big for
us and the protection Of havin' q 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
feel at home, as there's no place like
it"
-:Ah! thank you-thank you"
The light-when the windows were
0cleaned-would suit my work. the ex-
chequer was somewhat low, time was
An object, and. taking all in all. 1 closed
with my obliging 1andlady's terms.
which gave her much pensive satisfac-
-fion.
land 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 L; .sdon't
think you'll lind me exacting; confess
TO few weaknesses. 1 dislike damn
and smoky potatoes. l OBJ Get to hot
dinner on cold plate, and I'm partial
TO clean linen. That's about all,
think"
Mrs. Maudle readily acguisced liz
these modest requirements, observing
Chat ga hangel couldn want less, and
fhereupon we parted.
In due tine myself and nv few be-
longlngs were conveyed in cab to 1872
PeckoSer street. had dined, and. be-
Sond a cup OF coffee, wanted nothing.
Mrs. Maudle brou hit me the coffee her
self.
I'm sure, sir. : hone it's as you like"
said she, meekly: shut, if not, you'll
Kindly name it. and Sophonisba will
bring you youc water st any hour