The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1884-12-19
THE MEEK FAMILY.

~ te$e HAs 81
THE MEEK FAMILY.
don't know what / had done {.
merit the spite Of fortune, which Lex
me- to No. 1872 Peckover street in search
Of lodgings.
Were the apartments dingy2 De
cidedly SO. The paper was of q very
trying pattern-in two drabs; the car.
pet rather more trying in yellows ani
browns, with this advantage, that it.
pattern was almost worn thrcadbare and
pleasantly effaced. The yellow drapery
was Of similar hue to the paper, an6
muslin curtains, drawn partially across
had become reduced by dust and smoke
to the same subdued color.
There were n or two striking por
traits Family ones probably on tn.
walls, and q yet more striking fre-stovt
ornament in the CRATE. I forget further
details.
rs
The landlady was elderly and limp
with q SORT Of washed-out and plalntive
aspect, and q tendency to sigh and fold
her hands. She was very attentive,
however and anxious to show her "frst
floor" to the best advantage.
aThe curtains will wash?n said I,
looking around.
Dear, yes, sir, surely! We was
iettin' 'em hang to q Y the others,
which the fades 'em so, being the
worst Of stuffs and such like. Like all
earthly things, v fades mostly, don't
they sir?"
The landlady sighed gently md fold
ed her hands again. She wore black
worsted mittens.
u hope" I said, in my polite way,
t'you don't mind my naming it-but, Of
Observation-Disclosures beds
free, you know-from-from any little
a%nnoyances pr
I 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 knowl-
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 name)i
adopted neither of these extremes; she
only shook her head pensiyely and said:
ITO my knowledge there amt a liy-
ing flea in this house" * didn't mean
1eas, though) ahut You know, sir, We
live in . vale of tears, and in course
there will b. such trials for all at times.
If / I'M so tried, Hope to bear it meek
ly.n
And think Mrs. Maudle shed a tear,
Il am very glad to hear it," said I
cheerfully, anow about terms, if | 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, or less, maybe, as
it's more for the keepin' of the rooms
aired, bein' as the house is too big for
us, and tho protection of havin' a gent
like yourself, under our roof, Maudle
bein' low in his eryc Of late years and
myself haven't that sperrit as soma
have, which, I'm sure, sir, ANYTHING we
can do to make you comfortable and
and feel Mt home, as there's no place
like tt
aAh! thank you-thank you"
The light-when the windows were
clenned-would suit my work, the ex-
chequer was somewhat low. time was an
object, and, taking all in all, I closed
with my obliging landiady's terms,
which gave her much pensive satisfac-
ton.
And if you'll be pleased to name
your wishes, sir, in all respects, said
Mrs. Maudle with o faint sigh in con
.clusion, I'VE hope to do our hume
best to meet EN-"
You're very good" said TT don't
think you'll find me exacting;I confess
to q few weaknesses. I dislike damp
salt and smoky potatoes. I object to j
hot dinner or o cold plate. and Pm par
tial to clean linen. That's about all.
j Think
Mrs. Maudle readily acquiesced in
these modest requirements, observing
that N hangel couldn't want less" and
ithereupon we parted.
Undue time myself and my few belong
ings were conveyed in a cab to 1872
Peckover street. / had dined, and be-
yond acup Of coffee wanted nothing.
Mrs. Maudle brought me the coffee her
self.
TIN sure, sir, Ihope it's as youlike,"
said she, meekly shut, 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.
phonisha Ann mostly waits on dodgers,
SIR Chats my daughter), and Tn sure
always willin', though that timid and
soft-hearted-but there! don't mind me
9 sa,yin' as . mother, perhaps more than
4 ought respectin' my own
~ 30 nAucn oOi1Reu 10 ler and
her daughter for their kind intentions,
and wished her good night. She sighed
audibly. and held the doc handle for
another minute, then, with m air Of
resignation, retired.
Morning brought breakfast and So
phonisba Ann. Thisyoung person was,
if possible, meeker and more depressed
than her parent. She carried her head;
alittle on n side and shifted with every
breath as if from chronic influenza.
Her complexion al pale, not to say
pasty, and her hair and eyebrows Whitley
brown. Sophonisba AIMS figure was
remarkable for depression where full
ness might be AxnantAd. and n nnrinns