St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-04-19
THE MEEK FAMILY.

5O' 1nC paper Hdo VI Il NClJ u lIIS5 ptAbGOlh
in two drabs; the carpet rather more try
ing in yellows and browns, with this advan
tage, that It's pattern was almost worn thread
bare and pleasantly effaced. The window
1rapery was of similar hue to the paper, and
muslin curtains, drawn partially across, had
become reduced by dust and smoke to the
same subdued color.
There were one or two striking portraits,
family ones, probably, on the walls, ond
yet more striking fire-stove ornament in the
CRATE. | forget further details.
The landlady was elderly and limp, with
sort Of washed-out and plaintiYe aspect and
tendency to sigh and fold her hands. She
was very attentive, however, and anxious to
show her "frst foor'' to the best advantage.
''The curtains will wash?' said l, looking
around.
''Dear, yes, sir, surely! We.was lcttin'
'em hang to save the others, which the sun
fades em so, being the worst of stuffs 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 nit
tens.
81 hope,' I said in my polite way, ''you
don't mind my naming it-but, of course
your-ahem-the beds free, you know
from-from-any little annoyances" --
I had had my experence-preceding those
three years of paradise and Mr. Chick, and |
was nervous, partly from Dire ad of the indig-
nation / had before aroused in the house
keeping breast by the above delicate ques-
ton and partly from the recollection of re
suits that had followed on the assurance of
landladies of another class that their know
ledge of natural history did not extend to the
species alluded to, and that they were at
fault to comprehend my meaning.
Mrs. Maudle, that was her name, adopted
neither of these extremes; she only shook
her head pensively and said:
t'To my knowledge there amt a living
flea in this house," I didn't mean feas
though, ''but you know, sir we live in vale
of tears, and in course there will be such
trials for all at times. If SIN so tired,
hope to bear it meebly."
And [ think Mrs. Maudle shed tear.
~ am very glad to hear it," 1 said cheer
fully, ''now about terms, if I arrange to
comet
Ooh, Don't speak of terms, sir: Pm sure
what you've been in the habit of paying will
suit us, or less, may be, as it is more for the
keepin' of the rooms aired, bein' as the house
is too big for us, and the protection of havin'
gent like yOurelf under our roof, Maudle
bein' low in his nerves of late years and my
self havn't that sperrit as some have, which
I'm sure, sir, anything we can do to make
I,l,Io f,o DC
no place like it"
''Ah! thank you-thank you.''
The light when the windows were cleaned
-wonld suit my work, the exchequer was
somewhat low, time was an object, and, tax
ing all in all, l closed with my obliging land
lady's terms, which gave her much pensive
satisfaction.
''And if you'll be pleased to name your
wishes, sir, in all respects said Mrs. Maui
die with a faint sigh in conclusion, ''we
hope to do our humble best to meet 'em."
''You are very good,'' said 1; don't
think you'll find me exacting; 1 confess to a
few weaknesses. [ dislike damp salt and
smoky potatoes. object to hot dinner on
cold plate, and Pm partial to clean linen.
That's about all, Think
Mrs. Maudle readily acquiesced in these
modest requirements, observing thata chan
gel couldn't want less" and thereupon we
parted.
In due time myself and my few belongings
were conveyed in a cab to 1872 Peckover
street. had dined, and beyond cup of
coffee, wanted nothing. Mrs. Maudle
brought me the coffee herself.
''I'm sure sir, hope it's as you ike,''
said she meekly; but if not you'll kindly
name it and Soph0nisba Ann vii bring your
water at any hour you'll mention in the
mornin', sir, Sophonisba Ann mostly waits
on dodgers, sir, chats my daughter), and l
am sure always willin, though that timid
and soft hearted-but there don't mind me
sayin', as mother, perhaps more than l
had ought to respectin' my own
I said 1 was much obliged to her and her
daughter for their kind intentions, and
wished her good night, She sighed audibly,
and held the door handle for another min
ute, then with an air of resignation retired
Morning brought breakfast and Sophon-
isba Ann. This young person was, if pos
sible, meeker and more depressed than her
parent. She carried her head 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. Sophonsiba Ann S
figure was remarkable for depression where
fullness might be expected and curious
bulging tendency wherever the opposite
effect was usual. Her attire was chiefly not
able for hooks and eyes-with difference
of opinion that materially hindered friend
ship, and refractory hair pins, which I found
had a way for dropping out into all sorts of
odd places. l found one, one day, at the
bottom of my jug of porter, at dinner!
The interesting young person contriyed to
make surprising chatter with the breakfast
ware, upset chair and threw down pile of
my books before making her exit. attribu-
ted this to the timidity which her mother had
assured me was counterbalanced by so many
virtues, and could not in reason, complain;
but when, in removing the breakfast things,
the same pile of books underwent precisely
the same fate, and gave me such a start that
l nearly cut off finger in mending pen,
l could not help saying, rather brusquely,
'For heavens sake, my good girl, be careful
what you do next,'' which produced quite an
attack of shifting and hasty retreat on the
cart of the unlucky maiden.
a little later in the day, my landlady
knocked timidly at my door.
''Come in!" said I.
She came in, folding her hands and look
ing up at the ceiling,
Ppm sure sir, you'll excuse it, though a
liberty, but as Pm mother. which IFS moth |
ing after all, and I've no call to worrit. I'm
certain, but it's my daughter, sir, a takin, on
30 after you spoke to her this mornin' and if
yon'd be so very kind, seein' as Sophonisba
Ann is so tender-hearted''-
"What is it about" l said, as the fearful
lady paused to take breath, 81 don't under
stand.''
sob, and am sure you didn't mean for
to hurt her feelin's, sir, and she owns if.
chafc sold &c nuch in tbat lyifoba,, do....