The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-03-21

gone out, but he had not felt inclined
to, and he gallantly said he was glad
to be in, as he should have been sorry
indeed to have missed seeing Miss
Bright.
"And so you are really going to
leave us7' he said, and almost regret
fully too. "Well, you will be very
much missed don't know what the
Brendons will do"
"They will not miss me more than
shall them,' and the brave little wo-
man made an effort that her voice
should not sound shaky; "but you
know, Mr.. Bnney, am not growing
younger, am ] 2"
"No,' he said, "that is true. I was
saying the same to myself of myself
only to day
"Yes, only with men it does not
seem to matter, but with women the
thought always comes with little
shudder, that when we get old and
want quiet aud rest and comfortable
armchair by the fire there is doubt
whether we shall be able to get them.
Mr.. Binney did not answer, and fear.
ing she was saying too much about her
own feelings she altered her tone,
which had been little sad, and wen,
on in her usual cheerful way: "But
then / ought to feel so thankful that
this opening has been made for me-
| told them that / knew something
would come it has always done 40
have always been so lucky"
"1ts your happy disposition makes
you say so, my dear Miss Bright; a
cheerful spirit shortens the longest day
wish | could follow your example. !
often feel condemned at my want OF
conteutment-of gratitude, ought to
say"
But that Miss Bright would not al
low; she reminded Mr.. Binney of the
many kind actions he had done, and in
her own quiet way thanked him foi
the thoughtful present he had sent to
her.
J, "No, no, no, now ycu must not
speak of that Mr.. Binney hastily in
terrupted her and to give turn to
the conversation he sail s'sie must
have some tea" and ringing to order
it, he hoped she would stay.
| We'll, yes, she thought she could
spare the time for that-indeed, to be
plain, she was not in such very great
hurry. The fact had been that Joe
had had an unexpected holiday; and
she saw that, only for her being there,
he had come home to go out some
where with Sally.
80 | hope the little fib told you
will be forgiven me, for when l said
| was wanted at home, although it was
quite true perhaps, l need not for that
have left quite so early. But it was
so nice of Joe to come home. l love
to see husbands and wives companions
to each other"
"Ah, indeed, yes; that is the object
OF matrimony, too often, I fear, lost
sight of in our day by the young and
the old too
But Miss Bright did not agree.
NO." she "knew so maDy united
couples. There were the Brendons
now but at this moment the tea
was brought in, and Miss Bright asked
should she pore it out. Her offer was
accepted. "Only," said Mr.. Binney,
"you must take off your cloak, or you
wont feel the good of it when you 90
and your bonnet, too. Wouldn't you
be more comfortable without that e.
Miss Bright said "No,' she would
not take her bonnet off.
Haven't a cap with you, suppose?'
said the old gentleman, slyly.
"Yes, indeed | have-a present from
Saliy-and very becoming one, too.
"Put it on, then, and let me pass
my opinion"
Miss Bright FASTENED to obey, and
when she came for his inspection the
smile on her face and the soft pink in
her cheek made her look ten wears
younger.
"Well,' she said, snow what dc
you think of it?"
Il think if you take my advice yor
will never wear any other"
"Really,' and she laughed softly
"but it is for high days and holidays
you know And she tip toed to lool
in the chimney glass, saying that il
certainly was very pretty cap, anc
then she sat down to pour out the tea
"rhe best tea things" she said, ad
mlringly; 81 am so fond of pretty
china !" And then searching in tn,
sugar basin, she added: 81 have no
forgotten that you like two Jumps o
sugar, you see.'
Mr. Binney smiled complacently
feeling of well-being and comfort tool
possession of him.
or a certainty it was very pleasan
TO have a congenial somebody to beal
one company, one who could talk well
listen we'll and hold her tongue well, i
necessary Experience had assured
him of that. Miss Bright possessed
each of these good qualities. Wher
she had stayed there when Mrs. Bnney
was first i'll, their evenings had passed
very pleasantly, and recalling th'
things they had done, he asked:
"Do you often play chess now?"
'No, never"
"Crlbbage, backgammon 7"
'Ive 10 one to play with. That i
one thing in my going away" and sh'
swallowed sigh-"my evenings will
be less lonely"
"Ah, yes, ! find the time very Ion,
after dinner. / don't like to go to be,
before 1910, although often feel in
clined to-
Sand the days draw in 80 quickl
now, there is no afternoon--it is al
evening, which reminds me that it i
getting time for me to go, for it take
me quite an hour to get to the sta
ton
"Not in q cab 2"
"No, but | am going to walk it
quite fine and dry, and if feel tire,
, at the Conway road / shall wait at tn
corner for the omnibus passing"
Mss Bright began to put on he
, bonnet. Mr.. Binney walked to tn
. window for minute he looked ou
, then he rang the bell.
, 81 shall go as far as the Conwa