The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1884-05-30

pretty, W1nsomo Fanny Kimberly again.
There were few. influences that could
soften the upper crust Of manner Of
Rupert Smithson, but he could hide his
face away whom Fanny played, ashamed
Of himself Of tears that started or smiles
that lowered ON his lips, ~ the music
pierced down into that warm loving
heart he had tried to conceal with Gym.
zeal words and looks.
So, when the final chords of the
nocturne melted softly into silence, the
old bachelor stole away and left the
house, bidding no one farewell. They
were accustomed to his singular ways,
ard no one followed him, but
Mrs. Kimberly sighed, a. she said
Rupert gets older and crustier every
year."
"Bnt is 20 good, Fannie said, leaving
the piano stool with twirl that kept Il
spinning around giddily.
why don't he get married ?" said Ru.
pert. cts downright shame to keep
that splendid house shut up year after
year, except Just the few rooms Uncle
Rupert and Mrs. Jones occupy"
II mean to ask him, Fannie said, i'm.
pulsively.
No, no, said Mrs. Kimberly, hastily.
"Never speak Of that to your uncle + Fan
ny-never."
"But why not?"
never told you before, but your un.
Gle was engaged years ago, and there
was some trouble. I never understood
about Il exactly, for was married and
left Wilton the same year that Rupert
came to New York. But this do know
the lady, after waiting three or foul
years, married, and Rupert has never
been the same man since. i am quite
sure he was very much attached to her
and that you would wound him, Fannie
If you tested about marriage"
But don't mean to jest ct all.
think he would be ever 30 much hap.
pier with. some one to love, and some
one to love him in return. II must be
dreadfully lonesome in that large house
with no companion but Mrs. Jones, who
is . hundred years old, am certain.
lie ought to marry her." said Ru.
pert, "she always calls him dearie."
don't children, jeat about il any
MORE" said the mother, land be sure
you never mention the subject to your
uncle"
The first Of April was clear, rattle,
cold day, the air bright and swapping,
and the sky all treacherous smiles, q
became the coquettish month of sun
shine and showers.
Uncle Rupert, finishing his lonely
breakfast, thought to himself:
II must be on the lookout to-day for
Rupert's promised trick. He won't
find it SO easy as he imaginea to fool his
old uncle. Who's there? The last in
answer to somewhat timid knock up
on the door.
II certainly was not easy to astonish
Rupert Smithson, but his eyes opened
with most unmistakable expression Of
amszement as the door opened to admit
tall slender figure in deep mourning,
and low very sweet voice asked:
"Is this the landlord?"
"The-the-what?"
II called about the house, SIR"
what house?" ''Take . seat. re-
calling his politeness.
Els not this AZ W-place?n
Certainly it u.s."
II have been on the lookout for some
time for furnished house suitable for
boarders, sir, and If I find this one suits
me, and the rent is not too high"
But" interrupted the astonished
bachelor.
20, hope its not taken. The sd-
vertisement said to call between eight
and nine, and it struck eight as I stood
upon the doorstep"
"You have the Herald in your hand,
sir" she said, timidly. II did not cut
it out"
ooh, you saw it in the Herald,p and
he turned to the list of houses to let.
Sure enough, there it was. D
ITO let, furnished, three-story,
brown stone front, basement" and
rather full description of the advan.
tages of the premises, with the en-
pathic addition, Call only between 8
and q. M"
$50 to be sure I am at home, the ras-
CALI" said Rupert Smithson, laying
aside the paper. liam sorry, madam, !"
he said, that you have had the trouble
of calling upon useless errand."
"Then it is taken!" said very disap-
pointed voice, and the heavy Grape veil
was lifted to show Q sweet, matronly
face framed in that saddest of all bad
ges, widows cap.
"Well, no." said the perplexed bach
elor, "it is not exactly taken"
Perhaps you object to boardersS"
"You want to take boarders ?" he an
swered, thinking how lady like and
gentle abe looked, and wondering il she
had long been Q widow.
Eyes, sir; but I would be very care
full about the references"
"Have you ever kept boarders be-
fore?"
"No, sir. Since my husband died
six years ago The failed in business, and
brought on severe illness by mental
anxiety my daughter and myself have
been sewing, but we have both been in
Ill health all winter, and I wish to try
some way of getting q living that is less
combining. have kept house several
years, but I have not capital to furnish,
80 we want to secure Q house furnished
like this one. If possible"
Quite unconscious of the reason, Ru-
pert Smithson was finding it very pleas
ant to talk to this gentle little widow
about her plans as she spoke, was won
dering If it would not make an agree
able variety in his lonely life to let her
make her experiment of keeping board
ers upon the premises.
II think You will be satisfied with
my references, sir, have lived in one
house and have had work from one firm
for six years, and If you require il I
can obtain letters from my husbands
friends in Cincinnati"
sCincinnati!"
HE was quite we'll known there.
Perhaps You know Of him, John MUIR
ry,--street?"
"John Murry!"
Rupert Smithson looked searchinply
into the pale sad face that was so plead
ingly raised to his gaze. Where were
the rosy cheeks, the dancing eyes, the
laughing lips that he had pictured ss
belonging to John Murryis wifeP
Knowing now the truth, he recognized
the face before him, the youth ali gone,
and the expression sanctified by sorrow
and suffering.
You have children" he said, after .
long silence.