Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-05-06
THE MUSICAL. MAN.

street. The boarders were all inclined to
be cross on Monday mornings-that was
perhaps inseparable from the weakness of
humanity. The wash-boiler was big. and
the stove was little-that was doubtless
the reason that SO many extra tolls came
upon Mrs. Moody's slender shoulders of a
Monday. But when breakfast. with its
endless criticisms and perpetual fault-find-
ings, had come to an end, Mrs. Moody car
ried little tray into Major Peck's room.
The Major was a little lame and good
deal hypochondriacal, and always break
tasted in his own room. He was particu-
lar. and consequently occupied the best
room in the house.
The Major was tall, fne-looking man.
with an imposing presence, good deal of
bald forehead, and an aptitude at Scrip
ture quotations, and all the neighbors said
what comfort it must be to Mrs. Moody
to have such boarder.
They did not krow that the Major was a
sort of distant cousin of the deceased Mr..
Moody, and did not consider it necessary to
pay his board very regularly on that ac-
count. But he gave her good deal OF ex-
cellent advice, and was always ready to tell
her when there was ANYTHING wrong about
the table.
in mep' said the little widow fervently.
The Major had brushed the two wisps of
hair crosswise over the peak of his bald
head this morning, cologned his pocket
handkerchief, and trimmed his fl bert-shap-
ed finger nails to perfection, and he was
waiting in the big easy chair for his break
fast, full five minutes before it's arrived.
"You're late this morning, Mrs. Moody"
he observed reprOachfully
81 am alittle late" apologetically confess
ed Mrs. Moody. 'sBut Sarah Jane was be-
hind hand. There is a regular Scotch mist
in the air, and the kitchen chimney would
not draw. Try new boiled egg, Major.
And the rasher of bacon is good. l know,
for cooked it myself"
'sHumph! humph!' said the Major.
you ought to be a little particular with
your breakfasts, Mrs. Moody. They are
the initial meal of the day, you know.
don't think this coffee is as good as usual.
1t isn't real Java. Mrs. Moody. 1t tastes
like Maracaibo''
81 paid Java price for it," said Mrs.
Moody, meekly; sand the grocer warranted
it,"
"You never can depend upon what these
trades-people say" grunted the major,
with his mouth full of egg, and bacon.
"By- -the-way, is it possible, Mrs. Moody,
that you have taken that opera man into
your third-story hall bedroom? l heard it.
but couldn't bring my mind to believe
it.''
'sHe isn't a singer, major" pleaded the
trembling Mrs. Moody. "And he doesn't
play the flute or the cornet. l took par
ticular pains to inquire about that. He's
engaged in writing a musical book-some-
thing which is to be quite wonderful-and
in the meantime he supports himself by
playing the third violin in the variety
theatre; for he is very poor and"
"Poor!' snorted the major setting down
the emp of despised Maracaibo. "In your
circumstances, Mrs. Monday, you've no
business taking poor boarders."
eyes, I know it. major, but he has just
been sick, and he looked so pale and
wretched-'
"There it is again?" cried Major Peck.
"a woman is SO easily taken in. l tell you,
Mrs. Moody, this man is an impostor, and
so you'll find it's
"Dear, dearr' said Mrs. Moody, the
startled tears coming into her faded blue
eyes.
Sand if you will take my advice" said
the major, waxing momentarily more irri-
table, "you must expect to abide the con-
sequences. This toast is charred-abso
lutely burned to crisp. Take it away !!
Wy breakfast is spoiled!'
"But what am l to do about the new
boarder?" said Mrs. Moody. despairingly.
"Du! shouted the major. Turn him
out of doors! That's the only thing to do
Take away this toast. say! It's pert ct
outrage on civilization"
To Mrs. Moody the majors dictum was
beyond appeal; and after she had had her
usual morning alteration with the butch
er, she crept timidly up to the third-story
hall bedroom to interview the musical
man.
Mr.. Morton was writing Oh the corner of
his wash-stand, with bis shabby greatcoat
on, and a pocket handkerchief tied around
his neck. His pale, grave countenance
softened the landlady's heart at once, as he
courteously rose up and bowed.
"You have come for the weeks board in
advance" said he. ''Pardon me, but our
manager never pays until Saturday night.
1t is not pleasant to confess ones poverty,
but
.'I-I only came to see there was plenty
of fresh towels. And you find it cold
writing here, sir. I'm sure you're very well
come to bring your work down to the par
Ior, where there is a good fire."
Mr.. Morton smiled and bowed.
eyes," he admitted, sit is cold, without
a fire. in November, and I cannot afford
the expense of coal-at present." He
glanced at his blue fingers and shivered
little.) "If it is not too much of a liberty,
will avail myself of your kind offer.''
And Mrs. Moody felt comparatively hap
py when SHE saw the musical man diligent-
har !, s,,% 81, e.
atmospl ere of the glowing anthr acite.
But Mrs. Racquet and her daughter
the gen eelest boarders in the house-took
vehement exceptions to the new plan.
IL am not particular, said tn former
with toss Of her head; but this is really
a little too muchl A man who plays in the
orchestra of third-rate tbeatre!"
''But he is very respectable, ma 'am, l
assure you," said Mrs. Moody, eagerly.
'How am to know that?" said Mrs.
Racquet, tartly. 81 declare, l was morti-
fled to death when Mrs Lawyer Leaking
ton came to call, and found him perched
up i'll the corner! And Melissa and / shall
find it necessary to change our boarding
house, if this sort of thing is to continue"
s.Mr. Morton is gentlernanr' said Mrs.
Moody, reused into temporary spirit. He
has an equal right with yourself in the
parlor."
Mrs. Racquet and Miss Mellisse gave
warning at once.
Mrs. Moody did not care. Miss Jenkins,
the district school teacher, turned up her
nose and left the house.
''She wasn't over critical" she said,
'but there were some things that no one
could stand"
One by one the boarders dropped away
and Major Peck grew deeply indignant.
'tMrs. Moody" he said, II wonder at
you, after all my advice and counsel!''
''You wouldn't have me turn this poor
man out of doors now, of all times, when
he's ill with malarial fever?" said the wild
ow.
eyes wouldy' said the major stoutly.
But, for once, Mrs. Moody disregarded
his advice.
The musical man however, did not die.
He lost his position in the orchestra, of
Course. He was without means to meet
his doctors bill; but DR.. Hayden was a be-
nevoent soul and declared that he could
wait until the profits from the uncompleted
volume should roll in
The musical man was very i'll indeed