National Republican., 1885-09-26
THE BREAKFAST TABLE.

At homer For him there may not he
euch pleasure. lie has no home. So,
hither he comes, this morning, to breakfast
with crowd Of strangers men and women,
OF all classes, to none Of whom shall he dare
even speak. The two solemn gentlemen
and the one timid young lady who share a
particular table with him, though they sit
in touching distance, are yet as remote as
were they In three divisions Of the globe;
for instance, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Each looks at the other, each guesses an
opinion OF the other. and each does no
more, save contemplate the important
present business-breakfast.
IL is a city refectory-meals by card,
from 10 TO 30 cents per meal.
Only one OF his solemn uncompanionable
companions has thus far been furnished
with the mornings restorative, one only,
who, over cup and plate, profoundly CEN
ters all thought in self. The next neighbor,
serious also, and very stout and bald-headed,
waits, with no Christian virtue, ever and
anon looking eagerly to the far wall OF the
long room, door in which communicates
with the kitchen. But she comes not yet,
his own pretty waiter girl-and will she
ever comeP To the hungry and ponder
Gus expectant, and the other expectants also,
Thine is shorth is no true saying.
The interesting young lady resembles
that famous "Patence on monument smil-
ing at grief" which appearance Ewes fair
daughters can readily assume, even when they
remost discomfort. To conceal is the great
effort and triumph Of their lives. Generally
her eyes are downcast. She looks up now,
and each OF the two gentlemen opposite,
especially the stout one. receives the CLAN ce
as tribute Of admiration TO himself, and
instantly endeavors, though with feeble
success, TO smile reciprocation. Where
upon, to her slken lap again or to the floor,
descend her eyes abashed.
Her immediate neighbor, close to her
sweet side, being younger than the pair
across the board, pities her; is very sorry
indeed for her suffering bashfulness, and
would do anything In the world to make
her feel more sat home;n he who has no
home himself.
An opportunity occurs Her handker-
chief falls.
"Permt me, Miss.n
lie has stopped to the recovery. lie
courteously returns it.
Now, verify, the lone maiden's eyes
flash delightful, yet dreamy, luster, full into
his own. Her "Thank you ~ is perfect
music Flash and music which neither
illuminate nor charm the couple opposed.
They grow dark, dark and indignant.
just as the pretty tray bearers arrive with
ample supply Of edibles for all, just then
the beautiful brealifaster is informed that It
is "a lovely morning." whereto asscnting,
she listens to the expression of fear that
the "weather is rather warm for the OPERA"
and thus several little subjects Of conversa-
tion rise bright and brief as bubbles, but
fair and pleasant while they last.
| They cannot continue long on this occa-
sion; but that handkerchief, like Othello's,
may become most important trine in the
story-not tragedy, let 1t be hoped-of two
chance guests at a public banquet hall.
For enough has been learned even In hall
an hour to reveal path which may be pur.
sued, and which may give the "homeless" O
home, s. ID.