The Warner weekly sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1885, 1885-01-30
THE MEEK FAMILY.

VI 1OuSlISo'
Were the apartments dingy? De
cidedly so. The paper was of a very
trying pattern-in two drabs; the car,
pet rather more trying in yellowS anc
browns, with this advantage, that it,
pattern was almostworn throadbare and
pleasantly effaced. The yollew drapery
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 por'
traits Family mes probably on the
walls, and a vet more striking fire-stove
ornament in the CRATE. I forget further
details.
The landlady was elderly and limp,
with a sort of washed-out and plalntive
aspect, and o tendency to sigh and fold
her hands. She was very attentive,
however and anxious to show her "2rst
hoor" to the best advantage.
The curtains will wash?" said l,
looking around.
Dear. Yes, sir, surely! We was
lettin'' 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 fades mostly, don't
they sir ?"
The landlady sighed gently and fold
ed her hands again. She wore black
worsted Gaittens.
Il hope" I said, in my polite way,
-you don't mind my naming it-but, of
ourse-yeur-ahem-the-the beds
free. you know-from-from any little
annoyances or"
lad had my experience-preceding
those three years of paradise and Mrs.
Chick, and l was nervous, partly from
dread of the Indignation / had before
aroused in the housekeeping breast by
the above delicate question and part
ly FROM the recollection of results that
had followed on the assurance of land
ladies of another class that their knowl-
edge Of natural history did not extend
TO the species alluded to, and that they
were at fault to comprehend my mean
ing.
Mrs. MaHdle that was her name)
adopted neither of these extremes; she
aaly ghaak her head pensi#elET and said !:
TO my knowledge there amt a liv-
ing flea in this house, III didn't mean
heas. thought .'but ron know, sir, we
live In a vale Of tears, and In course
there viii b. such trials for all at times.
If i am SO tried, ! hope to bear it meek
~"
And I think Mrs. Maudle shed tear,
II am very glad to hear it," said /
cheerfnlly, now about terms, il / ar
rangs 10 come"
oh, don't speak Of terms, sir; I'm
sure what you've been in the habit of
paving will snit US, ar less, maybe, as
IFS Dor for the keepin' Of the rooms
aired, bein' as the house is too big for
Us, aud the protection Of hayin' a gent
ike Yourself, under our roof, Maudle
bein lew IN his nerves of late years and
myself haven't that sperrit as some
have, which. I'm sure, sir, ANYTHING we
can do to make you comfortable and
and feel at home, q there's no place
like it.
aAhl thank you-thank you."
The light-when the windows were
cleaned-would suit my work, the ex-
chequer was somewhat low, time was an
object, and, taking all In all. l closed
with my obliging landiady's terms,
whish gave her much pensiye satisfac-
ton.
And il you'll be pleased to name
your wishes, sir, in all respects, " said
Mrs. Maudle with a faint sigh in con-
cIusion, I'VE hope to do III humble
best to meet EN-"
you're very good" said 1T don'
think you'll find me exacting;I confess
10 d few weaknesses. ] dislike damp
salt and smoky potatoes. I object to
hot dinner on o cold plate. and I'm par,
tial to clean linen. That's about all
4 think"
Mrs. Maudle readily acquiesced ii
shese modest requirements, observing
that ssa hanged couldn't want less, " AND
~thereupon we parted.
In due timo myself and my few belong
ings were conveyed n o cab to l3
Pockoyer street. I had dined, and be
yond cup Of coffee wanted nothing
Mrs. MAudle brought me the coffee her
self.
Pm SIRE, SIR, i hope It's as you like,
said she, meekly; .bnt, II not, you,
kindly name it. And Sophonisba An
viii bring ron yonr watsr at any hou
7ou'Ii mention III the mornin', sir. Sc