Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1885-01-23
THE MUSICAL MAN.

Y
1t was Monday morning in RedstOne
,treet. The boarders were all inclined
to be cross on Monday mornings-that
was perhaps inseparable from the
weaknesses of humanity. The wash
boiler was big, and the stove was
llttle-that was perhaps the reason
that the coffee was cold and the chops
undone. The one servant was over
worked-that was doubtless the reason
that so many extra tolls came upon
Mrs. Moody's slender shoulders of a
Monday. But when the breakfast,
with its endless criticisms and perpet-
ual ault-fndings, had come to an end,
Mrs. Moody carried a little tray into
Major Pecks room.
The major was a little lame and a
good deal hypochondriacal, and always
breakfasted in his own room. He was
particular, and consequently occupied
the best room in the house.
The major was a tall, ine-looking
man, with an imposing presence, a
good deal of bald forehead, and great
aptitude at Scripture quotations, and
all the neighbors said what a comfort
it must be to Mrs. Moody to have such
a boarder.
They did not know that the major
was sort of distant cousin of the
deceased Mr.. Moody, and did not con-
slider it necessary to pay his board
very regularly on that account, But
he gave her good deal of excellent
advice, and was always ready to tell
her when there was anything wrong
about the table.
$50 kind of him to take such al
interest in me !" said the little widow I
ferveptiy. - .T
The major had brushed the twS
wisps of hair crosswise over the peak
of his bald head this morning, cologned
his pocket handkerchief, and trimmed
his filbert-shaped finger nails to perfec-
tion, and he was waiting in the big
easy-chair for his breakfast full five
minutes before it arrived.
you're late this morning, Mrs.
Moody" he observed, reproachfully.
al am a little late" alphabetically
confessed Mrs. Moody. "But Sarah
Jane was behindhand. There's a
regular Scotch mist in the air, and the
kitchen chimney would not draw. Try
a new boiled egg. major And the
rasher of bacon is good, l know, for
cooked it myself"
"Humph humph Y said the major.
"You ought to be little particular
with your breakfasts, Mrs. Moody.
They are the initial meal of the day.
YOU know. This coffee is not as good
as usual. 1t isn't real Java, Mrs.
Moody; it tastes like Maracaibo."
Il paid Java price for it." said Mrs,
.Ioody, meekly; 'and the grocer war
ranted it."
you can never depend upon what
these tradespeople 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? | heard it, but l couldn't
bring my mind to believe il"
"He isn't singer, major" pleaded
The trembling Mrs. Moody, "And he
doesn't play the flute or the cornet.
| took particular pains to inquire all
about that. He's engaged in writing
a musical something which is
% be quite wonderful in the
meantime he supports himself by
playing the third violin IN the theatre;
,or he is very poor and"
"Poor !" snorted the major, setting
iown the cup of despised MaracaibO;
in your circumstances, Mrs. Moody,
you've no business taking poor board
ers."
"Yes, know it, major, but he has
ust been sick, and he looks so pale
and wretched-"
"There it is again p cried Major
Peck. A woman is so easily taken in.
tell you, Mrs. Moody, the man is an
mpostor and so you'll find it,
Dear, dear p said Mrs Moody, the
startled tears coming into her faded
blue eyes.
"And if you will not take my ad-
vice. said the major, waxing momen-
.arily more irritable, "you must expect
to abide the consequences. This toast
s charred-absolutely burned to a
crisp Take it away. Mrs. Moody-do
take it away! My breakfast IS
spoiled y
"But what am l to do about the
new boarder ?" said Mrs. Moody, des-
pairingly.
do" shouted the major. Turn
him out of doors That's the only
hing to do. Take away this toast,
'ay It's perfect outrage on ciyiil-
sation |"