The Mineral argus., 1885-02-05

phonisls Ann mostly waits on Lodgers
sir Chats my daughter, and I'm sur,
always within, though that timid and
soft-hearted-but there! don't mind m.
q sayin, as a mother. perhaps more thar
l ought respectin' my own"
1 said was much obliged to her and
her daughter for their kind intentions
and wished her good night She sighed
sudibly, and held the door handle fol-
another minute. then, with an air OF
resignation. retired.
Morning brought breakfast and So
phonisba Ann. This young person was.
If possible, meeker and more depresse
than her parent. She carried her head
a little on one side and shifted with every
breath as If from chronic influenza.
Her complexion was pale, not to say
pasty, and her hair and eyebrows Whitley
brown. Sophonisba AIMS figure was
remarkable for depression where full
ness might be expected and curious
bulging tendency wherever the opposite
effect was usual. Her attire was chiefly
notable for hooks and eyes-with diff
ference of opinion that materially him
dered friendship, and refractory hair
pins, which found had a way of drop
ping out into all sorts of odd places.
/ found one, one day, 1t the bottom of
my jug of porter, ut dinner!
This interesting young person con-
trived to make ii surprising clatter with
the breakfast ware, upset chair and
threw down o pile Of nv books before
making her exit. I attributed this to
the timidity which her mother had as
sured me was counterbalan eel by so
many virtues, and could not in reason,
complain; but when, in removing the
breakfast things, the same pile of books
underwent precisely the same fate. and
gave me such a start that nearly cut
off finger in mending a pen, l could
not help saying, rather brusquely, For
heavens sake, my good girl, he
careful what You do next" which pro-
duced quite an attack of shifting and
hasty retreat ON the part of the unlucky
maiden.
A little later in the day. my landlady
knocked timidly at my door.
Come I'M" said I.
She came in folding ner hands and
looking up at the ceiling.
I'm sure, sir, you'll excuse it. though
q liberty, but as I'm mother, which it's
nothing after oil, and I've no call to
worrit, I'm certain, but it's my daugit.
er, sir, o takin' on 80 after Won spoke to
her this mornin,' and if you'd he so very
kind, seein' as Sophonisba Ann Is so
tender hearted" -
"What is it about?" / said, Is the
fearful lady paused to take breath. II
don't understand.
"Oh! and I'm sure you didn't mean
for to hurt her feelin's sir. and she owns
it she's said rs much in that kitchen
down below to me. His way seemed
harsh, she says. hut his hearts in the
right place, she sara; I'm certain sura
of it, she says. and she's been a cryin'
her eyes out, which Sophonisba Ann is
rather 'sterical at times, sir. tell her
I'm sure you don't mean nothing, and
likely it won't SO occur again."
BLESS me?" said I, "this is very fool.
ish; of cour 70 I didn't mean to hurt
your daughters feelings, nam; pray
abruptly since you've named it."
"Oh! sir, you're the most feelin' gent
as ever / did know, I'm sure, don't
know whatever my gur'll say-and the
last gent We had SO differcnt-so wio-
lent in Inns language: not to speak Of
banging the door. o dear! what 1t is
to have a sperrit, which is what me and
mine never had, and SO the world tram
pies Oh us, said Mrs. Maudle.
II hope not" said I. "YOu should
take more cheerful view of life, Mrs.
was very busy. and wished she
would go, but she didn't.
"WelJ, sir" she observed with sigh,
ones: and Maudle's nerves that low!
never shall forget when he asted me to
have him-that's seven and-twenty-y year |
ago-'Mariar, he says to me Chats my |
name -"but there, sir, don't mind me,
which as wife l hope have q wife's |
and Mrs Maadle shed tears.
did mind her very much, and de.
voutly wished her at the North Pole, as |
she stood in the doorway wiping her
eyes with her apron, and evidently |
my sympathy.
"rm sure Mr.. Maudle's choice does
him credit" I said desperately, "he
couldn't do better than take q good wife
to sooth the path of life for him; wasn't
that your door-bell?"
"Sophonisba Ann will answer the door
sir, which think you was mistaken,
and it didn't ring" said Mrs Maudle.
Il am sure never did meet with gen.
fleman SO thoughtful and feelin'; real
friend, as one may say, already, and I'm
only thankful-"
"I'm afraid I must trouble you to
shut that door, Mrs. Maudle," gasped.
I'm subject to ear-ache, and the |