The Mineral argus., 1885-02-05

don't know what l had done Il
merit the spite of fortune, which led
me to No. 1872 Peckover street in search
of lodgings.
Were the apartments dingy? De-
cidedly so. The paper was of a very
trying pattcrn-in two drabs; the car
pet rather more tr, lag in yellows and
browns, with this advantage, that its
pattern WAS almost worn thrcadbarc and
pleasantly eiIaced. The yollew drapery
vas of similar hue to the paper, and
muslin curtains, drawn partially across,
had become reduced by dust and smoke
To the same suldued color.
There were one or two striking por-
traits family ones probably on the
walls, and yet more striking fire. stove
ornament in the crate. ! forget further
details.
The lan,llady was elderly and limp,
with SORT of washed-out and plalntive
aspect. and tendency to sigh and fold
her hands. She was very attentive,
however and anxious to show her first
floor" to the best advantage.
"The curtains will wash?" said I,
looking around.
Dear, Yes. sir, surely! We was
lettin EN- 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
ell her hands again. She wore black
worsted mittens.
II hope" I said, in my polite way,
"you don't mind my naming it-but, of
co,lrse-your-ahem -the-the beds
free. you know-from-from any little
annOyunces %
had had my experience-preceding
those three years Of paradise and Mrs.
Chick. and was nervous, partly from
dread of the indignation I had before
aroused in the housekeeping breast by
the above delicate question and part
~ 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. Maudle that was her name)
adopted neither of these extremes; she
only shook her head pensivelv and said
ITO my knowledge there amt u liv-
ing flea in this house," Il didn't mean
Aeas. though) ''but you know. sir, we
live in vale If tears, and in course
there will b. such trials for all Mt times.
II am so tried, l hope to bear it meek
ly."
And think Mrs. Maudle shed tear.
IL am very glad to hear it," said
nov about terms, il ar.
range to come"
"Oh, don't speak of terms, sir; I'm
sure what you've been in the habit OF
paying will suit us, CT less, maybe, as
its more for the keepin' of the rooms |
aired. helm as the house is too big for |
us, and the protection Of havin' gent |
like Yourself, under our roof, Maudle .
bein low 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, rs there's no place
like it"
"Ah thank vou-thank you"
The light-when til. windows were |
suit my work, the ex-
cheauer was somewhat low. time was an
object, and. taking all in all. / closed
with my obliging landiady's terms,
whi:h gave her much pensive satisfac-
ton.
And il you'll he pleased to name
your wishes. sir, in all respects" said
Mrs. Maudle with faint sigh in con-
clusion. I've hope to do our humble
best to meet EN-"
You're very good" said I;''I don't /
think you'll find me exacting: I confess
to few weaknesses. I dislike damp
sslt and smoky potatoes. i object to \
hot dinner on o cold plate. and I'm par
hal to clean linen. That's about all,
think"
Mrs. Maudle readily acquiesced in
these modest requirements, observing
that "a hangel couldn't want less" and
thereupon We parted.
In due time myself and my few belong
ings were conveyed in a cab to 1872
Peckover street l had dined. and be-
yond cup Of coffee wanted nothing.
Mrs. Maudle brought me the coffee her
self.
I'm sure. air. hope it's as you like"
said she. meekly: but. if not. You'll
kindly name it. And Sophonisba Ann