The Osceola times., 1886-07-31
HIS JAPANESE WIFE.
A Native Curiosity, Even to the
Chop-Sticks.

The town of Bromley was like other
small towns to every one but the Brom-
leyites. They held different opinion
"A very remarkable place is Brom-
ley" said one of its principal citizens,
accentng his remark with vigorous
slap on his knee. ''Many of the most
remarkable men of our country have
been connected with Bromley" And
he looked fercely at the person with
whom he was conyerSing, as if TO
challenge of refutation None came,
either because his listener was native to
the place and agreed with him, or being
an alien, did not dare to disagree.
1t was true beyond dispute that the
Governor of a distant Territory had
once lived in Bromley; also doubtless
true that many public men early in their
career, or before it had begun, had passed
through Bromley, possibly in the capac-
ity of drummer" Ga stage in the ca
reer of many celebrated American),
and tfpsconnected themselves with It,
shedding upon it the lustre of their fu-
ture greatness. There was at least as
broad foundation for the remark as
for many things that one hears in this
world.
Bromley was most hospitabe to the
stranger, aud TO a unit kind and de-
voted to its neighbors in sickness or
sorrow. II everybody knew about
everybody else's affairs, even in some
cases better than the individual himself,
that was but incidental to the size of the
place, and had its advantages as well as
its disadvantages.
A broad main street led from the
railroad depot TO the courthouse,
crossed in front of that fine structure
by another at right angles to it, which
was also an important thoroughfare
An Interested observer leaning against
the iron fence which enclosed the court
house yard might thus have an oppor-
tunity OF seeing and hearing a great
deal; for although there were, of course,
number of other streets, these two
were the chief, and what could not be
learned on either of them was scarcely
worth knowing.
The town was in gentle twitter of
excitement for it was to be visited, If
not temporarily inhabited, by gentle
man who had held a distinguished
official position in Japan; how dstin-
guished no one could say. Unfortu-
nately the sources of information were
less accessible than usual. and conse-
quently conjecture was obliged to fill
the gap. He was coming with a retinue
of servants; he was coming alone; he
was coming with his wife; he had no
wife; he was very wealthy he had dis
dained TO fill his pockets even at the
expense of foreign country So went
the conflicting rumors. One thing was
certain; he was the nephew Of Mrs. Long,
and was to be her guest. Had he
been the nephew of any one save Mrs.
Long, Bromley would have known more
about him. But Mrs. Long was no true
Bromeyite. She had come there to live
within a few years; why, no one knew;
was an invalid who seldom went out,
and was both exclusive and secluded in
her habits Bromley did not quite APP
prove of her ways, but had to accept
her as she was; and as, when visible,
she was very pleasant, and also gave
literally to all charities and matters of
general interest to the place, she made
no enemies, if but few friends The
distinguished stranger or strangers ar
rived on Sunday evening, stepped into
Mrs. Longs carriage, and were rapidly
driven TO her house, where the door
closed upon them, and all hopes of any
further knowledge of them for that
night. Nobody could testify positively
how many there were.
'tNp Mopn,ro ~ caiI Mra onnr g
fectonately, stopping forward, wrapped
up IN shawls, '.l am glad to see you.
And this is the bride" And she bent
forward and kissed her new niece.
Later, as they sat at the tea table,
spread with the choicest viands and
adorned with the most elegant old sil-
yer and cut glass, her nephew asked
her how she came to settle in Bromley,
though it seems to be pretty enough
place to Justify it without other reason"
be added, las far as neighboring seem
cry goes. "
She gave little amused laugh.
There isn't soul in Bromley that
would not like TO hear the answer TO
that question. But m SO wicked I've
never gratified them. came TO be
49," iouiu lH6 CITY was gelbnp too
NOISY and too full Of people for me.
Inc scenery here is beautiful, and the
air ! think remarkably fine. The people
are verykind, or would be if would let
them They DON'T quite approve of me be-
cause won't. But can't afford to be
Popular since came for quiet" The
nephew laughed. "lf your wife is not
TOO tired, and you will both 60 to church
tomorrow, you will be bestowing a
,pooh on the community at large. |
know they are all dying TO see you. 1t
Is the first time any thing japanese has
I come within their borders, fancy"
10 you go to church yourselfP" he
very rarely, though it is only
across the way. But am too much of
an invalid"
ut is evident you want us to be
popular, even il you are not" he
sad, as they rose from the table.
why notp You are both too young
.nd healthy to requir, quiet and seclu-
son as l do. Well, Moncure, I sup
pose You will prefer mat and . wooden