Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1886-01-07

too, Mrs. Muntle did not smile at his
aches and pains and insist that he
must be perpetually we'll because he had
fresh complexion and dimples on his
cheeks She had savory herb teas and
potions which she produced when he
complained of feeling miserable.
For two months and more, Mr.. Pat
terson boarded with Mrs. Muntle, and
happier months he never lived through
Then he went back to the city for a
few weeks, returning in urgent need
Of more pellets from the medicine chest
and staying until the last pink chrys-
anthemum was blooming on its wither.
cred branches He had grown so fond
of his little room, with its white cur
tains and fresh grass-bleached linen,
Of the country good things and Of the
lxom Mrs. Muntle, that he could not
bear the thought Of parting with them
altogether,
After all, why could he not buy a
house and get Mrs Muntle to keep it
for him !? Perhaps she would. He
would offer a high salary, and she
could have plenty of servants. Thon,
indeed, he might have friends to dine
with him, and be as happy as possible.
If only he could approach his hostess,
showing her as he did so that he con-
sidered her his equal and lady-and
all that she certainly was; a clergy
mans daughter and the widow of u
country doctor,
After much consideration he finally
mustereh courage for the effort, and
walked into the front parlor and sent
the servant to ask Mrs. Murtle to
please step there for y moment,
'Gracious!' thought Mrs Muntle to
herself 'want can he want?
Then she blushed brightly, settled
her necktie, took off her apron and
walked demurely in.
BE seated, ma an said Mr. patter-
son. sit here please. Allow me to
sit near you, as | have something to
ask which may require some considora-
ton
oh, dear, it is co.ningp thought
Mrs, Muntle.
4 suppose you know I'm man of
considerable you means, ma'An, said
the old bachelor, able to buy nice
house, furnish it we'll and live IN it
comfortably p"
50 ye understood, Mr.. Patterson
said the widow.
And of course it is pleasanter to live
that way than at hotel, said Mir.
Patterson.
1 should Judge it might be- said
Mrs. Muntle cautiously.
You Judge rightly, said Mr.. Patter
son but you know bachelor must be
in the hands of servants if he keeps a
house. A gentleman doesn't want
that !; he wants lady to superintend
things for hm-some one Of taste and
refinement and all that. Common
people don't understand his feelings,
and mercenary servants are poor de
pendcnce.
1 know that said Mrs. Muntle.
You are almost as much al one as |
aren't you, Mrs. Muntle |? said Mr..
Patterson, coaxingly.
The doctor knew him. He's going
to do it just as he said he would If he
ever did, said the lady to herself.
Aloud she answered We'll, sir, | AN
pretty free, it Is true. All my chill
dren are married we'll.
i know money would be no object to
pou,' said Mr.. Patterson. You have
enough, But if | was to tell you that
| hated boarding houses and wanted
home, | think you would have pity on
me. III buy beautiful house, and
you shall have complete control Of
everything ; only to make my straw
berry short, cake for ME ali my life.
He pouscd and looked at the lady.
THAT is delicately put, he thought.
Now will you hire OUT for q house
keeper, l wonder
1 amt romantic, though said Mrs,
Muntle; but still we amt young,
neither OF US, and it gets to be just that
with the most sentimental after awhile.
Don't refuse me, pleaded Mr.. Pat
terson.
Well, MIR. Patterson, | WON'T said
Mrs. Muntle. I'm my own mistress ;
and though I've never thought of a
second marriage, why think Pm war
ranted in making one. And no doubt
l shall meyer repent, for think you We
fine disposition, and I understand