Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1886-11-25
It's an i'll Wind that blows Nobody Good.

1t was the never-to-be forgotten
Goth of August, and all that long
weary day I had been sitting at the
open window of my room, or pacing
restlessly up and down its narrow linn
its. AS it was my vacation, / was
not "due" at my desk, and l was toe
much disguised with my fellow-crea-
lures to seek their companionship.
Twice had my sympathizing land
lady knocked at my door, with gen.
tie intimation that dinner was ready,
and twice had | growled out, Il don't
want any dinner-do leave me alonel'
Poor dear Mr.. Foster T. | heard
her sigh to the chambermaid, as she
beat retreat the second time. 81
am afraid he has something on his
mind |"
Something on my mind l should
think l had Wouldn't any man
have something on his mind, who had
been treated as | had been
Only two weeks ago, and ! would
have taken my oath that | was the
happiest fellow in all California. Had
not Nellie Jameson-bless her sweet
face-just owned that she loved me,
after having driven me nearly wild
by her hirtations with other men; and
hadn't l rushed off and purchased
there and then, the prettiest little
house on Russian Hill, which hap
pened to see day or two before? 1t
was nearly new, and very neatly fur
nished. Its owner was about moving
to the East, and l got the whole es-
Enlistment at a very moderate price,
which the savings of my salary enabled
me to pay. Again and again explored
every nook and corner with the most
rapturous delight, fancying how cheer
full the little parlor would look when
graced by Nelle's presence; then
wandering off TO the kitchen, and en-
deavoring to determine whether there
was every convenience there, as the
owner had assured me, or whether |
had better hasten to the nearest hard
ware store, and order a few carloads
of pots and pans. On the whole, |
decided to wait till Nellie should in
spect it with me, which | had made
up my mind should be as soon as her
father returned.
She was an only child, and Mr..
Jameson was a widower. lie had
been away on business for some weeks
now, and did not know Of the precise
condition Of affairs between us, but
that gave me little uneasiness, He
had always been very friendly, invi-
ted me frequently to his house, and
never objected to Nelle's walking or
riding with me; in short, had behav-
ed, thought, as a father-in-law elect
should do.
Yes, l suppose so, Nellie said, when
] made this remark, in answer to her
wonder what papa would say, '-'only,
Harry, don't you remember you said
yourself that you did not see why he
brought Mr.. Selby here 30 often,
and
And as soon as | can talk to your
father he shall come no more, | in
terrupted. i do not like the man, and
| don't believe the fine stories he tells
of his great wealth. But never mind
him now, Nellie, l added, 4 don't
like to see you look 80 sad. Come
and sing me one more song, and then
I must say goodnight
And she had sung, and the days
had gone blissfully by, until about
the twentieth of August, when Mr..
Jameson had returned. was at his
house when he arrived, and at once
made known all my hopes and plans.
To my surprise, he asked, What
property have you, Mr.. Foster ?
Now, he knew as well as did, that
l was head clerk in a large establish
ment, and had a good salary, with
strong hopes of soon becoming mem.
Der Of the firm, for the senior partner
was an old friend ofMr. Jameson, and
told me that he had made strict in