The Washington critic., 1886-01-15
AMY'S LOVER.


London. Miss Vulturc, a thorough
specimen of spitcful old maid, lived
in one, and next door resided Mrs. At.
wood and her family, consisting of two
noisy boys of about 10 and 10, and two
charming girls, both under 20 years of
age. These two girls, Amy and Kate,
were Miss Nulturc's particular abomi-
nation, and they knew it, and in return
did not bear her any good will. She was
always stationed at her paTlor window
when they went out, and knowing her
eagle eye to be upon them, they would
thrust their hands into their pretty
little tailor-made jacket pockets and
trip along in particularly saucy and
aggravating fashion.
Then they would play cricket and
romp with their brothers in their back
garden, singing, and even whistling, at
the top of their voices. On all occa-
. sions they did theii best to shock Miss
Nulturc--and succeeded. This caused
Miss Vulture TO watch and pry all the
more.
OiC llOlIii III lIO NNliN lDuli VI
November, as Miss Vulture was sitting
at her window knitting and quizzing
her neighbors, Amy came swiftly out
of the house next door. She knew
Miss Nulture was watching her, for she
perched her hat coqucttishly on one
side and drew her handkerchief out of
her ulster pocket with an elaborate
flourish; but as she did SO, little pink
note was pulled out with it, and flut-
tered down on the pavement. She
passed on unconscious of her loss.
With a little smothcrcd cry of glec Miss
Vulture sprang To her feet, breathlessly
watched her enemy out of sight, then
flew down stairs and sent Bridget, her
little maid, out to pick up the note.
The girl brought il in, and grinning
broadly, handed it to her mistress, who,
with fingers trembling from excite.
ment, unfolded il and read these words,
written in q bold, masculine hand, with
many flourishcs;
Ny DdHinO AMg; must see you tonight
somehow. will be Mt the bottom of your
garden Mt halfpast this evening. Contrve
to slip ont there, but pray be careful, my
dearest Your doting lover, q. F.
Miss Vulture had much ado to keep
from executing II wild dance of joy
there and then.
Caught at last, Miss Amy" she
cried, exultantly. Then, enjoining
Bridget to strict silence, she retired to
her bedroom, probably to give vent to
her feelings in break down.
Half-past s Miss Vulture, who had
passed u restless, unsettled evening,
wrapped her waterproof cloak around
her spare shoulders, cautiously opened
the lower door, and crept into her back
garden. All was still, and the night
was calm and bright, lighted by stars.
She sped silently down the sandcd
paths, and arriving at the end, paused
breathless.
Carefully concealing herself behind
tall laurel bush, she pcered over the
wall. There, sitting on the low garden
seat, was the figure OF man, and at
his side, with her head resting on his
shoulder, she saw Amy. She was
talking in low subducd tones, almost
whispers, but though the old maid
craned her neck far over the wall, she
could not catch word that was said
"llorrid, artful little wretch |
knew that girl was no good" thought
the spinster. Now is the time to act!"
Then, drawing back silently, she
fastened into the house Her spectacles
fell from her nose in her hurry, and
were trodden under her feet, but, hardly
waiting to bewail their loss, she sped
through her own house, flew up the
next door-steps, and knocked sharply.
A servant opened the door, and, not
even waiting to be answered, she
passed the astonished girl and made
her way into Mrs. Atwood's sitting
room.
That lady was alone. She rose and
held out her hand.
Good evening, Miss Vulturc," she
said, pleasantly.
Madam" cried the spinster, in n
tragic tone, your daughter has de
ccivcd you"
II don't understand you," said Mrs.
Atwood, coldly. "What has my daugh-
ter been doing now, that you need in
tcrlerc?"
Come with me and | will show
you," replied the old maid.
Mrs. Atwood looked her disbelief,
but allowed the maiden lady to carry
her of that she might prove her words
or clear up the mystery.
Pray be quiet, and keep in the
shadow Of the bushes" said Miss Vul-
ture in warning whisper, "thcn we
shall catch them unawares.
She led the way, and they reached
the bottom of the garden undetccted,
and burst suddenly upon the guilty
pair, Miss Vulturc still in the fore
amy" cried her mother in genuine
amazement.
Yes, mamma" replied Amy,
sweetly, and rising, she stood in front
of her lover with her back toward him,
as If to screen him.
Miss Nulturc burst out Indignantly:
"Nliss Amy, are you not thoroughly
ashamed Of yourself for this scandal
ous behavior Can you dare look your
mother in the facey'
Yes" replied the girl brazenly.
Certainly, mamma knew nothing
about il; hut we intend TO tell her to-
morrow, and ask permission to burn
him.
"ro WHAT" shrieked Miss Nulture.
"To burn him-thc guy, you know,
Miss Nulture, replied Amy, swectly;
and she stood aside to give the spinster
n full view of the figure ON the chair,
Three screams OF laughter echoed
through the garden, and Kate and her
brothers emerged from the bushes,
Tom carrying bull's,eye lantern,
which he turned full upon the noble
form Of Amy's lover.
Then they all roared with laughter
that is to say, all excepting the old
maid.
"Oh, Miss Vulture," said Mrs. At
wood, when she had recovered herself
a little, you must forgive my naughty
children FOR laughing at you; they are
so full of life and fun can do nothing
with them"
"Nnu Ind fnrpoiten tn-mOrroM WINS