Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1886-01-07


Then he went back to the city for few
weeks. returning in urgent need OF
more pellets from the medicine chest,
and staying until the last pink chrys-
antAemun was blooming ON it's wither-
ed branches. He had grown so fond OF
his little room, with its white curtains
and fresh grass bleached linen, of the
country good things and of the buxom
Mrs. Muntle, that he could hot bear
the thought of parting with them alto
gether.
After all, why could he not buy a
house and get MIS-. Muntle to. keep it
for him ? Perhaps she would. He
would offer a high salary, and she could
have plenty OF servants. Then, 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 clergy.
mans daughter and the widow Of a
cnuntry doctor.
After much consideration he finally
mustered courage for the effort, and
walked into the front parlor and sent
the servant to ask Mas. Muntle to please
step there for a moment.
"Gracious 10 thought Mrs. Muntle
to herself; ''what can he want ?''
] Then she blushed brightly, settled
her necktie, took off her apron and
walked demurely in.
''Be seated, ma'am," said Mr.. Pat.
terson. 'Sit here please. Allow me
to sit near you, as l have something to
ask which may require some considera-
tion."
"Oh, dear, it is coming |" thought
Mrs. Muntle.
81 suppose you know I'm man of
considerable means, ma'am," said the
old bachelor, table to buy a nice house,
furnish it well and live in it comfort
ably P"
$50 I've understood. Mr.. Patterson, ="
said the widow.
"And of course it is pleasanter to
live that way than at a hotel" said
Mr.. Patterson.
81 should Judge it might be-" said
Mrs. Muntle cautiously.
"You judge rightly" said Mr.. Pat
terson; ''but you know bachelor must
be in the hands of servants il he keeps
house. A gentleman dosn't want
that; he wants lady to superintend
things for him some one of taste and
refinement aud all that. Common peo-
plt don't understand his feelings, and
mercenarv servants are poof depend
ence."
| 81 know that" said Mrs. Muntle.
"You are almost as much alone as +,
aren't you, Mrs. Muntle ?" said Mr..
Patterson, coaxingly.
1.-THE doctor knew him. He's going
to do 1t just as he said he would if he
ever did," said the lady to herself. A
loud she answered "Well. sir, I am
pretty free. it is true. Allmy children
are married well.''
81 know money would be no object
to you,". said Mr.. Patterson. "You
have enough. Bot il was to tell you
that / hated boarding houses and want
ed home, I think you would have
pity on me-, I'll buy beautiful house,
and you shall have complete control Of
everything;only to make my strawber-
ry short-cake for me all my life."
He paused and looked at the lady. .
"That is decidedly put" he thought.
"Now, will you hire out for house.
keeper. wonder.''
81 aih't romantic though" said Mrs.
Muntle ''but still we amt young,
neither Of sand it gets to be jnst that
with the most sentimental after d
while."
Don't refuse me-" pleaded Mr.. Pat.
terson.
"Well, Mr.. Patterson, I won't, "said
Mrs. Muntle. ''I'm my own mistress;
and though never thought of second
marriage, why think Pm warranted
in making one. And no doubt shall
never repent, for think you've a fine
disposition, and I understand your
ways and tastes.''
Mr.. Patterson listened. He saw
what he had done--proposed and
been accepted without having any idea
of what he was abont. He looked al
Mrs. Muntle. She was very nice and
comeIy and ten years his junior, al
least, il she was forty. He could not
have done better thing, and would be
married without any troublesome
courting. So he at once put his arm a
round Mrs. Muntle's waist and said
"Thank you. my dear. l consider
myself very fortunate.''
He wrote to his good doctor in about
fortnight's time, to tell him that lie
had taken both his prescriptions was
married man and intended to bring