The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1888-11-08
STRIKING A MATCH

"Wen, Miss IEilIeburo, I must say
I'm real sorry you aau Mr.. S4ngster
nave fallen cut ike that"
''Oh, Mrs. Collins, indeed you are
mistaken. There has been no failing
out between Mr. Slagster and myself
Indeed, am not on sufficiently sociab.e
,.rms with any of your gentlemen
ooardcrs to have . QUARREL
Spying which, Miss Ulldcburn,
slight, delicate- featured girl of eigh.
teen, walked out of the room with even
moro than her wonted dignity of man
ner and carriage.
"NevorthcIess, Notwithstanding" re-
sumed Mrs. Collins, taking up her
ironing, Il do believe there's been a
misunderstanding between those two,
and a real pity it is. for he dill admire
her amazin'Iy. He couldn't conceal it.
0 aly they seldom know what is good for
EN-, AID shY'c 2-lcttin' her pride stand
in the way of her happiness now.'
'Prl lc, inleed' sneered Miss Jane
Humphries, Mrs. Co.ias' niece and as
sistaat, q tall, I'd haired, styli hJy-
dressed damsel Of five and thirty, Il
Ike to know what right a gil who
earns her livin' by 4jvi2' muic lessons
at fl. .ty cents an hour h to be proud :;
and as for Mr.. Sangstcr, don't believe
he ever had serious thought about
her"
LA, Jane, don't see where your
eyes kin be. if you di Int see how fair
y wrapped Il? in her he was about two
weeks ago. lie is a splendid young
nan, anyhow. and I'll try and see il I
cant mend matters between en-"
'You'd better be mindin' your own
business. I tai.k, Aunt Martha" said
Mis-. j ne with spite: :ul laugh.
N yer yo9 mind, Jane" persisted
the warm-bearted Mrs. Collins; 'TII
manage in some way, You say she
afrail Of ghosts, poor lamu"
The following evening the kind
hearted landlady tapped at the door OF
the scantiy furnished fourth-story room
occupied by Lucy HidoLurn, and from
which now proceeded a melancholy
strain.
"Studying your piano ct nights
againg qucried Mrs. Collins rcproach-
fully. when the young girl opened the
door.
liam very busy just now, and must
put a" tlc time lean into study"
"WeH, but you mustn' t forget what
the doctor tod you about overworkin'
your BRAIN" said Mrs. Collins. "How-
ever" she added, Il won't detain yor
loncern I kin help. I'm come to ask 6
favor. I'm going to the concert thi'
cveain'. So i Jane. Sos every body
in the house. I b'ueva; a1d the girl has
gone to bed with a toothacAc. So In
goiu to ask you to give an eye to TIE
furnace. I've just Tut on fresh Goa
and opened the lower doors; but vii
YOU please g down at eight o'clock and
close the doors?'
| "CertainIy," assentcd Lucy, upOr
which Mrs. Collins produced lantern
saying:
Just take this down with you; the
cellars all dark, you know"
Lucy took the lantern, closed thu
room door and returned to her piano.
while Mrs. Collins walked away chuck
ing to herself.
That lanternu go out just five min
utcs after she sets it down, and shell
ind herself all in the hark. And She
rfrail of ghosts, poor lamb! But wha
if somebody who amt a ghost shou
happen to be goin' down there about tn(
same time, and be obliged to strike
match to calm her fears2'
And even while indulging in thi
pleasing ref ction, Mrs. Collins tapped
at door on the second floor.
Her summons was responded to BY
a pleasant-Iooking young man, who jus
now, however, wore very detected
countenance.
"L2l Mr.. sangster, didn't expect Il
fad you home this evening""
81 diIn't feel like going out to
night" replied the young man in t
weary tone.
"Wel, since you are going TO be a
| home" said Mrs. Collins, "wouid yo'