The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1890-02-22

| III waiting ioi liS
Hum said Mrs. Wilkes, looking sig
nignifcantly at the table. She can't b.
no great shakes lawn abed till break
fast time. Poor Mrs. Richards used t.
be up in season.
Just at this moment the Squire en-
tered in elegant dishabile, that IS with
cut coat and minus shoes and stock
ings. He advanced holding out hi
hands cordially.
Good morning, ladies, good morn
ing, I'm little late you see cope
You'll excuse my toilet the fact IS tina
l sat up rather late last night and fell
drowsy this morning. Fine morning
isn't it?
Very enchanting, replied Mrs. Han
son, who greatly prided herself on the
elegant propriety Of her language 1t is
beautiful enough for morning in the
gorgeous land of orlentals. But to
change the subject We call on a matter
of business
WHAT'S the difficulty now, Mrs. Han
SOM A new carpet for the parsonage
or IS $50 wanted by the missionary So
cietyl Come, speak out
All, Squire it's wuss than that, ex-
claimed Mrs. Wilkes, no longer allie
to keep silent, it IS something that con-
sarns you, Squire, eonsarns your ever
lastin' and eternal well-bein'.
Indeed Well, 60 on, said the Squire
looking very much surprised.
Mrs. Hanson drew long breath and
began:
Squire, we called to see if you were
thinking of marrying again ; we
You were not going to propose to
me, were you, ladies7 l should be
exceedingly happy to receive such pro-
posals, but l should have Deacon Han
son and Major Wilkes in my hair forth
with. 1t would not do, ladies.
No, We supposed you had already
| made your selection OF the person who
is to fill your dead wite's place, and we
have called to talk with you about her.
We have understood that she was in
your house, and if agreeable we would
be pleased TO see her. Our interest in
you and your motherless child has in
duced us to do this. Mrs. Hanson
spoke with solemn dignity and her tone
was evidently intended to impress the
Squire powerfully.
And we want to know where you got
acquainted with her, Squire, and how
old she is i; and if she knows how to do
housework, said Mrs. Wilkes.
How did you learn anything of this 7
asked the Squire, evidently somewhat
non-plussed by the extraordinary
knowledge of his affairs displayed by
the visitors.
We heard of you ridln' out with her,
Squire, she dressed all in pink with a
green silk bonnet. 1t don't look very
well, Squire, to see man of your age,
ridin' out with sich young gal.
Well, ladies, suppose should take a
notion to get marriedp You couldn't
blame me, l don't think. Here l am
with no housekeeper, and a hired girl
to oversee things, and my home is none
of the most orderly. Elmetta needs
some one to care for her, and it would
not be in nature for a father to be un-
mindful of the interests of his child.
Why no of course not, but then if
you needed housekeeper, my Julia
Ann would come and look after things.
She's capital manager and very fond
of children. She and Elmetta, sweet
little thing, would git on admirably.
Yes or my Mary Elizabeth, either.
She'd be tlckled to death to come, she
thinks so much of Squire Richards and
his little gal. And, If do say it, Mary
Elizabeth is a nice gal as there is any
where.
Mary Elizabeth's health is too feeble
for much exertion, Mrs. Wilkes; you
don't do right to put anything hard
upon her :; you know she has pain in
her side half the time.
Well, SAID the Squire, at last, don't
know what to think about it. l don't
believe Elmetta would give up this lady
In pink, as you call her, at all she has
taken won leriul liking to her.
Where did she come from, Squire
You hain't told US anything about hel
yit.
To be sure. Mrs. Wilkes. Well, !
found her in miliner's shop in the
city of Buffalo.
In a milliner's shop! Then she's a
milliner, is sheP Well, never
Will you be kind enough to favor us
with an introduction l should be
happy to see her before l form an
opinion of her character.
Mrs. Hanson was very patronizlng,
and so the Squire seemed to think, for
he hesitated a moment before he said
Well, Mrs. Hanson. it will be an ad-
vantage to her to form the acquaintance
of two such estimable ladies as my pres
ent company, and shall be very glad
to present her to you. Pray excuse me
for a moment.
Stop, Squire exclaimed Mrs. Wilkes.
What's her name2
Jennie Ray, replied the Squire, as he
disappeared in the passage.
Jennie Raw: a regular story name
She's some city highhyer, l 'spose.
Very likely, Mrs. Wilkes, but l see
the Squire's mind Is made up, and it is
no use to say anything. We must make
the best of her.
lust as Mrs. Hanson let fall this mag
unanimous speech the door opened and