Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1892-03-25


these little difficulties so far as the sere-
made was concerned, and determined on
the first fine moonlight night to give it
practical trial and see what romantic eff
feet would do in the cause of Cupid.
At length the suspicious night arrived,
and | set out for Hampstead, arriving
there quite two hours before the time
had arranged for the performance-mid-
night So / adjourned to the shelter of
the nearest public and fortified myself
with several stiff tumbers of whisky and
water until closing time This | knew
would be bad for articulation on the
French accent but needed bracing.
Unfortunately for me, though, was un-
aware of the fact Aunt Matilda had an
unconquerablc prejudice against music in
any shape or form German bands visit
ing the vicinity, as | afterward learned,
were always sure of rich harvest-to
take themselves off; and Italian piano and
organ grinders from the purlieus of SAT-
iron Hill and Seven Dials were amazed at
the open handed generosity which pre-
ceded "a threat of the police if they came
again within 800 yards of the place
But, blissfuly unconscious of this, and
also that she was nearly at deaths door
with her old enemy, rheumatism, wended
my way to the villa.
Arrived there, ! stationed myself under
the window of Louise's bedroom, extracted
my instrument of torture from its green
baize cover and placed it to my lips.
Just then felt something shifting about
my legs, and looking down beheld my
aunt's fat poodle 1t had been locked out
by accident by the servants. | conciliated
the brute with pats and caresses, and it
lay down contentedly on the grass at my
feet.
had started the serenade. 1t went beau
tifully. didn't think the instrument was
capable of such pathos. | had got half
way through it when the window of the
bedroom was opened and | dimly saw n
white figure half hidden by the ivy which
embowered it. This gave me fresh cour-
age. Louise was looking at me. Ipoured
my young soul through the silver tipped
mouthpiece | had got to the last note
when mournful and discordant howl
came as an accompaniment. | raised my
foot and sent the poodle spinning five yards
away.
you wretchr'
Horror! had mistaken the window
Aunt Matilda stood there in wrathful
Indignation.
Here was pretty predicament. | had
nearly killed her pet, which lay alternately
whining and bowling under some holly
bushes.
Poor Flosse! Don't dare to show your
| face within shese walls again! My darling
pet knew there was no good in such
stock My precious treasured After being
a second mother to your and the window
went down with a bang, while from my
uncomfortable position could hear bell
violently ringing. Utterly crestfalen re-
packed the now hateful cause of my trou-
bles. AS passed the corner of the house
| heard suppressed tittering and a win
dow was hurriedly closed.
Fair and false" | bitterly thought, as
recognized the dark locks of my inamorata
Slowly and sorrowfully | retraced my
steps homeward and with dull forebod.
/ ing of the consequences to follow.
Nor was wrong. | lost half day, with
the intention of apologizing to my aunt,
but was refused admittance.
While | stood at the door uncertain how
to act, Mr.. Raymond, my aunt's lawyer,
made his appearance. This looked omin-
Gus and turned away with heavy heart.
AS | reached the garden gate, Louise
came out of the drawing room and ran
after me. She begged me to enter and.
as the servant did not oppose her, fol-
/ lowed noticing that her eyes were red with
recent weeping.
What is the matter. Louisef" in
quired.
"Your aunt is much worse" she replied
"She caught chill through that foolish
freak Of yours. am afraid she will never
forgive your cruelty to her dog"
"Hang the brute!" calculated angrily.
with all my heart, but you know how
fond she is of it. She has sent for Mr.. Ray
mOnd."
YES" | responded modify. 81 sup.
dose you will benefit by any alteration OF
her wi,l?"
Don't suspect me Of any mercenary
feelings, Bob" she entreated.
ITS rather hard to be robbed both OF
fortune and wife by that lout Of a cousin
of yours"
"You are ungenerous and ungentleman-
ly," she rejoined, flushing.
at is difficult to act the gentleman under
such circumstances. But heartily apollo
gize il have wounded you"
Then we are friends once more" she
said. taking my hand.
Louise" ! said huskily, Il read by your
altered manner that / no longer hold a
place in your heart. can't part with you
without pang, for il have not grown tC
love you you are at least dear to me. Let
us remain friends. | am sure | wish you
all happiness"
The poor little thing hung her arms
around my neck.
You are very good" she sobbed. 81
could not help it. tried to think only Of
you, but couldn't help loving Tom. You
believe me, don't you?"
81 am sure no one could accuse You OF
heartlessness Now, goodby; just one kiss
for the last"
A fortnight later Aunt Matilda died
attended the funeral, and listened to tn,
reading of the will 1t left me sufficient t
by "A mourning ring. Everything went tt
Louise.
returned home and taking the Frencl
horn from its case jumped on it till it wa'
past recognition. then pitched it into tn,
lumber attic. And this is the end of my
bright visions of the future. | shall enc
my days in the workhouse, in all probable
ity, or some equally disagreeable and dis
reputable
Rat-tat!
The postman. Another bill, suppose