Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1893-02-05

heard OF or known to exist. 1t was In
decorous; it was vulgar; it was unfeel-
ing: it was aggravating; it was unpro-
fessional, and the kind Of thing which
he (Dr. Slurke) was not going to put
I'D with from any lady, however nice
she might be under ordinary circum-
stances. So ne pulled his stubby beard
and glared at the stranger. But I'M
fortunately for the doctor, Mr.. AL
phaus P. Winterbottom was not over
whelmed.
Miss Matte half rose from her chair.
"Good evening, DR.. Slurke. Won't you
come IMP" she Inquired, with the sugar
tongs poised in her white hand.
This was another insult. She was
pouring out her best tea and giving IL
to the man in the chair. DR., Slurke
did very foolish thing-a thing he had
often done before, but never without
experiencing disastrous results. He
lost his temper. He drew himself up to
his full height feet 3-and scowled
on the Pirate King in the arm chair
this ruffian who stole peoples hearts oy
nursing their Objectionable old Persian
cats.
Wont you come in?" TREMENDOUSLY re.
peated Miss Matte.
DR.. Slurke bowed sarcastically. 81
thank you; no, Madam" he said. II
only came in TO inform you that had
caught a cold in my garden while await
ing your pleasure"
The other man looked quietly up. 81
guess you ought to be proud OF it," he
said, in his Objectionable American
way.
DR.. Slurke bowed to him with with
eriug irony. "I-eh-was not aware
that I was asking a couumdrum," he
said. "May ! enquire whom l have
the pleasure of addressiug?"
The stranger smiled, My names
Winterbottom -Alpheus P. WinteroOt-
tom"
Miss Matte let fall the sugar from
the tongs. ooh, DR.. Slurke," she said,
with tears in her voice, Il am so sorry.
You see it was rather a difficult cues
ton to answer, and"
II will thank you to be good enough
not to discuss it before this gentle
man." the doctor calculated at u white
heat.
But II really" and poor Miss
Matte felt inclined TO cry.
Mr. Winterbottom was moved by Miss
Mattie'S distress. Shall l make him
shut the door from the outsider" he
asked, quietly caressing the cat. Il
think, Malam, you'd feel more comfort
able if this turkeycock sort OF person
had gone home TO rOost.
Il was not speaking to you, sir" said
the doctor. My remarks were meant
for the lady"
81 could just drop him into nice soft
flower bed, if you'd only say the word,
Madam" quietly continued Mr.. Winter
bottom.
MADAM, take my leave" said the
angry doctor. "As for you, Mr.. Win
terbeans, you shall hear from me-"
Not professionally, l hope" said the
imper.urbable stranger. Don't distress
this lady any more, or I'll really have to
come and reason with you"
The doctor withdrew, speeches. with
rage. Poor Miss Matte began to cry
softly into the teapot.
The stranger put the cat down, gent
ly approached the table. MADAM" he
said, "that extremely ill-tempered per-
son will be better tomorrow. If he
amt, guess I'll have TO reason with
him-near pond.
"Oh, please don't" said Miss Matte,
feeling comforted oy the strangers vast
bulk. IL kept him waiting for an
answer to-to an extremely delicate
matter this evening, and he's cross with
me"
The stranger led Miss Matte to the
armchair. Now, you sit there, Mad
am" he said in his gentle, kindly way.
"Pil brew this tea for you. You just
assimilate those cunning little cakes Of
yours. and you'll feel better. One lump
of sugar, isn't it?"
yes" said Miss Matte, feeling that
support from conscious strength which
delights most women.
"And the cream?" said the stranger,
holding up the dainty little cream ever
admiringly. MY! Amt that little
pitcher pretty! And the fire! Beats
our stoves hollow" He handled the
dainty tea equipage with jealous care,
and waited on Matte so nicely that all
her fears vanished.
"a gentle lady like you didn't ought
to be bothered" the stranger said, re-
fectively, when Prudence had cleared
away the thingS-'didn't ought TO be
bothered by grasShopper like that.
dare saw he means well, but he don't
colluscitate worth q cent. That's what's
the matter with him. Now just tell me
is you feel downright clipper again,
and if so, well 20 into this business,
or, If you prefer it, Iii come again to-
morrow"
u thank you, Mr.. Winterbottom,"
said Miss Matte, in her simple, friendly
way. 'It-it was foolish for me TOTO
be so frightened. The doctor has been
very kind to me"
"Then III let him of the pond" said
Mr.. Winterbottom, as if making a con-
cession TO sentiment. You're like one
of those pretty wind flowers we have in
our countty-you want shelterlug from
all the storms that blow"
Miss Matte smiled a pleasant little
smile. She had never been compared 10
a wind flower before.
Mr.. Winterbottom took up the letter
with his customary elaboration. Now.
Madam" he said, "Pll read it to you,
and when I'm humping over a cabot,
YOU tell me to pull MP, and I'll drive
quietly"
Miss Matte did not understand what
2 cabot was. The stranger explained
that il was hole in the road in winter,
aud that sleigh had 10 glide gently
over and not take il flying, for fear OF
humping the bottom out.
"Is-is the letter from Mr.. Round
tree?" asked Miss Matte, with CULVER
ing lips.
The stranger looked at her admir-
ingly.
"Now, Madam" be said, 81 never
did see your like for coming straight TO