The daily morning journal and courier., 1894-11-17


 was another bachelor. and should bring along another little old lady tt take charge of his household2 Why the entire court would break iron smiles into gufraws!
 I told Aunt Prue that immediately after my summer vacation which was now at hand, was done. we would look about for other quarters. perhaps out Chelsea way; and this brought the sun. shine into her face until one morning when she beckoned me to the front window.
 "See therew she cried vexedly. point ing to the occupants of No. 2.
 The dapper little bachelor of that number, laden with the paraphernalia Of angling, was just setting out for the railway station in hanson.
 He had anticipated me in the matter Of vacation. It was shabby of him. thought, as glanced up to the gath cred faces in the opposite windows. But the words which were exchanged between himself and the little old lady who was busily trotting back and forth had that positive hurt of the little. stinging. worst sort in them. l Don't worry about anything, AL bert;" puffed the little old lady sooth- ingly. we can't stand this" with a shrug toward our abode. "of course. While you're away I'll take several runs over to Chelsea"
 Do, do: these people are insuffera- ble" said the dapper little man in the hanson.
 May be I'll move and get settled while you're gone. I can get along with 'em for little time, Albert. But no Sevens. Mines and Elevens, next | time. my son!
 "Very wearing; very" was the sym pathetic response You're the dear est, best mother a fellow ever had! Manage 'em a little longer, there's a dearw
 As the hanson rolled away the little old woman gdve snort of defiance at Nine and Eleven; looked about the court as if to say to its other inhabi- tants: "We'll soon be going in for go- ing out of herew and disappeared blandly behind the door of Mo- '. Not fifteen minutes later carriage halted at the door of No. g. This time tears of humiliation gath cred in Aunt Prue's eyes as she stole mortified glances at the movements in front of our nearest and therefore most objectionable neighbors. The bachelor with the olden, boyish face. assisted by his little old lady companion, was directly bundled into the vehicle. Sundry tiny tin boxes, leather case suggestive of a micro- scope, several large books filled with huge blotters and a bundle of curious nets, were soon bestowed beside him. The little old lady then came down close to the carriage and said, feeling )y:
 Brother, know you dislike to leave me between these extensively mysteri- ous people: but don't mind me. While you're away, will see what can find out Kensington way" "Or over in quiet old Chelsea, sister,"
 Anywhere out of sight of Seven and Eleven"
 "Oh, bother Seven and Eleven" T wish I could;" said tfe little old lady sadly.
 Pm sure they're both professional people-though probably not of much account; but it's too bad that here. this morning of all mornings, when you are just starting out upon your vacation, they should flaunt their hansoms and carriages in our very eyes! Going to move to Chelsea, too! Ugh" conclu- ded Aunt Prue with a shudder and sob.
 The little old lady of No. g looked triumphantly into the bow windows of No. 2 and No. il. Her manner indica- ted that she was announcing to Three Bachelors Court how soon she would be quite done with it. Then she dis appeared with a toss of her head. closing her door with so decided bang that Aunt Prue gave an unhappy little start.
 I was then but modest London lite rator. and gipsy traveller; but l at once sent our maid servant into Regent street for the smartest four-wheeler that could be found. Its driver was to call and wait until was ready.
 How this lighted up my old aunt's face, dear soul!
 We were a long. long time packing my little pormanteau. Through num- berless forgiyable ruses my aunt got me back into the house again and again, and at the last moment, bending af- fectionately over me in the carriage window and raising her voice to its most. penetrating conversational tone, she cried out: M.,
 We wouldn't remain here another six months for all of London, would we Robert?'
 "Not for all Englandw I promptly answered. ..Kensington and Chelsea aren't much better, are they, Robert?'
 q should think notr' insisted con- temptuously. "Try Grosvenor square or Victoria park, Aunt Prue Either would be about the thing after-well, after Seven, Nine and Eleven, Aunt Prue! Goodbye"
 b, T. shall never forget the look of pride and gratitude which came in her face, as the respective doors of Seven and Nine shut with spiteful click; and I rode all the way from Euston Station to Wfndermere, third class, to recoup my vacation savings for the sad extrava- gance of that carriage, in positive thankfulness and good cheer for the frightened heart 1t had left behind. !