Eagle River Democrat. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1893-1896, 1895-12-16
CHAPTERIXXI
THE USES OF A GHOST.

THE USES OF A GHOST.
Mrs. Laxity was up betimes thai
morning indeed, she always was in
advance of her neighbors in that re-
spect; but this particular morn
ing she distanced her usual prac-
tice by some hours, and when ordinary
people were opening shutters, lighting
fires, &C., and beginning, IN various
fashions, a new day, Mrs. Laxlty was
far advanced in the routine Of hers, as
that self-complacent smile Of con-
scious superiority did not fail to indi-
cate. Indeed, three was, in the evil
dent and intense relish with which she
discussed her more than ordinarily
abundant breakfast, something very
contradictory Of the words which she
was uttering at intery ais, half aloud.
'tThere he is; [ know his nasty,
sneaking knock" She pulled her cap
on her head, hastily popped into the
cupboard the remains OF cold pie
and a pot of marmalade, then leisure
ly went to the door, and opened it.
"It's only me, hope | haven't dis
turbed YOU" said a woman's voice,
which the owners head followed into
the room.
ooh, it's you," cried the matron,
the expression OF welcome prepared
for Mr. Laxity quickly dissolved.
"Come in, thought it was my mas
ter; he's never beenhome all this bless
ed night"
so Isee, as come along; you're to
have company, too, said the gossip.
Company! what doyou mean, Mrs.
Mouset?"
"There, now. WELL if that wasn't
just what / said: Maybe she do know
not word, and they'll be for taking
her all unawares. / know what it.
be to be took unaWares. myself, and
just did run on for to tell you
''What is thee talking Of, Phoebe
Mouset? | know ONO company; speak
out, d." exclaimed the spouse Of
Chob Laxity, getting visibly excited.
& Gas / were coming back from taking
my lad his breakfast said the other,
'eup agin the Blue Moon, what should
/ see but the hearse what your master
drive for Mr. Axment, standing in
front Of the Blue Moon, and him help
ing down of young woman"
"A What?" screamed the other,
starting up.
Mrs. Mouset went on, speaking
more rapidly
GA young woman wrapped up from
head to foot, with child in her arms,
and your master helping Of her into
the house; and Jack Feathston, he
were lifting that Toby Lipkins-a
drunken sot that he is-out of the
hearse. [ says to myself, There's to
be company, and maybe Martha
knows nought about it. ~
"I'll see to it! Oh, that MANI cried
the dame, who, during the latter part
of the communication; had been put
ting away the dainties, smoothing her
apron, setting her cap, and, with quiv-
ering nostrils and eyes that kindled,
gradually awaking to the conscious
ness Of her injuries.
ooh, that man! what I've gone
through and put up with!-and to
come to this. The barefaced william,
in the broad day; young woman?'
''And child, Martha. But art sure
now, it be none ofmaster' srelations?"
"RelationsW Thefair Martha threw
on her friend a whitening glance, as if
the bare supposition Of Chob having
relations were an insult to herself;
then she stalked forth, and at a pace
by no means indicative of the tumult
at her breast, took her way down the
village street, towards the Blue Moon.
Now, in days gone by, Chob IaXity
had been the fourishing host Of the
Blue moon, and LaXity feminine it's
buxom hostess.
But somehow, i'll times came, and
Caaob had given credit to a lot of fell
lows who weren't worth their salt; SO
he was obliged to turn the concern
over to Jack Featherston. Jack was
bachelor and the good dame fondly
hoped on that account to keep her
hold just the same, but Featherston
declined her good office and told her
she was not wanted, whereupon she
took a terrible oath never to put her
foot inside the door again.
But this morning q stupendous
wrong was urging her to do battle not
only with an unworthy spouse, but
with the foul alder and abetter of his
sins.
On charitable thoughts intent, the
good-natured Chob was startled by the
shrill voice of his more considerable
half, at the small side window that
looked npon the courtyard.
'Laxity! Chobham Laxity!'.
"Ehl sakes, there be my wife!" he
exclaimed, in a tone OF dismay; too
well he knew what BODIED thefull appli
cation of his title.
Eyes, it is your wife, Mr.. Laxity,
that, has been waiting; and watching
and wearing out Of herself all this
blessed night through, and more shame
to you.''
600 out to her, theresa good chap"
growled old Featherston; edo not let
us have a row this time O. day. Ay,
ay, I'll see to the poor wench; you go
your ways"-he added with a chuclSle
-''and get your deserts.
care youcoming home to breakfast,
if you please, Mr.. LaXity?" said the
voice outside.
'My dear Martial" cried the fat 1T
tie man, Fastening out by the side
!, q EIlA1,oo l.