Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1896-01-31

VV ~ weaknesses OF human
itv. The wash boiler was big and the
stove was little-that was perhaps the
reason that The coffee was cold and the
chops underdouc. The one servant
was cverworked-that was doubtless
$he reason that so many extra tolls
cnme upon Mrs. Moody's slender
shoulders of Monday. But when
the breakfast, with its endless criti-
cisms and perpetual fault findings, had
come to an end, Mrs. Moody carried n
little tray INTO Major Peck's room.
The majGr WAS little lame and a
good deal hypochondrical, and always
brea&fasted in his own room. He was
particular, and consequently occupied
the best room in the house.
The major was tall, fine looking
man, with an imposing presence, q
good deal OF bald forehead, and u great
aptitude of Scripture quotations, and
all the ncighbors said what comfort
it must be to Mrs. Moody to have such
g boar1er.
They did not know that the major
was q sort of distant cousin Of deceased
Mr.. Moody, and did not consider 1t
necessary to pay his board very regu-
larly on that account. But he gave
her q good deal of excellent advice,
and was always really to tell her when
there was anything wrong about the
table.
$50 kind of him to take such an in.
terest in me !" said the little widow.
fervently.
The major had brushed the two
wisps of hair crosswise over the peak
of his bald head this morning, col
ogncd his pocket handkerchief, an(
trimmed his filbert-shaped finger-nail'
to perfection, and he was waiting IL
the big easy chair for his breakfast
full five minutes before it arrived.
"You're late this morning, Mrs.
Moody" he observed, rep2oachfully'
'I am little late," apologetically
confessed Mrs. Moody. "But Saral
Jane was behind hand. There's {
regular Scotch mist in the air, ans
the kitchen chimney would not draw
Try nice boiled egg, major. And TIN
rasher of bacon is good, i know, for
cooked it myself.
"dumphi humph!' said the major
"You ought to be little particular
with your breakfasts, Mrs. Moody
They are the initial meal OF the day
YOU know. I don't think this coffee i
rs good as usual. It isn't real Java
Mrs. Moody. 1t tastes like Maracal
b."
81 paid Java price for it, said Mrs
Moody, meekly; "and the grocer
warranted it.
"You never can depend upon wha
these tradespeople say" grunted th'
major, with his mouth full Of egg ant
bacon. "By the way, is it possible
Mrs. Moody, that you have taken tina
opera man into your third story hal
bed room? l heard it, but / couldn'
bring my mind to belive it.
"He isn't singer, major" pleadel
trembling Mrs. Moody. "And b.
doesn't play the flute or the cornet
1 took particular pains to inquir'
about that. He's engaged IN writing
musical book-sOmething which l
to be quite wonderful-and in tn
meantime be supports himself b.
playing the third violin IN the 7ariet.
theatre; for be is very poor and"
"Poor !" snorted the major, settin,
down the cup of despised Maracai5O
"In YOUR circumstances, Mrs. Moody
YOU We no business taking poor board
ers."
eyes, I know it, major, but he ha.
Just been sick. and he looks SO pal'
and wretched-"
There it is again I" cried Majo
Peck. "A woman is SO easily takel
in. tell you, Mrs. Moody, the maj
is an impositor, and so you'll find it.
"Dear, dear !" said Mrs. Moody, Tn
startled tears coming into her fade'
blue eyes.
"And if you will not take my ad
vice" said the major, waxing momen
tarily more irritable, "you must ex
pect to abide the consequences. Thi
toast is charred-absoiutely burned t
crisp. Take it away, Mrs. Moody
take it away! My breakfast
spoiled" :"
"But what am Ito do about the me-
boarder?" said Mrs. Moody, desPai'
ingly.
"Do?" shouted ttr major. "Tur
him out of doors! That's the Onl
thiFS y do. Take away this toast.