Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-05-04

SAME OLD GAMEs-sANE OLD GAMEsF'
same time and discovered that, though
they had never met there. they had .
lot Of friends In common. OF course they
began telling each other who had gone
into the church, who into the civil
service, who was dragging out life at an
up country station in India. who had
got shot in South Africa, and who had
made fortune in colored yarns.
''Did you know H-<rt0,.' asked Win
stanley.
II think I've met him Wasn't he o
st. Bridget's mani"
Eyes; u tall, pale fellow, il you re-
member. with straw colored hat and
delicate, gossamer beard that he never
would shave of. ="
Rather good family, eh?"
"Daresay He was u very decent fel-
low, il he was little strait laced;
parson now. Of course. Did you ever
hear Of visit he once got from q fine
old English gentleman, all Of the Olden
time?
mo. Tell us the story.
"Well, Merton was really good fel-
low, but he had been brought up nc
home-coached ut the family rectory.
You understand He never got into
scrapes like the rest Of us, and, in fact,
was the most irreproachable soul you
ever saw. One term Merton's eldest Sis
ter, a mature lady Of some 30 summers,
came down to stay with some friends
near Oxbridge. and the day after her ar
rival, wishing to give dear William a
surprise, she ran over to see him early
in the afternoon. OF course he got cup
Of coffee for her, and they were having
@ pleasant chat in his sitting room,
when the scout comes in with card,
Mr.. Edward Mandelay.'
The gen'man sends his compli-
ments, sir. and hopes it would be con.
venient for you to see his rooms. He
had these rooms, he says. sir, when he
was up here so years ago, and he has o
great fancy to see them again.
Livery natural. very natural, I'm
sure. ! shall be delighted, Thomas But
wait moment. Agatha
"Will it look odd for me to be here.
dear?'
oh, no; but, you see. IL the old
gentleman sees you. he will be tempted
to sit down and talk, and We shall lose
all the afternoon. Here's the scouts
closet Run in, and I'll get rid Of him
as soon as can.
"The fact is that Merton was SO aw-
fully afraid Of being chaffed that he
wouldn't have had il come to our ears
ON any account that stranger had
found him entertaining lady In his
rooms. Agatha was rather shy and very
glad to take refuge in the scouts closet.
Presently in comes Squire Mandelay,
q fine, bluff old fellow, something over
70. little shaky on his pins, red face,
white mutton chop whiskers. white hat,
check tie-you know the style2
Happy to make your acquaintance,
sir! Hope I'm not in your way. The
scout told you. perhaps, that I used to
have these rooms-ah. good 63 years
ago-before your father was born, I
dare say? Dear me, how time flies! II all
looks like yesterday - like yesterday! |!
The same old view into the masters
garden-yes. the same old view! The
same old pictures, too, and the old boy
got up and tapped the frames. 'and, !
declare, the same old sofa! Dear mel
"Next he walked round the room.
stopping at the fireplace. Same old
mantelpiece' Then he got to the door
Of the scouts room and turned the han.
die.
Same old he had just opened
the door. when be caught the fuAer Of
Q petticoat and suddenly closed it.
"'Ah. says he, shaking his head,
same old games-same old gamesv
'Sirp gasps Merton in an awful
funk. Sir. that's my sisterl She-that
is
"'well. I declare, same old lie
same old hel'