The Somerset reporter., 1899-06-15
MET THE DIFFICULTY
eS9P
He Smashed the Piano, but
She Smashed His
Heart.


You understand that | expect you to
look after my three rooms, sweep and
dust and all that sort of thing?'
yes" remarked Mrs. Petersen, 81
understand. The rooms suit me per
fectly,' she went on as they passed
down stairs again, and | shall begin
to pack up tomorrow. 1t will be so
nice to be able to turn around and not
be always running into everybody. And
now that Mr.. Petersen's sister is living
with us Well, good day. The things
will begin to come by day after tomor-
row. Good day"
Theodore Foster stood looking after
her moment; then he went into the
empty parlor and took the large TO
Let placard from the front window.
He carried it up to his sitting room. 81
hope it will be a long time before
have to see you again" he told it as he
put it in his desk.
1t was the first time for a month that
he had felt really happy. During that
time he had tried to get a tenant for
his house. but had been unable to find
a suitable one. 1t had been horribly
lonesome coming home at night to a
Geld, echoing house. But now he would
have the Petersens there, and he look
ed forward To day after tomorrow with
joy He used to know Joe Petersen.
but he supposed he wouldn't see much
of him, as Joe was away from home all
the week. There We're the children too.
He was fond of children. even if he
was an old bachelor Then he remem-
grown up by this time. Well, young
people were almost as good as children.
1t was the next day, while he was
out taking his constitutional, that Ey
erson saw him and crossed the street
to speak to him. so you have got the
Petersens?' he said after they had
walked few blocks. We'll, there's
won't like
what is that questioned Mr.. Theo-
dore.
Their piano"
"Oh, don't mind piano practice as
some do" said Mr. Theodore easily.
"In fact. rather like it
You haven't lived over the Peter
sens yet" said Everson sententiously.
You wait little. It's an old piano
that came over in the Mayfower-th that
is. If any pianos did come over then
this is one of them. | could get more
music out Of brass kettles and tin pans.
It's all our of tune, too, and, worst of
all they keep banging away on it all
the time. In vacation it's something
awful. There are three girls that take
lessons, and they are bound to be play
ing, so they keep the old thing going
about nine hours "A day
Mr.. Theodore's face had heightened
during this description. What makes
them keep such an old trap he asked.
We'll, you see, they're kind of poor,
and they can't afford new one"
Mr.. Theodore walked modify along
after his friend left him. Then sud
denly his face frightened. 81 can fix
it all right he said and went on more
briskly.
The next morning there was consd
cradle grumbling from the two men
who moved the PetersonS because Mr..
Theodore Foster insisted on helping.
lie was especially troublesome about
the placing of the piano. He insisted
on having it on the very end of the load
and tied it with his own hands. When
the team started, he trotted along be
side it, and they reached the house at
the same time.
1t was n raw morning, and the men
were putting blankets on the horses
when suddenly there came jangling