The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1899-02-10
The BdShtul Mr.. eau
THERE was decided sensation when
asSts atS;s;;s si;stats;

the Sterings moved into our hum
drum little town. The Charles Dick
ems club" which several of the am
bilious ladies of the Baptist church had
organized for the mental elevation of
the community, and which every wom-
an in town had joined, not for any de-
sire to be elevated" but because it
was novelty and Mrs. So-and-So" be-
longed to it, forgot to read single
chapter in David Copperfeld,' but de-
voted its entire attention to the dis
cussion of the new family"
AS the Sterling grounds adjoined
mine, was enabled at an early date to
form an opinion concerning the new
corners. and | became convinced at
once that they would prove desirable
neighbors, and surely it would be pleas
ant 10 Lave at least one interesting fam
lily in the town with whom | might ex-
change a few words now and then upon
some subject other than the well-worn
weather affection, which seemed to be
the only topic with which my village
acquaintances appeared at all familiar.
Mrs. Sterling brought with her two
charming daughters. Phyllis and Gene
We've. They had been in town only a
few hours when Jane said q shall be
obliged TO quote Jane in spite of my
scruples) that Mrs. Peabody came to
see her under the pretense of making
q call. but in reality to enjoy the view
of the Sterling house obtainable from
L nd nj i'm 4 ho
two young ladies had exclaimed:
You see If them two don't set their
caps for poor dear Mr.. Gay!"
Jane repeats legend that long ago
Incurred Mrs. Peabody's everlasting
wrath by not marrying her daughter,
Jenny. after raising her hopes to
dizzy height by Offering her the pro-
lection of my commodious umbrella
one day when The amiable Jennie had
been caugh. in a sudden shower far
from home, and had accompanied her
to her mothers door, which upon an
urgent invitation l had entered, for
the first and last time, staying exactly
nine minutes by the grandfath theirs clock
In the corner.
Sterling piazza, on the afternoon Mrs.
Peabody made her first call on the Ster-
ling ladies'. and the conversation floated
innocently to my ears on the gentle
breeze.
Mrs. Peabody. delighted to pay up
few back scores. began lengthy &C.
count of my failings. and dwelt With
particular emphasis on one had never
had any reason TO believe l possessed
namely: conviction:
"He is the laughing stock of the
place" calmly asserted the caller. land
II altogether the biggest stick you ever
saw. Why. he was in love with GER
tain young lady in this town.
shouldn't like to mention any names
blu, be acted like ooltagging round
after her on rnlny days with the excuse
Of lendin' his umbrel. when he was too
shy TO come to the house."
My hair arose on end. and grasped
the arm Of my chair to steady my nerves,
o. my temper. lest should throw my
inkstand at the offending lady. That
my reserve and dignified reticence
Ahoud be thus interpreted to these
managers drove me frantic; but after
Al il was foolish to care, when could
20 easily disprove all she had said.
But as the days passed l found it
anything but easy. for every time met
any Of the Sterling ladies always felt
the blood leap to my face, and ex-
perienced a wild desire to fly, as |
thought what they were doubtless
thinking Of me; but never failed to
raise my hat with studied politeness.
One day while was looking over my
roses once more became an uninten-
llonal eavesdropper. Hearing voices
y the adjoining garden, was about
70 beat hasty retreat, when became
ware that 1t would be too late, as the
following conversation was we'll under
way:
"Genevieve. dearest, isn't IL a pity
that Mr.. Gay suffers SO from shynessf
HIS books are charming"
recognized the gentle voice of
Phyllis.
yes" laughed Genevieve, "he near
" has fit whenever we meet; he grows
purple in the face, reallyl Socially he
- impossible. No doubt he STAN.
mers."
The following day picked bunch
great, blushing jacks (they con-
Mqered me one, beyond doubt), and
walked boldly over and rang the Ster-
ungs bell. The white-capped maid
who answered my ring showed me by
ner wide--open eyes that my reputed
alling was well known even in that
quarter. left message that my rose
Bardens were at the ladies' disposal,
and fed.
mat morning had put the finishing
oaches on my new work, "Roses and
Anelr Cultivation" and for want of