The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1899-03-02
Th6 bdShfuI Mr.. Gdu
THERE was a decided sci sa ton when

THERE was decided sensa tion when
the Sterlings 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-
lopged to it, forgot to read single
chapter in David Copperfield," but de-
voted its entire attention to the dis
cnssion of the new family"
AS the Sterling grounds adjoined
mine, l 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 to have at least one interesting fam
lily in the town with whom might ex-
change few words now and then upon
some subject other than the well-worn
weather affliction, 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
few hours when Jane said Il shall be
obliged to quote Jane in spite of my
scruples) that Mrs. Peabody came to
see her under the pretense Of making
. call, but in reality to enjoy the view
of the Sterling honse obtainable from
our kitchen window. and on seeing the
two young ladies had exclaimed:
"You see If them two don't set their
caps for poor, dear Mr.. Gay!"
Jane repeats a legend that long ago
I incurred Mrs. Peabody's everlasting
wrath by not marrying her daughter,
Jenny, after raising her hopes to a
dizzy height by offering her the pro-
lection of my commodious umbrella
one day when the amiable Jennie had
been caught in sudden shower far
from home, and had accompanied her
to her mothers door, which upon an
urgent invitation had entered, for
the first and last time, staying exactly
nine min utes by the grandfa theirs clock
In the corner.
/ wss in my study, overlooking the
Sterling piazza, on the afternoon Mrs.
Peabody made her first call on the Ster-
ling ladies. and the conversation fioated
innocently to my ears on the gentle
breeze.
Mrs. Peabody, delighted to pay up
. few back scores. began lengthy ac-
count Of my failings. and dwelt with
particular emphasis on one had never
had any reason to believe I possessed
namely: convictions:
HE is the laughing stock of the
place." calmly asserted the caller. "and
is 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
hut he acted like fooltagging round
after her on rainy days with the excuse
of lendin' his umhrel', when he was too
shy to come to the house."
My hair arose cn end, and grasped
the arm of my chair o steady my nerves,
or my temper, lest | should throw my
inkstand at the offending lady. Thai
my reserve and d;rnified reticence
should be thus interpreted to these
strangers drove me frantic; but after
all it was foolish to care, when could
SO easily disprove all she had said.
But as the days passed l found il
anything but easy, fo every time met
any Of the Sterling ladies always felt
the blood leap to my face, and ex-
perienced q 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-
tional eavesdropper. Hearing voices
in the adjoining garden, was about
TO beat q hasty retreat, when became
aware that it would be too late, as the
following conversation was we'll under
way:
"Genevieve. dearest. isn't 1t a pity
that Mr.. Gay suffers so from shyness?
His books are charming"
! recognized the gentle voice of
Phyllis.
"Yes," laughed Genevieve. "he near
ly has fit whenever we meet; he grows
purple in the face. reallyl Socially he
IL inpossible. No doubt be STAN.
mers."