The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1900-11-02

| snail induce ME to go back TO that noisy
hotel, where the walters don't come until
you have rung the bell 40 times and the
| soup is served half cold"
He was walking pensively along a
quiet and shady little street, with both
/ hands thrust deep down in his pockets,
and the front of his hat tilted down over
his nose, when, CHANGING to look up, he
perceived a gray cat doing in the bay
window of a modest looking house, and
on the doorway thereof was placed an
unpretentious notice: Board and Lodg-
ings at Moderate Prices"
Il like the look of that place." said
Mr.. Burlington. ''They keep a cat there
"a gray cat. It's not splendid, but it
looks comfortable. I'll try it."
He rang the bell. A neat little maid
servant in a white apron and frilled cap
responded to the summons.
"Please. sir, missis amt at home. but
1 knows all about the rooms" said the
little damsel. Il can show 'em, and
can tell you the terms"
Barnabas Burlington liked the look of
the rooms, and he did not object to the
terms. There was bright coal fire burn
ing in the CRATE.
"Missis wanted the rooms to be well
diltu, Sstlu SlllB SOul at CNCAy
other word.
"Your mistress. my girl. is woman
Of sense" said Mr.. Burlington. This
settles the matter. I'll take the apart
ments for month certain, with the priv
ilege of renewal if find myself suited"
He took off his hat, unwound the COM
forter from about his neck and sat down
before the CHEEKY shine Of the crate.
GO and tear down the bill at once"
said he. "And leave the door open so
that the cat can come in. am partial
to cats"
"But, SIR" hesitated the white aproned
lassie, off my missis"-
"Never mind your Mistress" said Mr..
Burlington cavalierly. "She wanted a
boarder, and she's got one! What more
would she have?'
And, so speaking, he hailed a cab in
the street and babe the driver go for his
trunks and hat boxes without delay.
Miss Chickson and Barbara had been
out selecting some new pie platters and
pudding basins, and little Betsy was
eagerly watching for them at the area
door when they came in.
"please, missis," said Betsy, "the room
is let, and he's sitting up stairs now,
with the cat in his lap"
'.Who is?" demanded Miss Chickson.
''rhe new boarder, ma'am."
"What is his name?"
"Please, ma'am, | don't know" said
Betsy.
Miss Chickson walked into her little
parlor and sat down, tanning herself
with her bonnet.
Betsy" said she, "go up stairs. pre-
sent my compliments to this stranger and
tell him that I shall be glad of an inter
view at once. He may be burglar. for
what know"
"Ycs'm," said Betsy.
And away she tripped, returning pres
emily.
He's coming, ma am" said she.
And in stalkcd-Mr. Barna bas Buffing-
ton!
Good gracious me" said Miss Chick
son.
Its Patty Chickson, isn't it?" said
Mr.. Burlington, staring with all his eyes.
Il might have known that it was the
same cat. However, ma am" relapsing
into a belligerent attitude, Il won't in
trude. I'll leave the premises at once"
Don't" said Miss Chickson family.
"Eh?" said Mr.. Burlington.
IL hope you don't bear malice" said
Miss Chickson. I'm afraid l was n
little inpatient
Don't mention It," said Mr.. Bufing-
ton. st was all my fault"
II was unreasonable" said Miss Chick
son.
Il was BRUTE" said Mr.. Burlington.
81 have reproached myself bitterly"
faltered the lady.
Il haven't had a moment of peace
SINCE" said Mr.. Barnabas Buffing. On
sincerely.
Shall we forget and forgiven" whis-
pered Miss Chickson.
II know Il better plan than that" said
Mr.. Burlington. Let's begin the world
on a new basis"
Il don't understand you." said Miss
Chickson.
Il like you and your ways" said Mr..
Burlington, 81 didn't know how much
until we separated. Let us settle down
together for life. Patty Chickson. Let's
be married"
AT our age?" said Miss Chickson.
Mr.. Burlington.
IF you really think people wouldn't
laugh" hesitated the spinster.
"What do we care whether they do or
not" said the the bachelor recklessly.
And the result of this conference was
that Mr.. and Mrs. Barnabas Burlington
are now sitting, one on either side of the
hearth rug, with the gray cat in the mid
die. as harmonious a trio as one will
often find.
And the bill is taken down permanent
ly.-Chicago Times-H erald.