Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1902-11-06
Mrs. HyssOp's First BOardeT.
BY ALBERT ]. KLINK.


The Algonquin was not so preten-
tious hostelry as its name might lead
one to believe. 1t was modest two
stored affair, placed well back from
the street, and presided over by a
rather spacious example of the gentler
sex, who lived simply and happily I'M
der the pungent name of Mrs. Wini-
fred Hyssop. This estimable lady had
been widow now for two years, dur
ing which time the Algonquin had
been planted, had taken root, and
branched into cosy, comfortable
boarding house. From its very incep-
ton the rooms were always taken, and
the table always held its limit of salts
fed eaters. Mrs. Hyssop was model
landlady in more senses than one.
She was now sitting enthroned on
the front veranda-enthroned because
no other word fits so aptly when she
chooses to adorn the front veranda.
81 do believe he's taking up with
both the girls" was her soliloquy, the
"he" being the boarder who was the
first one domiciled under her humble
roof "And l wonder which will get
him? My, but it is excitingi Oh, here
comes Fanny now"
Fanny looked worried as she came
up the steps. She drew chair up to
Mrs. Hyssop and sat down.
Are you tired, Fanny" the latter
asked. 'And did you meet witt much
success to-day?"
Fanny's success depended upon dis
posing of gaudy fancywork made by
her own nimble fingers, which, to
judge from her work, numbered more
than the allotted supply of thumbs.
Fanny sighed. Mrs. Hyssop knew
well what this meant.
at is hard, 1 know" she sympa-
thized, "to get along in this world.
Especially when one is alone" she
ended, casting a side glance at the
perturbed Fanny.
Mrs. Hyssop hoped this would tow
Fanny into the matrimonial channel
And a prologue in this direction did
said:
81 would lose hope altogether if it
wasn't for-for@"
Fanny's face went red. Then she
said in stage whisper:
For Mr.. Barnston."
"Ah!" breathed Mrs. Hyssop, very
much as if she had had a drink of
some refreshing beverage.
you must have noticed" resumed
Fanny, that he has been attentive to
me-quite attentive. AS l have no
mother, I thought all along that
would some day come to you, who
have been so very kind to me, and
confide in you and ask your advice.
You know more about Mr.. Barnston
than l do. He told me he had been
boarding here for two years.
Eyes, for two whole years." put in
Mrs. Hyssop. Ever since 1 opened
up"
you must have had a rare chance
to study him." Fanny said. you must
know if he has any-any qualities that
are not-not-good."
Mrs. Hyssop sat more erect. She
turned her head to one side pensively.
Fanny now came to the point with
almost superhuman abruptness, ask.
ing:
do you think ought to marry him,
Mrs. Hyssop?"
The suddenness with which the
question came made the landlady
vince. Then she beamed upon her fair
boarder.
Eyes," she began, "Mr. Barnston has
been with me long time. There have
been many chances to study him, and
l have taken advantage of them. You
haven't known him so long as 1 have,
and of course are not so able to judge.
I appreciate very much your coming
to me. And taking everything into
consideration, and to make a long
story short, would advise you not to
marry him under any circumstances"
A cyclone seemed to strike Fanny
and her framework, for both went to