Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-10-17
AkllAlkklkihAAiAllAkilAl | Al CONFIRMED E OLD MAID |
By n. Fl. coUPER

I V by fN1s VI. COUPEk
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 Miss Margaret Brentwood and Mont
 morency her cat lived together near
 Union square.
 Montmorency was four years old | and was striped all over like tiger. with the exception of an immaculate white shirt-front. Montmorency had
 his own particular chair and cushion
 in the drawing room and boudoir; this
 was Miss Brentwoods fancy, and Mont
 mcrency good-naturedly humored her.
 When man and woman set up house
 together certain amount of give-and-
 take is necessary. and this particular
 instance reseIn bled many others in that the giving was monopolized by one side.
 It seemed to afford Miss Brentwood satisfaction to give Montmorency thick
 cream in dainty china saucers, and
 soft velvet cushions to lie upon, and
 consequently what could he do bat gracefully accept the attentions? Mont morency was very fond of his mis- tress; he had grown accustomed to her, as he had to his respective chairs and cushions, and not being without experience of women in general, he placed her emphatically before any others of his acquaintance. He liked to see her graceful figure bending over her work, or the writing table, and to watch the cool white hands which were always busy over something.
 Miss Margaret Brentwood was 70, and a confirmed old maid, so her friends and acquaintances declared, but the fact did not appear to trouble her in the least. There was nothing old maidfsh in her appearance, and the sprinkling of gray in her dark hatr only lent an additional dignity to her face. Montmorency had never serious ly considered whether his mistress might truthfully be described as hand some or fascinating, but he knew that every detail of her presence, from the soft tones with which she addressed him, to the delicate perfume she al- ways affected, all went to make up an exceedingly pleasant personality.
 Now, it so happened that one finc af- ternoon twofriends of Miss Brentwood's mst on her doorstep, both purposing 10 honor that lady with visit. They were ushered into the drawing room, where Montmorency was in sole pos- session, Miss Brentwood having only just returned home. being still engaged in removing her wraps.
 MOntmorency's first idea on recog- nizing the visitors was to rise and leave the Eom: his second, that he might derive some amusement if he for he had long ago made the discovery that the conversation of certain women was apt to become ex- tremely riquant.
 She has very good taste. hasn't she?" said Mrs. Otway Lash!ngton, sending her glance comprehensively round the room through her gold pincc-nez.
 "Or the reputation for it, which amounts to the same thing" respond ed the other lady.
 Thought that was smart. didn't | you?" murmured Montmorency, watch Ing the speaker through his half-closed lids.
 odd she has never married-so we'll on as she is. tool" pursued Mrs. Ot- way Lashington.
 Well. I don't know about its being ,dd." said Mrs. Brasher, pursiny up ,er lips with much significance.
 Why. was there anyone? Oh. co ell me, dear Mrs. Brasher: sne will De down in moment"
 "Of course you understand 1t must % no further!''
 "Of course, of course"
 Looks for all the world as if she aw a jug of cream" interpo!ated with disgust.
 We'll. when she was quite a girl. one # old John Dorrfngton's sons fell nadly in love with her. and she with i'm: but the old man. who was as mad IS natter even then. vowed that his on should marry rich. and wouldn't lear of an engagement between them dargaret Brentwood has always had lenty of pride. and she absolutely re- used to marry young Dorrinrton gainst his fathers wishes. and oonse- uently they parted with she usual of undying constancy. nd believe they have held no com with each other since. She as kept her word. as you see" And he."