The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-05-06
A STRANGE STORY.
'OHS @. SAFE,


One afternoon, towards the end Of Sep,
temb9r, the clocks in the city Of London
struck four, and the daily routine of busi.
ness in the house of Pumkin Brother
came to close. These events were not
peculiar to that particular day; but story
must have beginning. The numerous
clerks closed their ledgers, and slowed
away their papers with lar greater alucrity
then they had shown in bringing them
out some six or seven hours before and
as they put on their oyercoats, hats, and
gloves, they began to chat with each
other. One had got an order for the
theatre for two, and asked another to have
a chop with him somewhere, and then 20
thithcr Others were 2Embers of vo!m.
tecr corps, and were in hurry to get on
their diSguises, and go and be hnli-right
turned somewhere. Allhad some personal
Object, pertaining to love, war, pleasure,
or dinner, in view; in short, the striking
Of the clock had magic power, and turn
ed them from mechanical coes into men.
One man went up to the head Of de-
partment, aud from him received papers,
which he put into the brcast.pockct Of his
coat, and then walked off without speak
ing TO bis IellOw.clcrks, beyond bidding
good. afternoon to one or another, and us
senting once or twice to the TACT OF the
weather being fine
"a mean beggar, that Maplcson," said
Jones. rs henrrnnged the flower in bis but
tOnhole.
"Ah," replied Brown. "IIc dimes for
a ashlling."
"Aod inks the rim Of his hat,n
"Pcrhaps he Is pOor,n suggested the
charitable Robinson.
"Poorp' cried Jones. "Who isn't
Millionairts are not commonly found on
q rk's stools. He has his salary, mud he
Is not married; and yet, he stints, and
never goes anywhere, or does anything -
" Perhaps he has n vice. suggested
Robinson, who always fought the battle
for the absent.
"Ah! he may have, certainly" replied
Jones the just.
But It isn't only his meanness,n said
Brown, who had made ovcrtutcs to Maple
son, which had been met withmOrc polite
ness than cotdialitv; she is so conlOundly
stuck up. Now, ofall pride, hate mean
PRIDE"
This unconscious subject Of all this dis.
paragement walked down Chcapsidc to
Saint Pnul's Churchyard, where he stopped
before bonnetshop.
"Still there,n he muttcred "that is
lucky. How well Il will become ler!i'
He entered, bought the bonnet which
bad taken his fancy, and with the little
cardboard box in bis hand, started of in
the direction of Islington. In vain did Han
som cabbieS raise their whips, and omnibus
cads cry HF'TJn Ton p lie walked
every step oithe way home.
Home was parlOr on the ground floor
II bright and cheerful larlor, the Orna-
ments and furniture Oi which, though not
costly, were in perfect taste. There were
flowers; there was piano, open; music
and books lay about in comfortable, but
not untldy way. Home was grrl of nine
teen, who welcomed him with smile,
called him Harry, aud went into ecstacics
over the bonnet. Home presently was
tea, ten treated rs a meal, not the mean
iDglcS supplement late diners under.
stand by tie term.
"What do YOU think Harryr. eScln,m.
ed the young lady in The course Of ihe
meal.
"rhink y" rspliel Harry hIapleson. with
his mouth full; "why. I think TINT II
there were many men of fortune who knew
had sister who could make such an.
chevy toast as this. they wonll soon carry
her off from me.n m
"Young men of fortune do not marry
their cooks; the now bonnet is much more
likely to rid you Of me. but what | wos
going to say ras we have mi , eoo,cn
"Itisn't YOU pussy, and Il Is moi me 81
quoted the brother, turning to the cat.
"Ob, what grammar p %
"The verb Ito get, takes nm nccu.,tivo
Susan. But,about the gocse, How did
YOU steal itTi'
. Nobow Il came. topctber with i,s
giblety md bolCs.doyen al sherry y
"Wbatl Mr.. AnonymouS again ~
"Yes.n
"He is very coodn said Harry. n scriou.
expression coming over Ms face, dBut
there is one thing that / do wish be would
scud-his name. / Ihatc mystery"