Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-11-29

From Chambers journal.
AN UNLIMITED GUEST.
LcoNrtNUED FROM YESTERDAY.

LcoNTiNUED FROM YESTERDAY.
1t struck me at once that the photograph
about which man on the eve OF flight
would take so much trouble must be of
person very dear to him. probably his
with Young, he had always been very
ciates, and had no clue to guide me to
any of them, except the photographers
card.
Re-entering my cab, drove off to the
photographer There was no number
or Distinguishing mark upon the card, and
the chances seemed faint that he would be
able to tell me anything about it. Indeed,
at first, when the man found that wasn't
a customer, he seemed little inclined to
trouble himself about the matter. The
promise of a fee, however. made him more
reasonable, and he offered to let me see
his books, that l might search for the name
l wanted to find. 1t was unlikely that
the photograph had been done for Young
If it had, there would probably appear in
the books only the useless record of his
address, already known to me. Then the
man shook his head. If didn't know the
name, it was no use looking; the card was
nothing, he said he sent hundreds out
every month. What information could he
possibly give? Then tried to describe
the personal appearance of Young. But
again he shook his head. If he hadn't
taken his likeness, he wouldn't be likely
to remember him hardly even then, SO
many people passed through his hands.
holding the card in his fingers, glancing
( MI tho,
seemed to strike him. .'Stop bit" he
said, and went into his dark chamber. and
presently emerged, smelling strongly OF
chemicals. here. he said triumph
antly looked and saw very faint
ghostly impression of photograph. Its
printed itself through, said the man
"they will sometimes-and I've brought
it to light. Yes know the original OF
that" Again he dived into closet, and
brought out negative with a number and
label to it. Then he turned to his book.
and wrote down an address for me-Mrs.
Norris, Larkspur Road, Noting Hill.
Away l went to Larkspur Road. Mrs.
Norris house was small, comfortable
residence, with bright windows, veran-
dahs, &C orgous window-boxes, and striped
sun-blinds. Mrs. Norris was at home,
said very neat, pretty looking maid;
and l sent in my card, with a message;
''On most important business" The maid
came back to say that her mistress did not
recognize the name, but would walk in
| was shown into pretty drawing room
on the first floor. An elderly lady rose to
greet me with an old fashioned courtesy,
at the same time with good deal of un-
easy curiosity in her face. This was not
the original of the photograph, who was
young and charming girl.
"Madame,"I said rapidly, II believe
that my friend, Charles Young, is well
known to you; now, it is of the utmost
importance that should ascertain where
he is at this moment"
"Stay!" said the old lady. "You are
laboring under mistake; know nothing
whatever of the gentleman whose name
you mention; name never heard be-
fore"
Was she deceiving me ? did not think
so.
Perhaps Miss Norris may know"
said eagerly.
Miss Norris is not likely to have formed
any acquaintance without her mothers
knowledge" said Mr.. Norris with digni-
ty. There seemed to be no alternative
but for me to retreat with apologies.
IL am very busy, you see," went on the
old lady, with a wave of the hand and
indeed the room, now looked about me,
saw to be strewed with preparations for
some festive event, ball perhaps, or,
from a wreath of orange blossoms that !
saw peeping out of Il milliner's box, more
likely wedding. l was about to take nv
departure reluctantly, when a young girl,
charming young girl, bounded into the
room. She was the original of the photo
graph.
''Oh, mamma !" she cried, here's letter
from poor Charlie to say he can possibly
be here tonight Isn't it provoking? And
| want to consult him about so many
things"
"Well, my dear Isabel,' said the old
lady placidly, ''you'll have enough of his
company after tomorrow. From which
judged my surmise as to the wedding
was correct, and that Charlie was the
bridegroom-elect.
''By the way" she went on, "here's a
gentleman, Isabel, who insists that we
know a Mr.. Charles-I forget the name
now"
Young" interiected.
"A Mr.. Charles Young. You know of
no such person Bella p
at is singular, too, that the initials of
our friends should be the same. May l
ask if you have given your portrait, taken
by Blubore of keusington"-
Upon my word, - said Mrs. Norris ris-
ing. and sounding the bell, "th:s is rather
too much from total stranger. We don't
know your friend, and we don't know you
Susan, show this gentleman out"
'But u gentleman" cried, with blue
eyes, and yellow beard and moustache.
and turned-up nose"
"No more!' cried Mrs. Norris. "Am
to repeat once more, we know nothing
about himP"
What could do under these circum-
stances but take my leave? In Susan,
however, found an unexpected ally.
She had heard my parting words of des-
cription, and she turned to me as we were
descending the stair and said Miss Isa-
bells young man is exactly like that"
Half crown and a few Establishments,
which under the circumstances, think
even my worthy spouse would have par
doned, put me in possession of the facts.
Miss Norris was really to be married to-