The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-09-04

visit Henry Lee was painfully aware
of his sprominent awkwarlness. True, the
coarse clothing and clumsy mud-clogged
boots in which the reader first beheld
him, had long since given place TO
snowy linen, exquisite patent-leather,
and conventional broadcloth; but his raj
ment sat uneasily upon him, and his
broad, honest hands toyed nervously, as
he sat at the table with very lncipient
and somewhat uncouth mustache.
"SIiss, or Madam" said he, at last,
"will you please TO tell me your name?"
"I was introduced 10 you as Rosa De
Ia We're. You may call me Madam
Rosa If you like. OF course you have
not learned my real name, and do not
intend that you shall But | like the
looks of you. DO YOU often come
here -
Henry blushed deeply-probably be-
cause OF his veriancy in matters and
mansions of such character, but an
swered truthfully that he had hitherto
but seldom visited such resorts.
The woman, who could not have been
more than one year his senior, rendered
herself an extremely agreeable compan-
ion. Not one indelicate word or act did
he notice, and he was especially struck
with the respectful Difference paid her,
as by common consent, 10y all the wom-
en-protectors in the gorgeous saloon.
4 great bronzed clock stood at the
farther end of the parlor, which regu-
larly, at the hour of twelve, opened two
ponderous doors, and from behind their
cayernous depths majestic Hercules
stepped forth upon platform, and with
steady and deliberate strokes upon a
great suspended silver bell, caused the
whole house to ring with well-under-
stood summons 10 retire for the night.
For be it known that the righteous
city of Portsmouth had recently
awakened to an alarming discovery.
! Places of immoral resort were open long
after midnight, and while it was "un-
CONSTITUTIONAL to deprive the worthy
and liccnse-paying proprietors of these
places Of the "right to keep them open
at ALL" it was considered fright" and
''proper'' to regulate" the privileges
of establishments of the kind, by gen.
tie restriction concerning late hours.
Any time after l. NJ. was wisely consid-
cred "late hours" by the discreet and
law-abiding fathers of the commercial
emporium of an independent common
wealth.
"Mr. Lee" said the woman, with q
rapturous smile, "you see that the hour
is late. have enjoyed the evening
chat amazingly. When may have the
pleasure of its repetition ?n
The fascination of Il strong temptation
was upon the boy; but, as lie looked
into her melting eyes, the same sweet,
still small voice that had whispered in
his ear during the afternoon, repeated
the warning words, ''Be,Ddre! Wicked
steps take hold on helm
Turning suddenly, as if to tear himself
away from the poisonous presence, he
started down the stairs and encountered
Mr.. Robert Green.
"Ain't she st,tnner ?" he whispered
eagerly. "Did you notice that magnifi.
cent necklace: 1t used to belong tC
Alice Hastings. When last seen, it wa:
in the possession of your beautiful sis
ter, Annie Lee ~
"Oh, my God " exclaimed the be
wildered brother ais Annie Lee 4 THE
and robber?"
Rushing down the steps, and out int
the starlit night, he hastened to hi
home, and tossed upon his couch in vair
attempt TO sleep, till far into the gildeC
autumn morning.
/ rp,. l.a .,,,tf,,,.f