The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-07-24
Too Much For Him.
BY FRANK LEE BENEDICT.


A month passed; then the world of idle
people was astonished by the tidings that
Helen Maynard had returned unincumbered
by diplomatist or title. Her relatives has,
tened to offer proofs of her having refused
both, in order that she might not occupy the
unpleasant position of Tilted young woman.
Coventry had been confined in bis room
for two days with feverish cold, and so had
not heard the news, as he never would allow
any body near him during these attacks. The
only communications from the outside sphere
which penetrated to the chamber, where he
groaned and fletted according to masculine
habit when forced to endure pains and aches,
were trio of pretty little notes from Miss
Hardy, amusing, sufficiently sympathetic,
but not containing syllable in regard to the
returned wanderer.
The third night Maurice dressed himself and
went to Mrs. Hauton's reception, sorely
against the advice of his physician but, man
like, he Outdonkeyed the stubbOrnest donkey
In his determination to do the contrary of
what common-sense and the doctor sug-
gested.
1t was rather late when he entered the
rooms in mood to be annoyed or hurt by
every thing and every body. The firstpartic-
ularly offensive sight that met his eyes was
colors in the rainbow, green was the most
unbecoming she could Put on: fastidious
Maurice grew seasck as he glanced at her.
But he made his way to the place where he
sat, and was greeted with,
''You have no business to be out. You look
wretchedly ill.,
81 never felt better in my life" he at once
asserted with great decision.
Then don't envy your usual state of feel
mo ,, che SsRuf rrlo 10
see you-only don't look at me in this green
gown; Pm perfect fright"
Coventry felt the present to be an instance
where it was proper to take refuge in the adj
age that contradiction is rude, and his face
betrayed his thought so plainly that Miss
Hardy burst out laughing, whereupon his ir-
ritatiOn increased.
A mutual acquaintance came up at the
monochrome of these unfortunate people
who are doomed always to do or say some
thing at the wrong moment The wretch
chose this opportunity to make himself more
disgusting than fate had ever before permit
ted in the whole course OF his blunderihg ca
reer. After addressing several malapropos
remarks to Miss. Hardy, he turned towards
Maurice and said,
''Have you been to welcome the new arriv-
al? believe you were tolerably tender in
that quarter before she went away.'
s'The enigmatic isn't your STYLE" he retort-
ed. Il advise you always to make your mean
ing as plain as possible"
Hes souri, said the bore, laughing in an
imbecile way. ''He knows very well what I
mean, Miss Hardy"
''Mr. Coventry has been i'll, and may not
have heard any news" returned Miss Hardy.
81 don't want 10. hate news" said Maui
rice.
'swhy, didn't yon know she was here ?''
demanded his friend. ''Why that's delightful!
Lead him up and let's see the meeting, Miss
Hardy"
'Pll leave events to take their natural
COURSE" said she, so good-naturedly that
Coventry could have shaken her with pleas
ure for the liberation.
"Pm glad you have found mystery that
pleases you both so much,' he observed in a
stately manner perhaps you will reveal it.
ed"
''There she is nowp" exclaimed the nui-
sance, pushing Coventry's arm. "Lookr'
Maurice mechanically obeyed the command
glanced down the room. A chance parting
in the crowd showed group entering from
the further saloon. Foremost among them
was Helen Maynard, talking earnestly with
the gentleman on whose arm she leaned.
Coventry's head buzzed as if a rocket had
suuucniy eApioueu Ill IL, pue He KNEW CuaG
Miss Hardy's eyes were fixed upon him, and
stood statue of Indifference, only too pale
and rigid to suit the character.
who is that, eh?" questioned the bore.
upon my word, I've forgotten the long
Dutch name she has adopted Maurice an
swered.
Nonsense" returned the imbeciIe man:
''she isn't married-it was only newspaper
gossip"
With another cackling laugh, peculiar to
his species, the monstrosity took himself off.
By this time the party approaching were SO
near that neither Miss Hardy nor Maurice
had time to speak, which was fortunate so far
as regarded him. 1t is not an original COM
parison to say that he felt as if he were on
the deck OF vessel rocking in fearful storm,
but nothing else answered. The lights dane
ed, the room swan he could only see Helen
Maynard coming nearer, more lovely than
ever, and so perfectly dressed that in the
midst OF his agitation he was conscious of a
fresh pang at the thought of Miss Hardy's
abominable green gown. Helen might have
heard gossip about their engagement nobody
knows anything for certainty, and it was
hard to have his triumph spoiled by that
greasy robe.
''We have been looking for aspot to breathe
in, Miss Hardy" he heard Helen say.
81 doubt If you'll find H." returned she,
plcdSduuys L GOiu SONcuGTy some Time
since that he might expect me TO stife."
81 trust Mr.. Coventry has not lost his
memory from the heat" said Helen, turning
toward him with placid smile.
Then Maurice managed to speak, to wei
come her decorously, but knew he was stiff
and solemn, and could have pulled his own
hair with rage at his lack of sef-possession.
They all stood there and talked for few sec
onds, then the party drifted on, and left the
betrothed pair alone again.
''What a lovely creaturep' Miss Hardy
said 81 had heard so much of her expected
to be disappointed, but she is charming
"Who? oh, Miss Maynard" returned
Maurice, and knew that his attempt at ab-
sentmindedness was an absurd failure. 'Did
you never see her before ?"
mot Till tonight. l was introduced to
her little while before you came in. Mercy
on us, how not it is! What do people mean
by crammlng nve hundred victims into rooms
that won't hold half that number comforta-
blym
"Human nature is an IDIOT" said Maurice.
savagely.
81 don't believe that's grammar laucbed
Miss Hardy; ''but it's remarkably true. To
congratulate me. Pve been so busy for two
days Pve scarcely had time to eat or Sleep"
''An odd thing to congratulate you on"
81 hadn't finished. You are to congratu-
late me on getting the Panacea off my mind.
I've settled it at last. Forbes found man
to take it."
This was the drop that filled Maurices cup
to oyerfowing. He had borne the green