Daily globe., 1879-04-27

centric inquiry. 1t now struck me that
he might have more imagination or bet
ter eyes than I.
So at the end of the play, while he was
putting on his overcoat, touched him
on the shoulder and told him 1 had
word to say to him when we could get
into the lobby. Having reached it,
asked him if he could direct me, a strang,
er in the city, to good place near by
where I could get supper before going
back to my hotel. He told me of one
and instantly asked him to come with
me. sl'm curious to know something
more,' added, "about that opera a-glass
of yours; I'm afraid I didn't understand
it."
He appeared pleased, and after mo-
ment accepted my proposal to sup to-
gether.
''Speaking in confidence" said he, as
he went along the street, ''I'm not sure
my wife will like it, my staying out any
later. She's already jealous of me going
to the theater, when l do go alone.
Though she don't say so, yet she fancies
there's some WON an in the case. you un-
derstand.' Then, after pause, "If she
only knew! There IS a woman in the"-
which he was carrying the glass-"liter
ally, a woman in the case. Ha, hap
The revival of this fantasy, and his cdd
frankness, quickened curiosity. At our
restaurant there were fortunately little
boxes partitioned off at one side, with
curtains in front; and, taking refuge in
one Of these, I ordered supper Of roast
oysters and beverage which we were
weak enough to call punch, and which
was strong enough to bear the opprobri-
um of that name.
"Now for enlightenment" said I, when
the glasses were reflled.
My companion had taken of his hat, in
Difference to the oysters. His flat pressed
mouth, his indignant eyes, his crimson
forehead and gray hair jutting up oddly
behind his head, all contrasted strangely
with the singular tale he proceeded to
relate.
"You see," ne began. "I'm plain
man without any show of romance. I'm
levelheaded in my affairs, and we'll
known in business circles. don't go in
for amusements or pleasures, and you
couldn't hire me to read novel. But
there's one thing in my business acquain-
| lcIiSCo IL CACv hACW IL. lC11 YOU OO-
cause you're stranger, and I've taken
fancy to you, and think it may do you
good, as young man, to learn how to
look below the surface
Here the narrator gave sly chuckle,
glancing toward the lorgnette (Which
stood on the table, in way that sugges-
ted double meaning.
Il married late," he wen+ on; s'and
some years ago, before my wedding, I was
at the theater one night, when young
lady Of decided beauty and fashion at
tracted my notice. She did more than
that, she made me feel what hadn't felt
since I was boy. When I went home
to my bachelor quarters that night had
to admit that I was in love. I wasn't
society man, so my chances of seeing her
again we're few; but I found out after a
time who she was, and met her once or
twice in the streets. Then there came
very soon memorable evening when I
met her at the theater again. They
were playing The Lady Of Lyons. Be-
tween the acts, as 1 sat thinking of moth
ing, was startled by an exclamation
like faint scream, in the balcony, just
above my chair, for was at the back of
the orchestra stalls. I looked
up at once, and saw this opera glass
falling through the air directly toward
my head. 1t was so ear that I didn t dare
to move my head, for fear that if took
my eyes from the falling object I might
dodge just where it would strike me all
the more dangerously. just put my
gloved hands up, kept perfectly cool, and
caught the glass as neat as you please.
There was e murmur of ofapprobation from
the people around me, and some imperti-
nent applause; but the main thing was
that, while I still sat looking up to see
who had let the glass fall, my beautiful
young lady's face peered over the
cushioned edge of the balcony, and her
eyes looded down into mine. The opera
glass was hers! So instead Of breaking
my head it broke my heart.
"The lady drew back at once, and an
other person peered over-a highly
finished young man with coral studs and
a white neck-tie--a fop, sir. THE old
gentleman at once showed great anger
and intolerance.] Why wasn't I made,
I wonder, with a face shaped like an
almond and not much color in it; and
why wasn't taught to wear mustache
with a curl On the tip end Of it like the
y loose end Of banjo string? As hadn't
+ these charms, and the young man in the
= balcony had, knew, of course,
that there was no chance for me.
But one thing I Immediately re-
: solved upon. When stated to 60 out
1 OF the door after tie play I natur-
: ally found the young jaclzanapes waiting
for me. But instead Of the glass
I handed him my card, saying, you'll
$ learn my standing frow that, sir; but l
: can't consent to part from this article. ]
e will replace it with new one. When a
o man has saved himself from hurt, as
have, without troubling any one, he ought
:, to have reward; and I claim this as
! mine." put in that touch of humor
= !. but the young man didn't take it humor.
ously at all. He threatened to call s
policeman and arrest me if didn't give
= = up the trife.
!. "Do" said I, 'and nave ridiculous
;. item in the papers tomorrow with Miss
Ms name m :ntioned' Some of the
4 dispensing audiene began to notice US and
; my hint quieted him. He merely said
This is uniusti6able. You will heal
further from me- and went off. When
you think of it 1t was extraordinary but
:, I stuck to my point and always kept the
y souvenir, though there was talk of a suit
and even of a duel with the young fellow
Heff1ebower''
"Hefaebower!' exclaimed.
"Pshaw yes. I oughtn't to have TOLD
you the name. But never mind. CAD
!, my blood was up. That was my time