The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-04-30
and-after adjusting it to suit himself :,
contemplated the large end with rapt

h~s">oS |
I began to consider. had noticed on
The convex glass surface broken refec-
tons from different parts of the theater .
the central cluster of lights, or dim frag-
ments OF the gold ornamentation on the
gallery, and Liliputian host of specta-
tors, among whom were some of the ladies
in charming costumes behind us or at the
side. These had fitted over it as l
changed the angle; but the images were
so minute that I hadn't thought of them
in connection with lorg nette, owners &C.
centric inquiry. It now struck me that
he might have more imagination or bet
ter eyes than I. .... s>..1.- . s4
So at the end of the play, while he was
putting on his overcoat, I touched him
on the shoulder and told him I had q |
word to say to him when we could get
into the lobby. Having reached it,
asked him if he could direct me, 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 I instantly asked him to come with
me. tsI'm curious to know something
MORE" added, "about that opera-glass
of yours; I'm afraid didn't understand
it," a.
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 I do 60 alone.
Though she don't say so, yet she fancies
derstand." Then, after pause, "1f she
only knew! There IS a woman in the
here he shook the leather receptacle in
which he was carrying the glass-'liter-
ally, woman in the case. Ha. ha"
The revival of this fantasy, and his cdd
frankness, quickeaed 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 a supper of roast
oysters and beverage which we were
weak enough to call punch, and which
was strong enough to bear the opprobri-
UNI of that name.
"Now for enlightenment" said I, when
the glasses we're reflled.
MY companion had taken Of his hat, in
Difference to the oysters. His f1at-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
leve,headed in my affairs, and we'll
known in business circles. I 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-
| tarces if they knew it. I tell you be-
cause you're a stranger, and I've taken a
fancy to you, and I 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.
II married late" he wen+ on; "and
some years ago, before my wedding, 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 went home
to my bachelor quarters that night I had
to admit that was in love. wasn't q
society man, so my chances of seeing bel
again were few; but I found out after 9
time who she was, and met her once OF
twice in the streets. Then there came
very soon memorable evening when
met her at the theater again. They
were playing, The Lady Of Lyons. Be
tween the acts, as sat thinking of moth
ing, was startled by an exclamation
like faint scream, in the balcony, jus
above my chair, fer I was at the back o
the orchestra stalls. looked
up at once, and saw this opera glass
falling through the air directly TOWARD
my head. It was 50 near that I didn t dare
to move my head, for fear that if took
my eyes from the falling object I Nigh
dodge just where it would STRIFE me al
the more dangerously. just put m,
gloved hands up, kept perfectly cool, ant
caught the glass as neat as you please
There was murmur of appreciation from
the people around me, and some imperti
nent applause; but the main thing wa
that, while I still sat looking up to SCI
who had let the glass fall, my beautiful
young lady's face peered over tn
cushioned edge of the balcony, and he
eyes looded down into mine. The opera
| glass was hers! So instead of breakin
F my head it broke my heart.
"The lady drew back at once, and an
other person peered over-a highl
> finished young man with coral studs ant
white neck-tie--a fop, sir. THE oil
gentleman at once showed great ange
and intolerance.] Why wasn't I made
I wonder, with face shaped like a
almond, and not much color in it; an
why wasn't I taught to wear mustach
: with curl On the tip end of it like tn
, loose end of a banjo-string2 As hadn'
these charms, and the young man in tn
r balcony had, I knew, of course
! that there was no chance for mt
, But one thing Immediately re
solved upon. When stated to 60 OF
] of the door after the play I natu
ally found the young jackanapes waitin
/ for me. But instead Of the opera-glas
> I handed him my card, saying, You
I learn my standing frow that, sir; but
|