Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-09-11
How Pottridge SpoiIt His Luck.

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Dir. Thomas Pottridge, of Small
borough, had been renowned in his ma
tive town for his constant run of luck,
20 that Mt the age of forty he was reck-
Oned the warmest man there-an al
derman who had been twice mayor of
his city, church warden and n very
popular character among the fair sex by
reason of his being a bachelor. One or
two things more only were wanted to
complete his happiness-namely, n good
wife, n nice little estate in the country,
and the honor of knighthood. Mr..
Pottridge wished To become Sir Thomas
Pottridge. Having long cherished this
idea, and resolved, indeed, that he would
not propose for the hand of pretty Miss
Lucy Dott, the bankers daughter, until
he could make her ladyship, Mr.. Pott-
ridge ended by thinking that he could
best secure his object by causing linn.
self to be reelected mayor, and arrang-
ing If possible that ii. K. III. the Prince
OF Wales should pay n visit to Small
borough during the term of his office.
Intent upon this scheme, Mr.. Pottridge
came up to town to call upon Lord
Beaconsfield. Lord Beaconsiield heark-
ened kindly to the grocer's prayer
Scarborough was about TO inaugurate
some public baths, the first establish
ment of the kind ever seen in the town,
and nothing could be more suitable than
that the heir to the throne should pre-
side over the ceremonial. Truly. -
said the Premier politely, when he had
heard the alderman speak, 1.-The cleanli-
ness of the people must always be n mat
ter OF interesting concern to those who
are brought into relations with them. |
shall be happy to take her majesty s
commands on the-ahem !-public spiri-
ted proposal which you have laid before
me-"
If you can manage it, my lord, |
should be glad If the visit could take
place some time after the 9th of Novem-
Der next, Tor | shall be mayor then and
able to see that the reception given Is a
proper one"
"Ah, quite SOW answered Lord Bea-
eonsfield, dropping his eyeglass. for he
had studied Mr.. Pottridge through and
knew the man by heart.
Leaving Whitehall. Mr.. Pottridge
sauntered toward Regent street, and as
he walked along life seemed rosy to him
because of Miss Dott. He began TO stare
into the shop windows, admiring pretty
things which he was tempted to buy for
his love. He was turning over this
fancy and fumbling wistfuIly at the
pocket where the check book lay when
suddenly he beheld through the window
acurioussig ght. An elegantly dressed lady
was seated at the counter examining
pieces of Brussels lace. The shopman
averted his head for an instant and she
deity whipped up yard of the costly
texture and transferred it to her pocket.
The shopman spread over the counter n
HlsaWs T.N 4..A
cambric handkerchiefs and once more
turned away. Again the lady's deft
hand went to work and n couple OF
handkerchiefs found their way under
her cloak. Now that woman must
have capacious pockets" soliloquized
the astonished Mr.. Pottridge. "She's
; cunning thief. anyhow, and TIL just
step in and warn the firm"
lie hesitated moment and whilst he
hovered about the doorway the lady
came out escorted by an obsequious
eommissionaire with medals on his
breast. A footman, one of n row bask-
ing on bench like oysters. rose and
signaled TO the coachman of hand
somely appointed brougham, who Mt
once drove forward. Evidently this
lady was not an ordinary thief. She
was tall. dark person of about thirty.
SupthDiy hItSSfu anu very handsome.
Perceiving Mr.. Pottridge and seeing his
glance fixed on heras she waited for her
carriage she eyed him with aristocratic
superciliousness and thereby settled her
fate, Cor Smallborough's alderman, who
could not brook the disdain of shop.
liter, hurried into the mercer's and ex-
planned what had happened, speaking
IN 80 excited voice that number oi
customers heard him.
Great commotion was caused by his
announcement, and the shopman who
had served her was quickly fired by the
idea that he had let himself be outwitted
Darling out Of the shop he accOsted the
thief as she was stepping into her car.
riage and said: "Will you como back.
Il you please7 There Is some mistake. =
"What mistaken" asked she, turning
round with fash In her eyes. But she
grew ashy pale.
Come back, please" repeated the
shopman, q pushing Young man, whose
voice broke from emotion.
A small crowd had already collected
ID the lady was obliged 10 retrace her
gleps; but - she was about to enter
ne shop she slipped her hand into her
pocket and let piece of lace fall on 10