Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-04-03
LITTLE ROBBIE,


rOTu q LAne-"and so there was romance.
The two men-old friends. and rather old fel-
loWs-Were In that mildly loquaciouS mood that
1olowS good dinner, and Is stimulated by
there's no cOzier spot than Lanes library, nor is
there-considering he is past f1fty-a hand5omer
or more genial man than Lane himself. At this
held meditatively between two fingers, and
ton, ''Sly dog"
for the firm said Lane. talking apparently to
the tire, 81 had time to spare, and was at Bave-
no, in the north of Italy, Then, after pause:
There's too much said about the scenery at the
Italian lakes"
"Why? Isn't 1t finer
Yes; but happen, say, at Baveno, on Mag
giore, In the middle OF May, and there's some
thing you can't talk about; there's fervor and
languor, a strength and sweetness In all
nature, In the very air Itself. that can't b, told
lit can only be felt. The hotel at Baveno was
close to the lake, and boats lay mOored just be-
fore the door, 1t was afternoon, remember,
that day-late afternoon-and l ran into Russell
firm OF Russell White, you know.
" so glad to meet an Americana said Russell
I'm doing the lakes with my wife and SlSter-ln-
law, who is widow. Come for boat ride with
us this evening at s.
There was strange influence abroad that night:
the whole place seemed fairy, unreal. followed
TO where boat lay Swaying little loSSe from
ITS moorlngs; on the shore was Mrs. Russell,
whom greeted politely; but my eyes were fixed
on that boat, for In the stern, wrapped in some
thing white, like cloud, sat a woman who was
lovely as vision. I was fairly dazed, ana stood
staring, when Russell pulled up the boat and
said Jump In. Halo, Adelaide so you've seat
ed. The woman In white Is my SiSter-in-law,
Lane. Mrs. Randolph, Mr.. Lane, of New York
''She greeted me with, 'iRdeed, Mr.. Lane it's
pleasant to meet people from home-that is.
tlmet1meS, and some people, She was woman
of the world, and a bit coquettish, yet with a
so6ern 1 and gentle grace underlying all"
"Well, Ii was ten years ago. She was slghter
but that warm-colored hair was the same; she
had those same gray eyes, with the dark brows
that would lend sternness to any other eyes, but
only frame the softness of hers; her cheek was
shade paler than now, and fairer, perhaps.
Well we rowed over TO Isola Madre. There, I'm
der the shadow OF the wooded banks, we heard
the nightingales sing, and, In Short" said Mr..
Lane, with nervous laugh, knocking the ashes
from his cigar, and beginning to smoke before
ne had done speaking-''tn short, resolved that
live a bachelor"
Sudden, wasn't it," limited Ford.
Yes. but times nothing In such matters; it's
SAY it In four letters" Ford suggested.
well, it's lore; and l was heartily, deSper-
ately In love. You see, was only 40 then.
Next morning early was pacing the turf In
front of the hotel, and met Mrs Randolph. She
was dainty, fresh and tender hued, even in the
full morning sunshine. l breakfaSted with the
Russell party, and bOnne brought to the table
on.
".My Robbie! my darling. my blessing, ex-
claimed Mrs. Randolph, in a motherly rapture.
seating the child On her lap. The little chap
shook his head of yellow curls, reached with
both hands over the table, and CALCULATED,
"sHoney is bad for mammals bow, said Mrs
Randolph, while l, looking at the picture they
made, only desired to call both mother and child
my own. Why, In fancy, was already father
10 the boy, loved him, brought him up, put him
IN fhn f,xx- .1y<.x@
which the little man was lung1ng and plungtng
after the honey dish. His mother Restraining
MIN, ne delivered piercing yell, and grabbing
Inc me taole,cloth, dragged of some dishes that
broKe. Waiter said Mrs. Randolph, take the
honey away
.'At this the boy beat first the air, then his
mothers face. She turned red and pale by turns,
case. loose change, watch c1ck, tick'l and
like seductions were displayed In vain. Finally
| found a DIT OF chocolate in silver paper.
What's that, Robbie?
"Robbie stopped short In his pleasant exer-
else, and answered promptly: 'Choclit Iwant
Its too early in the morning for sweets
SAID the mother. Robbie shall have 1t by-and-
*'No-o Now yelled the boy.
81 made the bonbon disappear in the air Jug
gler fashion, and the cherub sulked with finger
in his mouth.
81 He's lovely boy,'I said to the mother
SO He's his mammals blessing, She answered
foHdly. Robbie, speak to the nice gentle
"'No WON'T responded the blessing In a
tone OF smothered brutality, like an infantilo
Robbie said 1. don't you want to ride q
pretty pink pony with blue tail, eh?'
"This novel proposition made him thoughtful
a moment; then, cycling me with settled hatred
he answered, NO, i don .; l want choclit.
Mothers lamb shall have chocolate by and
by said Mrs. Randolph, and kissed him in a
manner perfectly distracting to the man who
adoIed her. Whereat he grabbed an earring,
and cruelty held her graceful head at arms
length.
sn . ROB darling you make mamma cry,
1.-THE young pirate held on however. until his
uncle Russell caught the little arm and shook
it, with Hi! hi! young rascal, let co.
BE careful; don't hurt him, said Mrs Ran
:Wont feggo Won't lego ego scream screamed Rob-
pie, untl the yelling, struggling mass Of en-
bro1dery, bare knees and yellow curls was
handed over TO Marie, the bont.e, who carried 1t
up stairs. Robbie won't! Robbie won't reach
ing us In grateful diminuendo.
- Mrs. Randolph and l took stroll by the
lake lake; my little son IS very nervous and sensl-
"'And such a Child is treasure when prop
erly governed ventured, with discreet en-
phasis.
He has never been punished, she said. His
Certainly not, but a little wholesome re,
straint--'
''No,' she broke In. with decision, he doesn't
need It. He's darling Child, and my only
1.-The little tierceness OF motherhood was very
becoming. after all, to such pretty woman,
ana an that May day passed like pleasant dream.
plcion OF nightmare In the shape OF Robbie,
who. except for the one moment when he
grabbed the coveted 'choclit, regarded me with
steady dfSfavOr.
He'll be so afectionate when he's once ac-
qua1nted the mother said.