The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1881-06-03
Select Story.
ALITTLE GOLD OWL.

''DO yOu know what famous Russian
beauty once wrote in her album? No Z?
Let me tell you, then. The l'renchman
best understands the art of talking love,
the Italian of acting it, but the German
rocks it to sleep, while the Pole ruins it
ALL >"
"And the Americana pleaded musi-
cal voice in the ear of the first speaker.
The lady made no Immediate reply.
The pair stood i'll the WINGS of Il tiny
amateur thcatcr in one of oar large
cities, and the drama Of Matrimony, in
which they had acted, was over. Both
were artists in that irtcnsc sentiment of
excitement which stirS the ripplcs of pri-
vate life when thc0tricals and charades
become the fashion Augusta Bevan, tall,
slender and proud, had resumed her vel
vet walking dress, and toyed with tiny
mutt of pink satin which was suspended
about her neck by means of II ribbon.
Captain llornblower, easy, graceful and
elegant, bent over her in an attitude Of
devotion which he had assumed with the
facility of n glove for the past fifteen
years in the bathrooms of West Point
Point, Saratoga and Newport.
"Your muif seems to be Il sort of fairy
caskct," pursued Captain lIornblower.
''Givc me n keepsake from one of the
pockets, beg, in rcm 'mbrancc of the
night
What shall it be- retortcd Augusta
Bcym gayly
She sought in the tiny pockets of per
fumed and quilted satin, and drew forth
II glttcring object. This was little
gold owl, beautifully wrought, with ruby
eyes and jeweed claws. When a spring
was touched, slender pencil ease slid
out of the birds head,
"lIcrc is my gift she said, ,gently,and
the gallant captain understood that hel
words mean, capitulation.
Was he glad or sorry! He received the
little gold owl with effusive gratitude
and kissed the hand which bestowed the
| gift; but it was in the nature of thi'
military butterfly TO doubt, at the mo
ment, if he had acted with unwise pre-
cipitation, if he had not sold himself toe
cheaply in the matrimonial market, and i
Augusta Beyan was as great an heiresi
as she was reputed to be-
My children, remember the ScOtcI
proverb. Those who fish for miunow
never catch trout" said Mr.. Riddel
behind them.
Mr.. Riddcl, who invariably enacte,
the part of benevolent old man, prof
fered his snuif-boX to Captain Horn
blower with his quizzical smile.
"We are called out again!' eXclaime'
Mrs Trentham.
There was patter Of applause, AM
the four emerged before the foot-lights
making their salutations in the most AZ
proved professionl manner. On the stag
stood Mrs Trentham in superb toilet
Augusta Bevan,C Captain lIonblOwer an
Mr.. Riddel. Beyond the circle Of foot
| lights was a fashionable audience, wher
blended satin, gold, feathers and lace I,
sembled parteme of flowers, while tn
little thuater, built for Mrs, Trenthan
maze charming background for smi
ing faces. Certainly the two actresse
looked their best, for Captain lIornblowt
deeply versed in such craft, had made II
their stage complexion, with the aid {
rouge and other cosmetics, moist purp
worsted furnishing the requisite shadow
beneath the eyes.
Said Mr., Riddel, as he conducte
Miss Beyan home; "You will not forg'
my proyerb, Augusta Those who lis
for minnows never catch trout.
The girl glanced askance at him al
frowned, Mr. Riddol, divosted of gra
wig and paternal bearing, was a digl
fled gentleman of forty years, lawyo
and manager of the great Beyan pro
erty.
"You have always warned me of fo
S tune,hunteIs and worthless EuitoIs sin
| left school" she exclaimed, petulantl
/ sis woman mover Ia believe ia amy O
4 because she IL litAe"