The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-06-17
A Little Gold Owl.

"Do you know what famous Rus
sian beauty once wrote in her album
Mop Let me tell you, then. The
Frenchman understands best the art o.
talking love, the italian of acting it
but the German rocks it to sleep, while
the Pole ruins it ALL"
"And the Americana" pleaded q mu
sical voice in the ear of the first speaker
The lady made no immediate reply
The pair stood in the wings of a tiny
amateur theater in one of our large
cities. and the drama of Matrimony, il
which they had acted, was over. Botl
were artists in that intense sentiment
of excitement which stirs the ripplas ol
private life when theatricals and cha
rades become the fashion. Augusta
Bevan, tall, slender and proud, had re.
sumed her velvet walking dress, and
toyed with tiny muff of pink satin
which was suspended about her neck by
means of ribbon. Captain Hornblow-
er, easy, graceful and elegant, bent over
her in an attitude of devotion which he
had assumed with the facility of glove
for the past fifteen years in the ball
rooms of West Point, Saratoga and New
port.
"Your muff seems to be a sort
Of fairy casket," pursued Captain Horn
blower. "Give me keepsake from
one of the pockets, beg, in remem-
brance of the night"
"What shall it be ?" retorted Augusta
Bevan, gayly.
She sought in the tiny pockets of per-
fumed and quilted satin, and drew forth
a glittering object. This was little
gold owl, beautifully wrought, with ruby
eyes and jeweled claws. When spring
was touched, slender pencil-case slid
out of the birds head.
"Here is my gift" she said, gently,
and the gallant captain understood that
her words meant capitulation.
Was he glad rsorry Hereceived the
little gold owl with efusive gratitude,
and kissed the hand which bestowed the
gift; but it was in the nature of this
military butterfly to doubt, at the
moment, if he had acted with unwise
precipitation, if he had not sold himself
too cheaply in the matrimonial market,
and if Augusta Bevan was as great an
heiress as she was reputed to be.
"My children, remember the Scotch
proverb, 'Those who fish for minnows
never catch trout" said Mr.. Riddel,
behind them.
Mr.. Riddel, who invariably enacted
the part Of benevolent old man,
profIered his snuff-box to Captain Horn
blower with his quizzical smile.
"We are called out again !" exclaimed
Mrs. Trentham.
There was q patter of applause, and
the four emerged before the foot-lghts,
making their salutations in the most
approved professional manner. On the
stage stood Mrs Trentham in superb
toilet, Augusta Bevan, Captain Horn
blower and Mr.. Riddel. Beyond tho
circle of foot.lights was fashionable
audience, where blended satin, gold,
feathers and lace resemblcd parterre
of flowers, while the little theater, built
for Mrs. Trentham, made o charming
background for smiling faces. Certainly
the two actresses looked their best, for
Captain Hornblower, deeply versed in
such craft, had made up their stage
complexion, with the aid of rouge and
other cosmetics, moist purple worsted
furnishing tho requisite shadows beneath
the eyes.
Said Mr.. Riddel, as he conducted
Miss Bevan home "You will not forget
my proverb, Augusta Those who fish
for minnows never catch trout"
The girl glanced askance at him and
frownod. Mr., Riddel, divested Of gray
wig and pOternal bearing, was q digni.
fed gentleman Of forty years, lawyer,
and manager Of the great Bevan prop.
erty.
"You have always warned me Of for.
tune-hunters and worthless suitors since
left school" she, exclaimed, petulant-
ly. "Is woman never to believe in
any ono because she is rich ?"
Mr.. Riddel remained silent, but the
blood mounted to her brow.
Said Mrs, Trentham to Captain Horn
blower, at q little supper table in a
fashionable restaurant: Augusta Be-
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