The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1881-04-29
Select Story.
IN THE PALACE OF TRUTH.

Richard Turner, lawyer, let us hope
of future fame, returning home the other
night in an unenviably bad humor found
certain little note awaiting him on his
mantclpiccc. 1t had just come, his land
lady said, and slowly tearing open the
envelope, Dick read as follows:
Ny DEAR Nix. TuRNER; Many thanks
for your lovely flowers which have been
greatly admired. 1t was like your
thoughtfulncss to rcmcmbermy birthday
when | had almost forgotten it myself.
| was so sorry to miss your call this af-
tCrnOon.
Sincerely yours,
FLORENCE REDIrER
a very gracious little note, but for
some reason itaEpearcd it TO afford its read
er but small satisfaction. Dick read it
twice with curling lip, then tossed it
into the scrap basket, he lit II cigar
stretched himself in an easy chair and
thoughtfuly observed through the smoke
wreaths that began to float around his
head "What Il precious little liar she is.
AS if didn't see her, ten minutes after she
was not at home, to me this afternoon,
start out driving with Tom Baker in that
confoundedly jerky dag cart of his.
Shouldn't wonder if he had jcrked her
out before they got home, and serve her
right too! Why, Snip, what is the mat
ter with you, sir!'
Snip was the skye terrier, who failing
to understand why lie had been so slight
ed, was seeking to secure his master,
notice by sitting upright and waving hi,
front paws to and fro in gentle and de
prccating fashion.
Did hurt your feelings, poor littlC
boy?" said Dick, tenderly, ''Well,
wouldn't, | assure YOU, for dozen littl,
tlirts like Flora Redifer, but do think
Snip,and | expect you to agree with me
that we would all be much better off i
women. and men, too, would say ou
truthfully what wSs in their minds, in
stead of this eternal beating around the
bush. Why cant people be little more
candid with their fellow creatures, in
stead of foolng them to the top of thei
bent and then laughing behind thei
back? DO you know, Snip!'
Snip didn't know, but he was the las
dog in the world to confess his ignoranc
so assuming look of wisdom which SO
omon might have enyied, he gave a my,
terious little bark that could mean any
thing and composed himself again /
listen.
".Just o'clock said Dick, consultin
his watch in two hours I've got to dres
and 90 to Mrs. Grcy's ball, the biggest Dor
of the season haven't doubt; but ther
is no escaping it. Aren't you glad, ,Snil
you don't have to go to balls?'
Snip barked again, this time in an a
tirmative manner He always accommc
dated himself to his masters moods i'm
was well accustomed to being questioned
Alert and vigilant he watched the ciga
dwindle down by slow degrees, while h
waited in well bred silence for renew,
of the conversation. But Dick was drows
and cross, and when the cigar W;
smoked out he turned his head aside IN
fell fast asleep, while his little dog, eur
ed contentedly around his feet, ,lookn
up into his masters face with Il world {
patient love in his honest brown eyes.
Seven, 8, o, 10. Was it possible tn;
he had slept nearly two hours, and ii
clock was striking 10? Dick jumpC
up,glanctd at his watch to make SURE, ,an
with a stitled groan prepared to indu,
himself into his dress suit. This W;
never Il very rapid process with hm,ar
by the time he entered Mrs. Gray's bri
liantly-lightcd house the great CLOCK in II
hall was pointing to quarter past |,
The rooms were crowded and stiilin
ly hot. The very flowers appeared
droop under the glare and heat. all e
ccpt some dccprcd roses which had bee
arranged in Il sentence over the doc
way, and whose glowing hearts prcser
ed the most sumptuous and intense !
Of coloring,cvcn in that many hued apal
ment, 1t was strange, but Pick fouI
himself unable to read that scntcnc
although composed of only three Sho
words. The language, even the letter
We're unknown to him, and for half
minute he stood pulling over the my
terry Then the incoming crowd gent
moved him aside, and abandoning {
effort he made the best of his way I
ward the hostess. a pretty little wom
magniiicently dressed, but seeming
already much fatigued with the work
hand, half smiled as Dick edged up
her
"Ilaye you just come, Mr., Turnel
she said. Il thought you were to be 0
of my early birds,
$50 would have been, he explanC
"only,unfortunately,I fell asleep and {
not wake up IN time"
"Oh, that was the case, was it ! w,
such a lengthy nap ought to brighten y
up beautifully for the rest of the eve
ing. Sometimes,you know, you are IA
er stupid"
Dick looked at her to see if she mei
a joke, but her pretty face was gray
raised to his. "You are tlattering m
he said, shortly
81 don't mean too,indped," she onsv