The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1881-06-23

rose hastily, and stammered as 1 in
troduced him.
"I have heard so much of you, Mr..
Harris" said she.
"I can return the compliment, mad
am" he replied, seating himself upon
the edge of his chair. "Fine weather
we're having ~
+ My wife glanced supposedly at me,
and my friend, affecting ease, threw
himself back, so that his body and legs
made straight line at an angle with
the floor.
And this was the man whose refine
ment had lauded Harris was un-
doubtedly under the influence of some
drug.
A full minute of silence succeeded,
and our guest again spoke, as to our re-
lief he assumed more becoming posi-
tion
"It's Il very long time since your hus-
band and myself were together" he
said, with what was now to me a repul-
sive smile.
"You have been q great traveller, I
understand ?" Emily responded.
1 may say have been in every State
and West"
"I thought Europe was the CONT
nent you loved best to roam in?"
"Been there, too-Africa and Asia
but I have never met before so beauti-
full lady"
Such gross fattery was as displeasing
to me as to my wife, who replied:
els it possible, sir, that not even
among the Hottentots exists my equal?"
"Madam, 1 assure you, not even
there" returned Harris, with serious
ness.
"Emily, dinner must be ready" L
interposed, disgusted with the vanity
of my friend, whose intellect was truly
under cloud, but whose eye visibly
frightened at my suggestion.
81 will see," said my wife, as she rose
to leave us.
When, with my friend, 1 reioined her
at the table, was as depressed in spirits
as he seemed to have been. Now, how
ever, there was decided animation in his
expression and movements, certainly,
in the way he piled his knife and fork.
He was voracious, and pity for him
succeeded to the vexation 1 had ex-
perienced. He ate like one who had
tasted for q week. The seediness Of
his attire, too, was conspicuous under
the brilliant lights of the table.
Emily's eye met mine with an express
sion of interrogation and compassion.
Conversation tagged.
1 determined to broach the subject of
his altered circumstances as soon as we
were alone together, but was forestalled
by himself, to whom plentiful dinner
had furnished courage.
AS we entered the parlor, he said:
81 suppose have surprised you by
my Appetite?
81 was glad to see you enjoyed your
dinner"
cts the first square meal have had
for two days" He now drew closer to
me, and continued Cant you lend
me some moneyY
"Tll write you a check at once for
fifty, if it will serve you. Is it possible
you have run through your fortune?"
"You've not heard, then, how 1 lost
it? supposed you knew ALL"
"Pye heard nothing. You were re-
puted worth million"
"All gone with the smash-up of a
bank-Bowling Bros. But have
promise of employment, and will repay
you"
"I will write the check at once"
With these words l entered the
library, leaving him alone.
sought my wife before I returned
and explained the situation of my un-
fortunate friend, concluding with the
remark that he had certainly suffered in
his wits by the loss of his property.
She refrained from expressinga a single
word of the adherence with which he
must have filled her, and was profuse in
kindly sympathy.
"Don't come in for few minutes
after have brought this to him."
said, in conclusion, showing her the
check. "When you do, we will try to
make him forget his losses by asking
him to sketch your portrait, he admires
you so extremely, and you will wonder
at his skill"
He started as he again saw me, and
seemed even less at his ease than here
tofore, turning toward me with both
hands in his pockets, while his wan
dering eye refused frankly to meet
mine.
But as 7 presented the check he scru-
tinized it eagerly, and then was almost
nauseous with thanks.
He did not resume his seat, but
almost Immediately stated that he
thought he had better leave, it was
getting late; and he muttered some
other unintelligible words.
my wife will be here in an instant" ]
answered, TO detain him; and, as I
spoke, she appeared. 81 have prom
ised her that you should show your
skill as an artist" continued.
And 1 have brought with me paper
and pencils" |" she exclaimed, extending
them to him.
But his hands again sought his pock-
cts, as he bowed and stammered:
CT am entirely out of practice"
"Only my wife's likeness. Come,
now, it won't take you five minutes"
Impossible, impossible! !" said he.
" could never do such beauty justice"
"Well, then, sketch me-" 1 demand
ed.
81 really could not at this time.
Some other day. really am not in the
mood, not feeling well, in fact. You
will excuse me. II am delighted
with my visit, but I'd better go now.
You will soon see me again." and he
passed into the hallway with these final
words.
1 followed to give him farewell
shake of the hand, and then watched