Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-11-09
A LITTLE GOLD OWL.

"Do YOU know what famous nus
sian beauty once wrote in her album?
No? Let me tell you, then: The French
man understands best the art of talking
love, the italian of acting it, but the
German rocks it to sleep, while the Pole
runs ALL >"
"And the AmercanP" pleaded a
musical voice i'll the ear of the first
speaker.
The lady made no immediate reply.
The pair stood in the wings of tiny
amateur theatre i'll one of our large cit
les. and the drama of "Matrimony," In
which they had acted, was over. Both
were artists in that intense sentiment OF
excitement which stirs the ripples of
private lite when theatricals and cha
rades become the fashion. Augusta
Bevan, tall, slender, aud proud, had
resumed her velvet walking-dress, and
toyed with tiny muff of pink satin,
which was suspended about her neck
by means of a ribbon. Capt. Horn
blower, easy, graceful, and elegant,
bent over her in an attitude of devotion
which he had assumed, with the facility
of a glove. for the past fifteen years,
in the ball rooms of West Point, Sara
toga, and Newport.
'EYour muff seems to be sort of fairy
casket," pursued Capt. Hornblower.
'Glve me keepsake from one of the
pockets, I beg, in remembrance of the
night"
.fWhat shall it be?" retorted Augusta
Beven. gaily.
She sought in the tiny pockets of per-
fumed and quilted satin, and drew forth
a glittering object. This was little
gold owl, be utifully wrought. with
ruby eyes and ieweled claws. When
spring was touched. a 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 or sorry? He received
the little gold owl with ELUSIVE graft
tude, and kissed the hand which be-
slowed the gift; but it was in the ma
ture 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 him.
Mr.. RIddel, who invariably enacted
the part of benevolent old man, prof
fered his snuff-box to Capt. HornbIower
with his quizzical smile.
1--WE are called out againl" exclaimed
Mrs. Trentham.
There was a patter of applause, and
the four emerged before the footlights
making their salutatlons in the mos
approved professional manner. On
the stage stood Mrs. Trentham in
superb toilet, Augusta Bevan, Capt.
Hornblower, and Mr.. Riddel. Beyond
the circle of footlights was fashiona-
BILE audience, where blended satin, gold,
feathers, and lace resembling par
terre of flowers, while the little thea
ter, built for Mrs. Trentham, made
charming background for smiling faces.
Certainly the two actresses looked their
best, for Capt. Hornblower, deeply
versed in such craft, had made up their
complexion with the aid of rouge and
other cosmetics, moist purple worsted
furnishing the requisite shadows be-
meath the eyes.
Said Mr.. Riddel. as he conducted
Miss Bevan home: "You will not forget
my proverb, Augusta!- Those who fish
for mmnows never catch trout"
She glanced askance at him, and
frowned. Mr. Riddel, divested of gray
wig and paternal bearing, was 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 I left school, she exclaimed petu-
lantly.
Mr.. RiddeI remained silent, but the
blood mounted to his brow.
Said Mrs. Trentham to Capt. Horn
blower, at little supper table IN
fashionable restaurant.
''Take another glass of champagne,
Captain. Augusta Bevan really did
very well tonight for a novice, except
in the awkardness of her attitudes. Al
low ME to look at the little gold owl she
gave you behind the scenes. All! I
saw it all. A manager must be every
where, you know"
Very piquant looked Mrs. Trentham
as she spoke, coquette of as many sea-
sons as her companion had posed for a