The National tribune., 1883-02-22
A SPLENDID FELLOW,
And How He Came to Win that Dis
tinciiOn.
by Lily II. CtTTg.l

reply; and Paul went out, wondering what
the matter was.
"Sid is moody fellow" he muttered; cross
as the deuce"
1t was noon, and he would go home to lunch,
he thought So, buttoning his OyercOat against
the keen air, he walked slowly up the avenue.
Balloons! Only ten cents,' cried an old
street-vender, dangling his wares before the
young gentleman.
Good heavens" laughed Paul, "what do
want with them?"
But something in the mans face touched him.
." suppose you have rough time" he said,
and threw the man some money. Here, I'll
take your stock. Give me the strings. What,
are there ten? All right, Pm going into the
business"
And off he marched toward the Park.
1t was fun at first. Then people began to stare
at his red and blue playthings. He met several
acquaintances who chaffed him a little. And,
presently who should come sailing down Fifth
ayenne, in all the daintiness of terra-cotta
satin, but the most charming girl in the world
Mrs Peck's niece, Adelaide LascelleS.
BY this time Paul had begun to tire of his
new property; so he escaped across the street,
sprang into coupe. and bade the coachman
drive slowly toward the Park. AT each cross
ing, he allowed one of the perplexing toys to
make its escape, until all were disposed of
when he dismissed the carriage, and went
home.
Long after the door had closed upon Paul,
Mr.. Elliott had continued to sulk. If Paul
were anyone else than Paul, his staunch old
friend. he would be angry with him. But he
could scarcely bring himself to quarrel with
one who was forever heaping him with favors;
for Paul was young man of abundant means,
and Elliott but a poor lawyer, at the bottom
round. No, he could not quarrel with sunny
tempered Paul.
Adelaide Lascelles How the name thrilled
him. Young, beautiful, but alas rich.
He swallowed an incipient groan, and at
length determined to attend Mrs. Peck tea.
Mr.. Sidney Elliott would have ordinarily
Thought it glorious treat to be served with
thin bread and butter and thinner tea by the
young lady's own hands, but tonight he was
restless and miserable.
Miss LaScelles wore a gown Of royal-blue
velvet, whose sumptu0us folds, sweeping past
so close, intoxicated him. He slipped his tea,
and drowsily examined the quaint japanese
cup. Occasionally he stole glance at her per-
feet form and classic beauty.
Eyes Of the sea and sky, on gray day" he
thought, remembering poem, and also won
dering how any one could see beauty in hair
that was not of the darkest brown.
Meantime, Paul was begging Miss Lascelles
for tea.
"Dear me! had not meant to slight you,
Mr.. Nickery," she said, laughing softly. "YOu
deserve it."
"And why net, pray?"
al believe you purposely retreated tks morn
Ing" was her answer. "Ah, sir, you cannot
convince me of your innocence"
But assure you-be merciful."
Sidney had risen from his sofa, and now Joined
the group. He noticed that Yickery REDEEMED
like girl.
Tell US, then, for whom were the balloons
intended? 1t occurred to me you were going
TO visit some orphan asylum"
"WoGld that you had been with me TO sug-
gest IT. was too stupid l let them loose,
one by one, driving up the avenue"
Elliott turned away, and set down his cup
the tea slckened him. Why was he here? 1t
was no place for him, poor struggier-this rose
iit Paradise, where they slipped sweet draughts,
and talked idle nonsense, and laughed without
Q reason. Such places were only for Paul. He
would CO. He spoke few words to Adelaide,
pleading fatigue. She seemed troubled, just
for a moment, but then sweet color came into
her pure, camelia-like face.
"Must you go?" she repeated. "I am SO
sorry" That was all.
Later, at dinner, Mrs. Peck said to her
niece:
so Mr. Sidney Elliott, it seems, had bad
headache to-day. Did you notice that he
stayed only little while? / have just been
considering which l admire the most, him or
Paul"
I've have known Paul so long," began Ade-
laide, hurriedly, then paused. Il should fancy
Mr. Elliott is much older" she resumed.
"Of course, of course. And of an entirely
different temperament-m more nervous Did
you ever see finer eyes,"
At that moment Sidney was sitting gloomily,
by himself, in his own room. He was glad that
Nickery did not come in; he did not feel capa-
bic of civility. Yet his conscience smote him.
He could not turn right or left without stum-
bling on some evidence Of his friends good
nature. The enticing easy-chair, the curious
cabinet on the mantel, the quaint table-lamp,
the fine painting on the wall behind him. and
host of smaller articles-all were gifts from
Paul. But jealousy, alas, comes between even
the warmest friendships
1t was late the next morning when Elliott
rose Fortunately he had little or nothing to
do for the day. He found himself again. at
Mrs Peck's, making call, though, all the
while, thinking how utterly useless were his
longings.
$50 glad you came. We want your advice"
laughed the blonde matron, as she shook hands
with him. We are going TO give bali. But
where is Paul? We can do absolutely nothing
without him"
q have not seen him to-day" replied Sid
ney. But perhaps ! could find him at the
club. 1t is but step Let me try"
"Oh, really, no." said Adelaide "You are
too kind"
Not at all. shall return at once. in any
event" He made his exit from the blue and
gold boudoir as he spoke.
Paul was not at the club. However as Elliott
turned TO retrace his steps, he saw his friend
driving down the street, footman- attended in
the jauntiest cart imaginable
Paul saw Elliott and drew up at the corner.
How do you like this, Sid?"
"Stunningi" returned Sidney, who had a
passion for elegant turnouts. Z" | was looking
for you" he went on. Mrs. Peck wants you.
But, of course, you can't come"
u was Just on my way 10 your rooms" said
Paul. 1t is as well that we met You see,
had intended TO ask Miss Lascelles for drive
IN the Park"
Eliott's face paled, despite himself.
We'll p he queried, coldly.
But the fact is, can't manage the team to-
day. L wrenched my wrist this morning and
it's worse than thought at first Now, if you
want TO do me favor, take the rig and-my
place"
Sidney started. His heart thumped for a
moment, then sank.
Thanks. / can hardly suppose the lady
would be pleased with such an off-hand ar
rangement."
Nonsense, Sid. 1 think you might oblige
me-"
'Oh, if you put it that way, it's another
matter said Sidney, and sprang in.
IL was by no means difficult TO persuade Ade-
laide into the drive, especially as these mild
November afternoons were growing scarce So.
while Parl remained TO gossip with Mrs Peck
abor: the coming ball, Elliott and Miss Las
.-aiia off