St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-11-28
AT SAN PEDRO.
GFIor. uaiHs. Appenvi in the Arsonaut.l

which blossomed her cheek, sparkled In her
eye, and revealed itself in the easy carriage
OF firmly nodded figure, In his sight po-
sessed an element OF unlady-like audacity
David Woodbury. had been in San Frau
cisco only fortnight, but be had already
made up his mind, with the swift decision
which sometimes characterizes Massachu-
sets men. that be did not admire the women
OF California. They were an innovation
upon the type OF womankind 10 which he
4 had been accustomed. The women OF his
family and OF bis acquaintance had all par
taken, more or less, OF certain delicate,
spiritual cast not uncommon among old Eng
land families. He reflected nov, with an
invaiid's fretful peIsisten cy, that he could
moi recall one who had even remotely ap-
I preached the buoyant health and general
/ physique OF this girl.
For be was an invalid. His stalwar; form
/ and iron muscles had proved Of no avail 10
resist the pitiiess onslaught OF hereditary dis
case. and the deceptive flush upon his cheek
was but the passage Of decay. Yet he had,
SO FAR, attained only the interesting stage OF
/ a sick mans existence, when the tender sym
/ patty and concern OF friends create sub
/ tile separation between him and the outside
/ world, and the nerves are easily Jared BY
/ contact with the unaceustomed or unex-
/ pected.
Los; in reflection, he failed n observe that
gray haired woman, mranly clad and
carrying a heavy bundle, bad entered the
car, and stood leaning YEARLY against the
door. The car was closely packed from front
TO rear. There seemed a singular lack Of
the customary gailantry which appears 20 be
second nature 10 most CaifOrnians. Several
newspapers were lifted higher TO shut out the
appealing glance from their readers lines OF
vision; few men gAzed stolidly through
the windows. Several well dressed womea,
occupying seats, smiled ia a superior way.
There was a swift movement opposite.
David Woodbury. raised his eyes 70 see the old
woman gently urged into the seat the young
lady had vacated, and to be himself included
in scoFnful glance which swept the car from
end TO end.
Other men obstin ately retained their seats
in very laudable effort to maintain consls-
tency, but this Massachusetts, man feeling an
obligation 10 vindieate his own gentility, in
defiance OF his bodily infrmities, arose and
rendered his seat 10 the combaiiyc young
woman. The courtesy was firmly repulsed.
"You must take my seat. cannot al
low you TO stand" be had said, elumsily
enough.
81 would not deprive myself Of the pleas
ure for the world" returned the girl. The
voice was surprise-musical and vibrating,
with intonations that he had been accustomed
TO associate with ideas OF refinement and
culture. But he at once realized that he had
blundered. This dauntless creature, with the
self consciousness characteristics OF western
girls, had promptly attributed his courtesy TO
the influence of her charms. He writhed be-
meath the consciousness all the more because
of his utter inability TO defend himself. The
very triviality of the episode rendered him
powerless.
The recollection Of this vexatious incident
still pursued him six months later, when he
returned from the Sandwich Islands, his fair
skin tanned and burned by tropical sun,
but with health restored, and ready for a
season of relaxation before returning 10 New
England. He was at an evening party one
night in March, conversing idly with a lady
acquaintance, when his attention was attrac-
ted by couple who had entered the room
and stood chatting with the hostess. He
saw digui6ed gentleman in the undress Of
a military officer, and on his arm a queenly
girl who might have stepped from some old
time picture. SHIN IA ring robe of rich tex
ture was draped with classic elegance about
the graceful form: not a scrap of lace OF patch
- 4 81
but in the folds Of ilmy tulIe which crossed
the bosom cluster Of eglantine roses was
hidden. A single diamond, in setting Of
antique silver, cleaned like star amid the
waves Of her abundant brown hair, and in her
hand she carried a curious inlaid fan.
David WOodbury's sensation was one Of
positive delight. With returning strength
had come a new appreciation Of the royalty
Of health, and he reveled in this picture Of
perfect womanhood. he thought Of his sis
ter, who had mild enthusiasm for art, and
for its sake loved the beautiful in nature. and
wished she stood by his side that moment
and could feast her eyes on the scene before
him; the lofty room, with its rich appoint
ments, not more costly than tasteful, the
wealth Of tropical plants and blossoms max
ing the air heavy with perfume, and in the
foreground giittering constellation, with
this superb figure for its central sun.
THAT is Gen. Lsngdon and his daughter
Stella" whispered his friend. ellis wife
died three years ago, leaving two daughters,
one mere babe. They say Stela's devo-
ton to her little sister is something beautiful
to behold. But come-let me introduce
yon.''
The girl looked at him in calm scrutiny az
be bowed before her. al have met Nr.
Woodbury. before-ip street car" she said
grayely.
An under current OF satire cut like two
edged sword. To have attempted excuse or
explsutton would have appeared like the
/ consciousness u guilt His thoughts turned
back 10 tAeir old chsDRel The elegant sim
plicity Of LeT oress he regarded ss q bid for
notoririy. Her unconventional manner re-
/ ceiyed his mental cosde IA alton. OOservin 4
/ how neatly she psrrsed ali stir ~ pts al famil-
/ iarity on the part Of her admirers. be re-
/ hrcted that the women IN whose society he
aaG been bred had no need OF PAIRING any
/ sucu approsch,s. The air Of lev reserve in
which Icy enycloped themselves was i'm
prcgusble.
Daring ensuing weeks be met her fire.
/ quently, OF: us original conception OF her
/ character remained essentially unchanged
! lie told himself thai she was gay, brilliant
/ girl, always checr.ui aud animated; bri
dwelling altogether In the shadows, OF life.
/ like others % her class.
one mora,ug t1ese opinions received =
shock and surprise. Turning down Psci-
fc street sitter early stroll on Russian hill,
he encouuiered Stella LsHgdon going down
! town on = forenoon shopping car paigu. such
as young and sly ish women eject. he in
warlly decided. He joined her, and they