The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-03-01

ntm, or Cartcr ana Sttdcr tu tnc 1uSWC1t road he was very clever at his trade. l felt sure, for he had been offered the post of superintendent ot work by an eminent firm in Oxford street with whom he had done business for years, and al a very re- spectable salary indeed.
 He was exceedingly communicative the last day of his stay Tn Margate we were sitting together under the shelter ot the veranda of the refreshment room, with the band playing out in the rain. We were alone, for a wonder l; the BTians were on the rocks in search of anemones, with the exception of Lily, who had left me half an hour ago, with an injunction 10 come home if il poured" and with an umbrella to shelter me, as had ventured out without my own. She had seen having very sharp eyes of her ewn-Mr. Geoffry Bird advancing down the jetty, and had made some trivial little excuse 10 leave me, 10 give the poor fellow chance" she told me afterwafd. And there he was sitting by my side. cool and comfortable. and with the ram coming down in big drops and startling and con founding the pleasure-seekers.
 :" shall he quite the gentleman soon. Miss Neild.'' he sad with laugh. and with a soul above shopkeep,ng. only want few friends about me to make life worth living, but have never had any friends. Never had the tune or never saw anybody who was worth taking any trouble about. until-un,il lately.
 could no, reply this. did not know what he mean, by lately"
 People never took 10 me either" he confessed ruefully "l have bad habi, of speaking out what is on my mind, and I'm inquisitive and suspicious at times, and so on. Altogether beastiy eharae- ter
 He waited for me to reply 10 this. had thought him abrupt and inquisi,se and suspicious. but that seemed a very iong tune ago now. He had improved won deriully of late days; there were little traits of character. of frankness. earnest ness, generosity. one could almost ad- mre. but was not going to tell him so. though he waited patiently as if he ex- pee,ed something of the kind. As If men were not vain enough in themselves, with out being told of their accomplishments :
 You would no, like an, body to Sd, that but Yourself" said, however. and it .as a remark which did not commit me 10 anything
 " No. should knock him down prob ably. he replied. especially If II were the captain or that railway goods inspeo- tor fellow"
 Don; you like them :" asked inno- gently.
 "Do you :" he reloincd.
 ;" They are old friends. almost"
 You don't make all your dodgers friends :" he remarked.
 Noi always.
 = should think not" he said very seorntully now.
 Bu, these two gentlemen knew me when was ll,,le girl'
 "Ah That makes difference. sup pose; that's why they are both so fond oi you. he added with sigh
 "Fond sf me -
 You mlgh, marry either oi them ,e. morrow, if yoa cared to hold up your h. lie finger T can see that
 Mha, nonsense
 On, it's true enough. he cried.
 laughed. Then 1 shant hold up my hule finger"
 That's nghi. he said. and he actually drew a long deep breath. as though Il re- lievcd him ,o hear me say SO; tor that captain $ pompoGs old noodle selfish party who's stuck to my telescope whole week-and the railway man would hdget any woman ou; of her lie Tn d fortnight"
 Whats the matter with hIm:"
 He's an old woman. that's all"
 Upon my honor, you are very un- complimentary in your verdict upon my lodgers.'
 .l hate your keeping lodging house, he mut;ered.
 My poverty and no, my will. con senis. 1 answered.
 He was very sIlen, for long time now The visitors had hurried homeward or had sough, shelter like ourselves, the band had ceased playing, the rain was coming down Tn earnest.
 May l ask favor of you before l go back to London. he sad. suddenly and very hoarsely.
 "Wha, is i,
 Will you say yes ?:
 " \ Q. til know wha, |; Is about replied with spirit :-'' certainly not /"
 Well then he cried, don, give nae back that li;,le bird carved You said you would. and i, has been preying on my mlnd that T will come flying back some day when leas. expect ii and so upse, me terribly. want 1t hanging on your wall to remind you of me sometimes you kno=. being a bird like me. you see, Il must. And though our acquaintance did not commence auspicionsiy. still you have forgotten and forgiven. haven't you
 !" Well yes almost,
 And you'll keep 'ha, little carving 7"
 |" Perhaps will
 Bless you. lane Miss >eIld, mean. And now
 was getting alarmed al his vehe- menee, and very much afraid of xha, he would say next. jumped up.
 "l think l will go home 10 Lily. She's ali alone poor girl
 Bu, i,s raining cats and dogs "
 '' don't mind the rain, and I'm iond of cats an dogs" said, tripping from