Connecticut western news., 1885-09-30
THE SILK UMBRELLA.
BY ELwooD BURKE.

It was raining heavily, and there seemed a likelihood that the storm would continue all day.
 The overhanging clouds were black and heavy, and the rain drops fell with such a persistent and unceasing batter, batter. batter, that the gutters became swiftly moving rivers. and the streets one vast morass.
 Chauncey Walton lazily surveyed his ] dripping surroundings from the rear bench of an open street-car, and al- lowed his half-consumed cigar to go out.
 He was very rich, and having been "born to the purple" so to speak, had all of those indescribable tastes which betoken the true gentleman.
 He dressed quietly, though elegant ly, and everything from his light spring hat to his smartly polished shoes was in harmony.
 Both of his gloved hands rested on the carved handle of silk umbrella, which he held between his knees.
 As the car neared the street corner where he was to get off, he shook out the folds of his umbrella, and edged toward the side of the car.
 He had no desire to splash his pol ished shoes and signaled for the driver to stop.
 At the same time lady. young and very quietly and modestly dressed, rose from her seat, and started to alight. The rain was now descending in tor rents, and ChaunceY Walton, standing in the narrow step which ran along the side of the car, with his umbrella upraised, shrugged his shoulders, and tossed away his cigar.
 The car came to stand-stil, and the young lady before mentioned, hesi- tated moment before stepping into the muddy street.
 Chauncey, who had alighted, noticed that she was unprovided with an um- brella, and with true gallantry, ad- vanced to her side.
 aAllow mep' he said, raising his hat. and sheltering her with the um- brella
 "Oh, thank you. sirp' said musical voice, and by the time they reached the pavement Chauncey shoes were sadly splashed.
 He glanced down at them ruefully, shrugged his shoulderes. and then ven- tured a furtlve look at his companion A round and pretty face, intellect ual and well-bred, was raised to his, and a pair of large, expressive blue eyes took in the contour of his face.
 "If you will permit me-" said Chaun- cey, pulling card from his pocket, 'you are welcome to the umbrella have only short distance to go, and can easily make it. My address is on that card. and you can return the um brella at your convenience"
 He raised his hat. bowed low, as the lady murmered her thanks, and then pulling up the collar of his coat struck out boldly through the rain.
 When he reached the magnifcen home that he shared with an only sis ter and maiden aunt, he was soaked to the skin, and Clarice Walton, meet ing him in the hallway, clasped he hands in playful horror as she regard cd his dripping garments.
 "Why, Chaunceyp she exclaimed '.had you no umbrellaY"
 'I had, but lady who got off at tn same corner, needed it more than did, and very cheerfully relinquish cd It"
 "You careless fellowr' cried Clarict batting his cheek, your chivalry wi cost you your life one of these day. wouldn't surprise me bit if you wer laid up with rheumatism or pneumc nla. or . bad cold, or something ( ss2D oOA@ ShduSo yOuA OAO0hO0 AA stantly. and come to dinner. I hay news to tell you"
 First kissing his pretty sister, wh was something of a tyrant, and order ed him about as though he were school-boy, Chauncey kcended to hi room to change his clothing.
 When he descended to the lowe noor Clarice was awaiting him in tn library.
 Dinner Is not quite ready" sh said, rising to meet him, "and, unt it's announced, want to talk to yo about my dearest friend Mabel Wrigh from whom have just received le ser. It ought to have been here da before yesterday, but she thinking VI were in the country, addressed the le ter to Oaklands, and it was remailed me there, delaying it's reception tw dayAs
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