Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1885-11-12

library:
Dinner is not quite ready she saitl,
rising to meet him, and, until it's an
nounced, I want to talk to you about
my dearest friend Mabel Wright, from
whom have just received letter. 1t
ought have been here day before yester-
day, but she thinking we were in the
country, addressed the letter to Oak
lands, and it was remailed to me here,
delaying its reception two days.
oh, brother muttered Chauncev
under his breath, with an ll-suppress-
ed yawn, but he threw himself into
chair, and tried to look interested.
Meanwhile Clarice unfolded the let
ter and began to read paragraphs here
and there.
Mabel was coming to Boston to visit
n relative, and would be pleased to call
upon her dear Clarice. She had heard
so much of that paragon of a brother of
hers, that she was anxious to meet him
etc., ETC., All of which Chauncey heard,
as in dream, for he was thinking of
the quietly dressed little figure, who
had thanked him so sweetly for the
loan of his umbrella, but he made suit
able replies when his sister extravaganza
ly praised the beauty of Miss Mabel
Wright, although he gave sign of re-
lief when dinner was announced.
Somehow, his thoughts wandered q
great deal to the stranger, during the
next two days, but when, at the exper-
alton Of the umbrella was not returned
he laughed cynically, and softly quoted
stanza from an old German ballad,
about naiad and a knight, and pur-
chased u new umbrella.
The next morning he received tele-
gram which necessitated a journey to
to the far West, where he was interest
ed in an extensive land operation.
He poked few necessary articles
into valise, and donuing a travelling
suit, ran down to Clarices boudoir, to
tell her that he was going.
'How unfortunate I she cried, when
he showed her the telegram; cant
you postpone the trip ?
No it is impossible My presence
is imperatively needed
'And Mabel will come tomorrow. I
have written, inviting her to spend a
couple Of weeks with us; and AM so
anxious for you to meet her.
4 am very sorry, but I think I shall
have to forego the pleasure Of meeting
Miss Mabel Wright, said Chauncey,
and kissing Clarice he FASTENED away.
The business complications were
more serious than he had at first
imagined, and 1t was not until the be-
ginning OF September that he telegraph
ed Clarice to look for him.
HI expected the carriage would be at
the depot when he arrived, but, find
ing none, he boarding a street car.
1t was raining, and instinctiyely his
thought reverted to another rainy day,
and he longed for his missing umbrella
Several times he was tempted to stop
and purchase one on the way, but put
it off until all the stores had been pass
ed.
We'll, I'm in for it again" be said,
and, reaching the old familiar corner,
he alighted and ran to the sidewalk,
which was shaded by an awning.
A lady came out of the store, and he
stepped aside for her to pass
She raised her umbrella, and he
caught a glimpse Of her face.
A long gossamar CT oak protected her
slender form now, but the face that was
raised to his was the one he had met on
the same corner several months before.
my naiad, by lovep he muttered,
aid III be blessed if she amt carryin'
my umbrella 7
A hot flush dyed the cheek Of the
lady and Chauncey ground his teeth,
for having uttered his brutal comment.
I beg pardon, Mr.. Walton she said
facing him quickly, but this is the
first opportunity have had Of return
ing the umbrella you so KINDLY loaned
me several months ago. thank you
for the kind service. 1t saved me from
disagreeable wetting-
And gave me one, said Chauncey,
laughing.
am thankful that I can prevent n
recurrence Of the catastrophe said the
lady, gravely, and he held out the UNI
brella.
But it is still raining said Chaun-