Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1885-10-02
THE SILK UMBRELLA
BY ELwooD BURKE.

1t was raining heavily, and there
seemed likelihood that the storm
would continue all day.
The oyerhanging clouds were black
and heavy, and the rain drops tel
with such a persistent and unceasng
patter, patter, patter, that the cutters
became swiftly moving rivers, and the
streets one vast morass.
Chauncey Walton lazily surveyed his
dripping surroundings from the rear
beDch 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.
lie dressed quietly, though elegant
ly, and everything from his light spring
hat to his smartly polished shoes was
in harmony.
Both of his gloyed 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, be 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 alightsa,
The rain was now descend lng IN ter
rents, and Chauncey Walton, standing
in the narrow step which ran along
the side of the car, with his umbrell;
upraised, shrugged his shoulders, ant
tossed away his cigar.
The car came to stand-still, an(
The young lady before mentioned, hesi
tated a moment before stepping int
the muddy street.
Chaunccy, who had alighted, noticed
that she was unprovided with an um
brella, and with true gallantry, ad
ydnced to her side.
"Allow me " he said, raising his
hat, and sheltering her with the um
brella.
"Oh, thank you. sir"l said a musica
voice, and by the time they reached
the pavement Chauncey shoes were
sadly splashed.
/ lie glanced down at them ruefully
shrugged his shoulders. and then ven
tured furtlve look at his companion
A round and pretty face, intellect
ual and well-bred was raised to his
and 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 or
that card, and you can return the um
brella at your convenience
lie raised his hat. bowed low, as th,
rady 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
ed his dripping garments.
why, Chaunceyw she exclaimed
had you no umbrena?"
Il had, but a lady who got off at tn,
same corner, needed it more than
Hid, and l very cheerfully relinquish
ed it"
You careless fellow" cried Clarice
patting his cheek, "your chivalry vii
cost you yoar life one of these day. /
wouldn't surprise me a bit if you wer,
laid up with rheumatism or pneumo
MIA, or a bad cold, or something o
the sort. Change your clothes in
stantly, and come to dinner. | hay,
news to tell you.
First kissing his pretty sister, VIII
was something of tyrant, and order
ed him about as though he were |
school boy, Chauncey ascended to hi,
room to change his clothing.
When he descended to the lowe
door Clarice was awaiting him in thu
library.
Dinner is not quite ready" sh'
said, rising to meet him, land, unit
it's announced, | want to talk to yot
about my dearest friend Mabel Wright
from whom | have just received a let
ter. 1t ought to have been here day
before yesterday. but she thinking W.
we're in the country, addressed the let,
ter to Oaklands, andit was remailed Il
me there, delaying its reception two
days"