Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1885-09-23
THE SILK UMBRELLA.
by ELWOOD BURKE.

1t 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 persistent and unceasing
patter, patter, patter, that the cutters
became swiftly moving rivers, and the
streets one vast morass.
Chauncey Walton la2ily surveyed his
dripping surroundings from the rear
bench of an open street-rar, and al
lowed his half,consumed cigar to 60
out.
lie 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 gloved hands rested on
the carved handle of a silk umbrella
which he held bet ween his knees.
AS the car ncared 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 modestIy dressed, rose
from her seat, and started to alght.
The rain was now descending III 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 a tand-still, and
the young lady before mentioned, hest
tated moment before stepping into
the muddy street.
Chauncey, who had alighted, noticed
that she was unprovided with an UNI
brella, and with true gallantry, ad-
yanced to her side.
"Allow me" he said, raising his
hat, and sheltering her with the UNI
brella.
"Oh, thank you, sir" said musical
voice, and by the time they reached
the pavement Chauncey shoes were
sadly splashed.
lie glanced down at them ruefully,
shrugged his shoulderes. 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
"lf you will permit me, said Chaun-
cey, pulling a 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 UNI
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 magnificent
home that he shared with an only sis
ter and maiden aunt, he was soaked
to the skin, and Carice Walton, meet
ing him in the hallway, clasped her
hands in playful horror as she regard
ed his dripping garments.
why Chaunceyv she exclaimed,
"had you no umbrella?"
81 had, but a lady who got off at the
same corner, needed it more than
did, and l very cheerfully relinquish-
ed it."
"You careless fellow!' cried Clarice,
patting his cheek, "your chivalry will
cost you your life one of these day. 1t
wouldn't surprise me bit if you were
laid up with rheumatism or pneumo-
MIA, or bad cold, or something of
the sort. Change your clothes in
stantly, and come to dinner. | have
news to tell you"
First kissing his pretty sister, who
was something of tyrant, and order
ed him about as though he were a
school-boy, Chauncey ascended to his
room to change his clothing
When he descended to the lower
floor Clarice was awaiting him in the
library.
Dinner is not quite ready" she
said, rising to meet him, "and, until
it's announced, ] want to talk to you
about my dearest friend Mabel Wright,
from whom | have just received II let
ter. 1t ought to have been here day
before yesterday, but she thinking we
were in the country, addressed the let
ter to Oaklands, and it was remaled to
mo there, delaying its reception two
days"