The Washington critic., 1885-07-03
THE IDES OF MARCH.
ny JosEpHrNE GERRY GATES.


1t was the 10Th of March, and prema-
ture equinoctial ragged throughout the city
streets. A young man had just seated
himself at his breakfast, when some fond
recollection stole over him which led him
to investigate the weather. He went TO
the window and gazed at the storm with
ever-increasing dismay.
Great Scottn he calculated "here's
pretty mess" He scanned the heavens in
all directions, but the outlook was hope
less. Catching up the Hcrdid he eagerly
sought for Old Probs.' views ON the sub
ject. But the clerk of the weather was
way of. Old Probs. said "clear and cold"
With sniff of contempt ut such prop
nostications, he laid down the paper and
devoted himself to his breakfast
The door presently opened and admitted
q short, crisp old gentleman, as blooming
as u May morning III spite of his sixty
five years.
Morning, Richard" said he.
Morning"
"Seasonablc weather, ELI, Richard?
Something electric in day like this;
sends the blood tingling through your
veins, and so on. Well, what's the news
war declared? Pass me the paper,
Dick?'
The old gentlemans cheerfulness was
singularly offensive to Richard, consider
ing his own low state, so he hastily swal-
lowed his breakfast and struggled down to
business, grumbling unpleasant things
about the weather all the way. Martin
Davenport, Dicks uncle was an importer
in woods for household interiors. He was
wealthy and bachelor. If one was to
believe all he said, he detestcd women and
duly declared that if Dick ever married he
must say good-by to his uncle Richard
was his book-keeper on slender salary
(lest he should be led into temptation) and
in love with the dearest girl in the world.
He hadn't told her so, because all things
consided, it was useless. His uncle en-
ioyed rude health so there were slim pos
sibilities in that direction.
The fact that connubial bliss was at
present out of the question was not the
immediate cause of his perturbed spirit.
At this very moment he was pacing the
Office floor in rage. He had invited his
of Julius Caesar" at Booths theatre
The tickets We're purchased days since.
Dick pulled them from his pocket as if
hoping some miracle had changed the
date. But no; March 10, in clearest type,
met his despairing gaze. He groaned
aloud.
"What the DEVILS the matter with YOU,
Dick? said his uncle, who had but just
dried his feet and was preparing for his
morning work.
The wild idea of throwing himself upon
his uncle's mercy crossed his mind, and
without thinking of the possibility of be-
ing ridiculed he exclaimed, Uncle; Pm
in box'
BOX! What kind? Now, don't say
financial, Richard, it's no good" and the
old gentleman chuckled gleefulIy.
you see, it's like this, Uncle Martin"
Richard went on, not as glibly as he could
have wished. "Tve-er asked q young
lady to go to the theatre tonight and it's
raining ii,hg, great guns"
'She lives in Brooklyn. storms, you
know, and / ought to take carriage. To
hire n carriage to go way over there and
then wait for us and all that would take
lot of money, and / am strapped. Had
money enough yesterday, but forgot all
about to-nights engagement and paid
bill, and this miserable little two dollar
bill is every blessed cent I've got What
shall / do, uncle?'
Beware the des of March, Richard"
chuckled the old gentleman, and he turned
his back on the wretohed young man and
occupied himself with the mail
Dick felt suicidal. He might send word
that sudden illness prevented him, etc.,
but she probably wouldn't believe it. He
plunged his hands into the depths of his
trousers pockets, he stared out at the rain
imploringly and defiantly by turns, as if
he could influence the elements by one
expression or the other.
Finally, in despair he was about to go
to work, when messenger boy brought
him letter, the reading of which caused
agrn of delight to creep over his hand
some face. He heaved tremendous sigh
of relief and murmured, "That was q
close shave !"
At this point Mr.. Martin Davenport
threw down his letters, eXclaiming.
hot w n, tn Re
man to read with you snoring like q
steam engineer
Dick Davenport's soul was simply over
flowing with gratitude, and he was ready
to pour forth the sequel of his recent woe,
so he exclaimed, impulsiyely;
"Such luck I've letter from the
young lady. You know"
what young lady?'
why, the young lady ] asked to go to
Booths tonight"
death in the family and begs TO be eX-
cused? You're in clover, Dick"
ooh! no, uncle, its-but here, you
read it,"
gentleman gingerly took the missiye and
read:
Dear Mr.. Davenport: In consequence of the
rain, which do not wish to deprive me of the
pleasure of this evenings engagement with
ns St WR ny 10 aun s Beas % al pSNR S
= West Fiftythrd street, and You may call
for me there. 1t Will save you wet Journey
to Brooklyn, and will also be much nicer
about getting home.
Don't be offended If | say that my aunt's
house Is SO very convenient to the horse cars
that II you call for me with Il carriage | refuse
| TO go at all. This is not within, but princi-
pie l hope you know me well enough to be-
| leye that mean precisely what say. Very
| truly yours, ANNIE FIELDING,
"Jerusalem" exclaimed the old gentle
| ha mt IN
| Dick had been furtively watching the
| effect of his dear girls letter upon his
uncle, and when he saw the thoughtful,
| softened expression of his countenance,
| fondly hoped his relative, in his moment
| of weakness, would pull out q twenty
| dollar bill and say: go it, my boy; don /
| let her wet the soles of her dainty feet. "
But no such honeyed sweetness fell upon
his ear; nothing but soft, long-drawn
| whistle issued from the old mans lips.
| "What do you think of her, uncle? n
asked the young man, with an anxious
| smile.
| "Why-she must be unusual, Dick"
| Dick went to work with light heart,
but the old gentleman was busted IN
| thought all day. He had had new rev.
elation of womankind,
| BY evening the wind ceased and only
the rain fell quietly and steadily. The
| young people went to the play most pro-
saically in horse car, like ordinary NOR
tails, and enjoyed it not whit the less.
| people will think we are married"
| thought Dick iubilantly, as, with Annie