The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1885-10-22
The silk Umbrella.

80 'F-~~~ = -
1t was raining heavily, and there
seemed likelihood that the storm
would continue all day.
j The overhanging clouds were black
and heavy, and the rain drops fell
with such, a persistent and pneeasing
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 bench ofan open street-car, and
allowed his half-consumed cigar to go
out.
Heswasvery rich, and having been
"bointo tlepurple, 80 tospeak, 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 a silk umbrella,
which he held between his knees.
AS the car neared the street corner
whore 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.
ss Thesrain was now descending in tor
: rents, and Chauncy Walton, standing
in the narrow step which ran along
the side Of the car, with his umbrella
appraised, Shrugged his shoulders, anG
" tossed away his cigar
The car came to a stand-still, ant
the young lady before mentioned, hes
itated moment before stepping into
the muddy street. ,
Z Chauncey, who had alighted, motto
ed that she was unprovided with al
umbrella, and with true gallantry, ad
vanced to her side.
"Allow mel" he said, raising hi
hat, and sheltering her with the UNI
brella.
"Oh, thank you, sir" said musica
voice, and by the time they ,reache'
the pavement Chauncey's shoes wer
sadly splashed.
He glanced down at them ruefulIy
shrugged his shoulders, and then ven
tured furtive look at his companion
A round and pretty face, intellect
ual and well-bred, wis raised to hi,
and pair of large, expressive blu
eyes took in the contour of, his face.
"If you win permitme, said Chaur
cey, pulling card from his poke
"you are welcome to the umbrella.
have only short distance to go, an
can easily make it. Ny address is o
that card, and you can return the un
brella at your convenience"
Heraised his hat bowed low, as th
lady murmured her thanks, and thel
pulling up the collar of his coat, struc
out boldly through the rain.
When he reached the magnifcer
home that he shared with an only 81
ter and a maiden aunt, he was soake
to the skin, and Clarice Walton, NEE
ing him in the hallway, clashed h,
hands in playful horror as she regar
ed his dripping garments.
4Why Uhaunceyp she exclaime
chad You no umbrellaY"
II had, but lady who got off at Il
same corner, needed it more than
did, and | very cheerfulIy rehnquis
ed it,
"You careless fellowl" cried Clari
patting his cheek, ''your chivalry W
cost YOU your life one of these days.
wouldn't surprise me bit if you we
laid upwith rheumatism or pneum
MIA, or a bad cold, or something of t
SORT Change your clothes instant
and come to dinner l have news
tell yoiin