Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1886-04-24
JOHNS STORY.


thoughtful look in his dark eyes
"Why, yes, of course
"By all means"
Eugene Carthon and his sister looked
eagerly at the handsome blonde in front
of them.
They had been talking about the New
Orleans exposition, which all had visited
the winter before, and naturally their
conversation had drifted into personal
"reminiscences and criticisms on the WAYS
and manners of the people cf that beau
tiful Southern city
"Did you really have an adventure!"
asked Nell, cycling him Gucstioningly
from under her long dark lashes. They
had intended to meet in the Crescent
city, but through some misunderstood
ing the 'Carthon family had missed him.
Nell had always felt Il little agcrieved
over this, just as if John had really been
to blame in the matter, and all alluslon to
their soJourn in the South brought back
that vague feeling of disappointment
which had mingled itself with all her en-
joyments while there.
Not that she cared anything for John
Bright. Oh, no; not even to herself did
she ever admit that. But then he was
Eugenes most intimate friend, and he was
such bright, companionable fellow,
how could she help liking him little?
"lust for Eugene's sake, you know. {"
She sincerely believed that it was her
love for her brother that made her so So
licitous always for his friends comfort
and so anxious to make him always feel
at home and thoroughly welcome in her
fathers house.
"Well, go on with your story" said
Eugene, lighting cigarette, with his
sisters permission, and putting away ex-
pectantly. Il II be getting drowsy, pres
emily. it you don't wake me up with your
thrilling episode
.WelF'-John twirled his blond mus
cache ref1ectively, ignoring the last re-
mark-"I was walking down Canal
street one afternoon, when it began to
rain, not violently, but enough to make a
man feel uncomfortable, and the feathers
on a womans bonnet limp. Fortunately
had an umbrella, which, of course, /
Immediately raised. Just as did So a
young lady came out of the large dry
goods stores behind me. She stood If
resoiute Tor moment as though non
plussed by the rain, yet an evident anx-
lcty possessed her to reach the car.
Instantly found myself in strange
dilemma. What should do? There was
young lady, delicate and beautiful
richly attired in garments which the rain
would certainly damage, without the
slightest protection from the elements;
while l, not three feet distant was pos
sessei of an umbrella amply large enough
to sheltcrtwo. 1t seemed like piece of
lmpertinencc, yet on tie impulse of the
mo ncnt mustered all my galantry, and.
stepping forward, offered to csc 1rt her
to the car
10 my surprise, and must say pleas
ure, she accepted gratefully, and we
walked to the next corner to meet the
car: L noted then the extreme loneliness
OF her beauty, which was of the pure
Creole type, and the marvellous finish of
her toilet, which showed in its richness
OF coloring the Southern taste. | could
not cenSurc her for her hesitation in cx-
posing herself to the disastrous effects of
the rain.
when we reached the corner there
was no cur" John continued "Beiny
In 'Mardl -gras' time there was always
more or less delay When the car did
arrive, it was 50 crowded there was not
a foothold. The next and the next
proved to be the same. Urconsciously
we wa kel on, the young lady by an
almost lmpcrceptible guidance directing
our footsteps. We walked along the Rue
Royal quite into the heart of the old
French town, the young lady scarcely
seeming aware of the fact that we
had traversod so many blocks. l
was too delighted with her bright con-
vcrs1tlon and naivettc to wish to unde-
ce've her, and so we walked along until
she stopped suddenly in front of one of
those gloomy French houses, so drcarv
IN exterior appearance, but often beauti-
full and gay within. A high wall sur
rounded the dwelling, sarmountcd by
nails driven in so that the points pro
Jcctcd upward, a sure safeguard against
marauders. As usual, high balcony
graced the front Of the house. From the
gate-a massive iron barred one-a stone
pave led up to the old fashioned door.
~ feel very grateful, she said, lifting
hcr big eyes to mine with shadow of
tlmldlty in their depths whic,n made
them all the lovelier: and she lie itated
little, 4 know my father would wish
to thank you also, if-if-'
g If you only knew whom to thank
] added, with conscious shame at nv
own lack of courtesy. Now, I don't
know what prompted me to the action,
hut instead of handing her my own card,
+! gave her one of Frank Smiths, Young
fellow rooming with me at the st.
Char.es, drummer for a large firm in
Detroit. His name graced the card in
full, and also 'Tremoine & Lccmap.' the
rame of the firm he was connected with,
1t was foolish thing to do, yet never
expected to see the young lady again,
and | suppose it occurred to me that it
would be good joke on Smith.
TO my great establishment, she recog-
nj. C | the firm name
You must come in and see nv
fathtr, she said. Mr. Tremoine is an
o!d friend of ours, and he will be so de-
lighted to see you
Into what kind of scrape had [ got
ten myself? L declined as courteously as
possible, trying to hasten away; but lust
then an old gentlemen appeared at the
door, IN answer to our ring at the gate
for, as you remember, in New Orleans
most of the bells are on The front gate.
I'm few words the young lady ex-
planned the situation. With true
Southern hospitality he invited ne to
enter, thanking Inc in most voiuble terms