The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-05-20
sTEERAGE AND CABIN.

was in the steerage. She was in |
the cabin. Not that was not as
much astonished to see her, as, posi-
bly, she was to see me. had no idea
that she was in the Persia, though
knew it was settled some time before
that the Dufours were going to Eu-
rope.
1t was a glorious moonlight evening
the third night out. How we'll | re-
member It'll The first mate was
good friend OF mine. He had known
me in my callow daysof spending and
pleasure, for / had gone as cabin pas
senger more than once. | was IN
debted to him for the neat armchair
in which I posed, nightly, to enjoy
my cigar and make mental apostro-
phes to the moon. Now and then |
could go on the passenger-deck at
night, through his courtesy and as |
was not yet seedy, though my clothes
were far from new, fancy | did no
discredit to the aristocratic loungers
who never noticed me, as, at his leis-
ure, was always in company with Al
word, the mate.
Musing as usual, l sat on the lower
deck, my hat thrown back, my gaze
intent on her majesty, the moon,
when heard voice that sounded ia
miliar. 1t said:
"Oh, mercy" and then a moment
after, "don't let's stay here, Lu."
Hooked up just as the beautiful,
proud face was turned, profile towards
me.
"Gracious heavensp | said, under
nay b. oath. "Lily Dufourl the bank
ers daughter!"
/ did not see her companion, and
before / could move or speak, il | had
been so minded, both ladies were
gone,
smiled to myself, though my face
burned and my ears tingled. Only q
few months ago and / Lad been hel
partner in german given at one o.
the most aristocratic homes in New
York. Her beauty impressed me
the acquaintance ripened into love
She had accepted me and, and / was
the happiest man in the universe
Then a great misfortune occurred, in
volying me in the disgrace o
the head of the firm. Innocen
though / was, / had to undergo many
searching inquiries before the tru'
verdict was made public. Stripped 0
money, my good name under cloud
for q time, at least, | looked 10
sympathy from my lovely .foncee, an
was astsnished beyond measure at tn
GOODNESS of her reception, the almos
indifference with which she listene
to my defense. And when, agar
she declined to receivem me, and wrot
me cold little note in which she il
formed me, in beautiful Italia
hand, that our engagement was at a
end, I was absolutely petrifed wit
amazsment. How often she ha
talked of love in cottagel How ell
quently declared that failing fortur
or failing health, and even honor h
heart would be true to itself and me
her love the shield and the reward.
could not believe it possible. | trie
to see her, but was always repulse
wrote, but received no reply.
haunted her walks, her drives. 81
never looked at me.
Desperate and disheartened, I car
not what became of me. For weeks
moved, ate, worked like an autom
ton. was at my worst when a nc
came from young lawyer former
my chum, and a good fellow to Doc
"DEAR HAL-There is splendid ne
for you. Come down to the office
soon as you can.
"Yours, FRED
What news was there that matter
anything to me? scarcely cared
obey the summons. That event
Fred stopped me on the street.
"Why didn't you come" he ask
"0f course you got my note? Ther
millions in It'll"
millions in what2" l interrogate
Pounds, shillings and pence.
happened on an advertisement in
English paper yesterday. I've hel
you say your family name was Pi
ton; that there was some GOODNESS
tween your mother and your Engl
relations. Now here is a certain I
stead Preston, Esq, who has just d
at the age OF seventy-two, and
leaves--well, enough and plenty to
son of his sister, who married Th'
as De Long, in America. OF col
he must be your uncle, and they
searching for the heir So you
You are wanted.'