New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-11-25

paid Miss Maddledock ~Tve been waiting long
enough for you, and now we'll ell 60 to dinner
"Torbers late, Is hci' said Mr. Maddlsdock - II
his the nrst he had heard Of IT, bowling gravely
to the Others. How's that, Lindenf'
Pm sure I can't account for II ut all, sir
answered the young man. I'VE took breakfast to-
geher, and at that hour he in full possession OF
his faculties. His watch doing It's accustomed
duty and there sign Of any such CONDITION
or about him would suggest the possibility Of
preposterous behavior like tns'
1Pcrhsps his business Keeps him. said MISS Madaie
dock amiabiy
"Ho, ho' chuckied Mrs Throcton. in her Jolly way
al he depended on that to keep him. he'd be III kept
indeed
"why. mamma said Miss Throoton, reprovnsly,
show can your
@And why not, Nancy, my child Bless me, how
perfectly absurd think OF Torbert, all jewels and
bangs, with bLsiress. III leave It to Mr.. Linden II
he ever earned penny in his lfe.'
But that is not the test OF having business, dear
Mrs. Throcton,' Linden replied. al know some won
derfuly busy men, whose earnings wouldn't keep
pug dog
"Now, moro than likely something's the matter
with his clothes remarked plump Miss Nancy IN
tones Of deep sympathy. ave often been late because
couldn't get into mine.'
@whle spec uiate the dinner cools,' said Miss
your arm to Mrs. Throctonl Mr.. Linden there stands
Miss Nancy. will 60 alone and mourn for MI
Torbert.s
@Now, this IS really too bad said Linden, when
they were seated at the table. "It Is form OF
social misconduct which goes right at the bottom OF
Torbcrts character When he comes III tell him tho
story of friend of mine who never was late ior
dinner In his life and who consequently
aDed,s interrupted Mrs Throcton. IL know he
did ANY man who never late for dinner In his
life must In the nature OF things have had short tlre
to live"
sComc to think Of it, said Linden, "he did die,
and never suspected why before He was the last
man in the world whom / should have tnougne inc
dread angel would want
40 Won never can t.Is Mrs Throcton cheerily
| declared ats all luck, pure luck. This man died
because 1t isn't in fate for any who Is never late
to dinner live long but stl living is all luck Ii
the dread angel you call him, happens 10 look
your way and fances you, why, off you go-plunk
| like frog in the pond"
Mrs Throcton had scarcely concluded this genial
doctrine before the belated guest all bows smiles ana
graceful attitudes, rendering homage to MISS
Maddledock
"sir1 she said, You VIII kindly observe that my
aspect is severe You are indicted for-for-what Is
| be indicted for. Mr.. Llnden?'
Linden was a lawyer and he answered promptly,
For violating section one of the Code OF Prandial
felony punishable By Punishment from all social fes
tylties at the house where offence is gwen for a
period OF not less than more than five years
You hear the-the-what are you, Mr.. Linden,
something horrid, amt your
"He is, or his looks belle him. interiaculated
| Torbert
"The prosecutor. your Honor replied Linden, "pre-
pared with regard this prisoner to be as horrid
as loohD
"May Il please the court began Torbert with
mock gravity, fnd myself the victim Of an unfort-
innate situation, and not conscious and willing
offender against the Praudal Code. Justice is all I
ak More have 10 need for. Less AM Confident
your Honor falls to render
"Now Mr. Prosecutor, where's my judicial tcmpera-
rcnt gone that YOU compliment me upon so ot.on ~
demanded Miss Maddledock turning sharply to tho
| lawyer Il had it moment ago, together with a
frown where have they Sone'"
aThey will return directly I call your Honors
attention to the fragrant nature Of the prisoners
crlms' said Linden crime so utterly atrocious-'
True you do we'll to remind me- justice you
called for. sir Very well. Justice you shall have.
GO on.s
"Your Honor Is most gracious. That part OF inc
Indictment which charges with having an engage
| mcnt 10 dine with your Honor at p m. Is admitted
left my house in plenty of time, but
| Mrs Throcton (sotio voce)-Does the prisoner I've
in Harlem1
|
| The Court with great dgnltyl-'f tho prisoner IS
going to put his trust in the saving grace Of the
elevated ears or the tardy ferry the court would prefer
! not 10 delay its consumme listening to such trivial
excuses The Courts soup is growing cold
| A roar Of laughter greeted this observation. and
Mr.. Linden remarked, The prosecutor feei' II MS
duty to suggest that the prisoner enter a plea OF
guilty. and throw himself at once upon the Courts
mercy
"The distinguished assistants TO tho prosecutor
said Linden turning with an extravagant bow towards
Mrs Throcton and Miss Nancy, think TO throw CON
tempt upon the defence by associaing It with hariem
and Hoboken Let them beware Let them not
tempt me to extremtes. There are Insults "nlch
even my forbeang spirit VIII not meeKy enuue' hdo
they said HackensaclI-7
The Court-Wel. what then?
| GThen your Honor, ! should have objected, and
had your Honor ruled against Inc l should have been
reluctantly compelled to demand an exception But
let ME come at once my defence. My offence, II
offence It is, caused by the necessity Whioh was
! imposed upon me OF embarrassing man.
| "whatn
| aOf embarrassing man. please your Honor! A
man coming north and horse going east endeavored
| 10 cross the street given point, at one and the
same moment 1t proved an mpossibhty and both
fell"
Dreadful cried Miss MaddIedock
at so impressed me- else had not dared to risk
your Honors displeasuc BY pausng to unharness the
man.
| Mrs Throcton, merry soul that she usually was,
had grown quite serious when TOrbert spoke OF a
| collision and an accident Her Voice was earnest as
she said Now, Mr. Torbert, stop your testing right
| away and tell what you mean'
FL
| T. 7tA