Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-02-09

Birds holiday would expire few days before
our own | learned, and, though ! would not
have owned it for untold wealth, was sorry
he was going back to London. He had in
formed me of his position by that time, and
of his prospects for the future, or OF some of
them He had given up the business, and his
fathers business before him, Of carver and
glider in the Goswell road he was very clever
at his trade | felt sure, for he had been Of
fered the post of superintendent of work by
an eminent firm in Oxford street, with whom
he had done business for years, and at a very
res Eectable salary indeed
He was exceedingly communicative the
last day Of his stay in Margate; we were sit
ting together under the shelter of the veranda
Of the refreshment room, with the band play
ing out in the rain. We were alone for
wonder; the Brians were on the rocks in
search Of anemones with the exception Of
Lily, who had left me half an hour ago. with
an in junction to come home If it poured
and with an umbrella to shelter me- as had
ventured ont without my own. She had seen
having very sharp eyes Of her own-Mr.
Geoffry Bird advancing down the jctty. and
hal made some trivial little excise to leave
me ito give the poor fellow a chance" as she
tol / ME- afterwards And there he was sitting
BY my side, cool and comfortable, and with
the rain coming down in big drops and start
ling and confounding the pleasure seekers
Il shall be quite the gentleman soon, Miss
Ncild," ho said, with laugh, land with a
sa;il above shop keeping. l only want a few
friends about me To make life worth living,
but | have never had any friends Never
had the t!tle or never saw anybody who was
worth taking any trouble about, until-until
lately"
/ could not ry.,iy to this did not know
What DO naeasit BY lately"
"People never took to me- either he con-
fessed, rucfully;"I have bad habit Of
speaking out what is on my mind and Tn
inquis tive and suspicious at times, and SO
forth. Altogether "a beastly character"
He waited for me to reply to this. had
thought him abrupt and inquisitive and sus-
pcious, but that seemed a very long time
ago now. He had improved wonderfully of
late days: there were little traits Of charac-
ter, of frankness earnestness., generosity, one
could almost admire. but was not going to
tell him So though he waited patiently as if
he expected something of the kind. As if
men were not vain enough in themselves
without being told Of their accomplishments
You would not like anybody to say that
but Yourself, said however; and it was
remark which did not commit me to any
thing.
"No / should knock him down, prob
ably" he replied especially if it were the
captain or that railway goods inspector fell
low
Don't You like thenif asked innocently
"Do YOU" he rejoned.
They are old friends, almost
You don't make your dodgers your
friendsr' he remarked.
Not always
Il should think not" he said, very scorn-
fully now
But these two gentlemen knew me when I
was little girl"
"Ah that makes difference, l suppose;
that's why they are both so fond of you" he
added, with sigh.
Fond Of mcy'
You might marry either Of them to-mor-
row, if you cared to hold up your little
finger; | can SEQ that
what nonsense"
"Oh, it's true enough" he cried.
laughed.
"Then shan't hold up my little finger"
That's right" he said and he actually
drew long, deep breath, as though it relieved
him to hear me say no; 'for that captain'sa
pompous old noodle-a selfish party, who's
stuck TO my telescope whole week-and the
railway man would fidget any woman out of
her life in fortnight"
What's the matter with himF'
He's an old woman, that's all
Upon my honor, You are very uncompl-
mentarv in your verdict upon my dodgers"
Il hate your keeping a lodging house" he
muttered.
MY poverty and not my will consents,"I
answered.
He was very silent for a long time now.
The visitors had hurried holncward, or had
sought shelter like ourselves, the band had
ceased playing, the rain was coming down in
earnest
May | ask favor of you before l go back
to Iondonf' he said suddenly and very
hoarsely.
what is itf'
"Will you say 'yesf
Not till | know what il is about" re
piled, with spirit, certainly not"
well, them" he cried, don't give me
back that little bird carved. You said you
would, and it has been preying on my mind
that it will come flying back some day when
least expect it and 81 upset me terribly. l
want it hanging OH your wall, to remind you
of me sometimes, you know; being a bird
like me, you see, it must. And though our
acquaintance did not commence auspiciously,
still you have forgotten and forgiven
haven't youf"
''Well-yes-almost"
"And you'll keep that little carvingr'
Perhaps l will"
"Bles you, Jane-Miss Neild. I mean.
And now
was getting alarmed at ~ vehemence,
and very much afraid Of what he would say
next. jumped up.
Il think will 60 home to Lily. She's all
alone, poor girl"
But its raining cats and dogs
II don't mind the rain. and I'm fond of
cats and dogs | said, tripping from the
shelte-' and struggling to open the umbrella
which Lily had lent to ME.
you have caught cold in the rain before
now he said, dryly; do stop few minutes
longer
"No,'I said, shaking my head, Il would
rather notr
''Here, let me manage that thing for you,
then, he said, making dash at the umbrella,
opening it and holding it above my head, If
you must run away; but you'll get very wetr
I've got my waterproof"
"Yes, but--oh, Lordr'
"What is the matterr exclaimed, as be
turned very red and white, just as l had seen
him on the fort, only now he looked at me Is
if were ghost aud my spectral appearance
had frightened him.
He did not reply at once, and cried:
''Oh, what is the matter. Aren't you we'll! |
Won't you tell inef'
"It's all right; that is, l shall be all right
in minute, he answered, in quite new and
hard tone of voice; don't mind me-
"What can it hes"
Il tell you it's nothing, Miss Neild," he
said Don't take any notice of me. please /
had rather you didn't
1t was a strange request, but did not. /
maintained a rigid silence. being little net t
tied presently at his own silent movements ct
my side, his steady stare ahead Of him. the
stern expression on his face. He marched