The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-05-16
an important matter; Introduce yourself
III be back again In few minutes. Want
10 run to the telegraph Office"


10 run to the telegraph office"
The next instant he was lost in the
crowd
BY her motionless attitude and fixed
glance ] saw at once that the lady had
not heard a word Of our conversation, and
was quite unconscious Of her escorts de
parture. | stepped up to her side, but
before could speak she was saying in a
half whisper.
81 never heard Of anything SO strange
In my. life. the beach down at Deal. don't
you seey know it's the beach, though
it's horribly badly painted nnd-oh,
dear it really cannot be. but"-she craned
her neck and took closer view-"yes,
am positive of II ought to know my
own clothes, my own Indian bracelet, the
crimson hat-don't you remember it?-
and the fawn dress. And that book-one
of Miss Braddon sand a parasol. Iwish
the hat were not SO far down over the
face. though | should so like TO know
whether it is intended for me. Or
Pardon Inc. madame" | said.
She turned upon me swiftly and ex
pected to De snubbed. but was not
Pardon me, but Mr. Musgrave has
been called away for few moments on
business. and has left you in my charge.
am an old friend Of his, school fellow,
in fact.
She smiled and replied Then sup
pose must stay here until he returns or
shall never find him In the crowd" Civ
ing NE n searching glance, she added:
DO you mind waitingY'
Mind wsiting ] would not have minded
waiting an eternity with her. but didn't
tell her 50.
smiled, said something civil, and
asked her opinion upon She picture be
fore US
We'll, to tell you the truth" said she,
blushing, Il really thought | recognized
myself in It "
Indeed" 1 glanced critically at the
picture, as if had never seen 1t before.
Not bad painting. by the way"
> No, not very" she replied; but feel
certain the beach Is intended for that be.
tween Dover and Deal And as for the
dress and hat. why. feel quite sure they
are mine
Did you never pose Tor picture,
them" asked.
Pose for picture in that outrageous
fashion, | should think not.
Possibly you may have been asleep
when some one trespassed | suggested
IF that is 50, consider it piece of
impertinence, said she, very decidedly
An these artist fellows have no con
science They think the world was made
for them alone, replied.
She bent over and looked in the corner
of the picture
Ray" she said. Harold Ray" while |
started and grew pale and fiery in one
moment and felt that Ray" must be
branded upon my forehead Il don't like
the sound of it, Ray-Ray. can just
imagine him-a little man in velvet coat
and big, broad brimmed hat. Ugh
ask you frankly, Could | tell her at
this moment that | was the guilty persony
No; must put in few words in favor
OF poor Harold Ray first.
All Did you say Ray" asked. why,
Harold Ray-yes. yes-why, he's great
friend of minel'
"Oh. | beg your pardon if have said
ANYTHING rude of your friend" said she,
punctiliously, not at all as If she were
sorry. though But don't you think
yourself that it was little too-well,
presuming Of him.
Il pulled my mustache and looked criti
cal.
We'll. grant you that it was hardly
a fair thing. and all that, Won know" |
said, with candor; but you must con
slider the circumstances, the informally
OF the place-the temptation. so to speak
If you knew Ray | am sure you would
never accuse him of impertinence, He is
certainly not a bore, and-and he reveres
the fair sex.
She was gazing dreamily at the picture,
and when paused she smiled, not at all
disapprovingly. ard murmured: "Oh, go
on-pray go on Tell me more about
him
We'll. there isn't anything more to
tell said, feeling myself fairly in a
corner, for really could not sound my
own trumpet any longer
is he-handsome? She asked with a
air, still Gazing at my picture.
"rh-hardly" | stammered
Clever?
NO decidedly not He la. u little
talent bu; that is Gil
Not handsome. and not clever. she !
repeated. with a laugh. Why. then,
what j. this interesting Great urey
Only ali artist with an ideal. began. |
1alf lightly Lalr in earnest "a young tel |
ow who l. tracking footprints 10 the sea,
md wondering where they are going TO |
cad him, poor creature whose fate is
marked by a crimson sailor hat. which he |
,aut plucl; up the courage 10 lit. In |
short, were 10 tell my friend that had
= last seen the original OF his mysterious
sketch he would be beside himself.
Where t. hold out the promise that he
night enjoy the same privilege, he would
Dc III the proverbial seventh heaven; and
lid lie meet you he would be-
| felt hearty slap upon my back, and