The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1889-02-15
THE FAIR UNKNOWN.

exposition had brought me to the city
in the early. part of tho spring Of 1879.
Tired from long standing and walking
around; moro tired still by the shows
and wonderful exhibitions of the
mighty progress of civilization at home
displayed at this exposition, turned
my steps homcward ono afternoon
earlier than usual. ] had taken lcavo
of my friends, making an engagement
for reunion later on in the evening,
and directed my course to ono of the
quiet quarters of the city in which my
hotel was situated. The less frequent
the bazars and show windows became
SO much more insignificant became the
number of foot passengers on the
streets. But it seemed to me q much
more stylish looking part of the city
than the public drives of tho central
portion, because here tho high, grave
looking houses wcro either govern
ment Offices or were inhabited by city
officials or wealthy private citizens.
Before me walked for some distance
n young and elegantly attircd lady.
AT curve Of the street l succeeded in
getting a llceting glimpse of her pro-
file, and felt myself thereby urged to
observe carefully even tho knot of
Of golden blonde, sunshiny hair, half
covered by the dark English hat, as
we'll as the extremely delicate, grace
full figure of the still youthful girl.
Suddenly her stop ialtcrcd, she half
turned, fingered for moment, and
then walked hastily towards me, past
me, and back over the road BY Which
shc had just como. Not far ahead of
us came sauntering along an officer
with lady on his arm, gayly chatting
and laughing. Could they have fright
cned my Unknown2 a saddcncd in
terest stirred within mo; l wished to
gain somo insight into her strange
conduct, and therefore made q hasty
turn, following her and keeping only
few PAGES behind.
Then l saw how she pressed the
little clcnchcd hand passionatcly to her
heart, and with tears in her violet
eyes, and half sad, half scornful OK
self which my excited imagination
fancied to be: 80, foolish heart, why
art thou not quiet; why mounts the
blood to my check, and compcls me
to turn back lost | bctriy mysclfl"
Tho childish cbullition moved mo
unconsciously, and u feeling of ical-
ousy stole over me against that officer
whom / had involuntarily thought of
in connection with this younp girl. If
/ had only dared to address her; but
that could not bring myself to do.
She evidently belonged to tho first
class of society, and nothing was fur
thcr from my thoughts than a. desire
to insult or intrude upon her. But
fortune favored INC. A small package
which she had hitherto carried slipped
from her arm without hcr1laving re-
marked it. Quickly l picked it up and
gave it back to its fair owner. with q
few polite words. Sho looked ut mo
with surprised, somewhat naughty
glance, rs remained standingbeforo
her rather longer than was absolutely
necessary. Her large, violet, childlillo
eyes were still filled with tcaiS, land
the delicate face was dcathly pale.
Il thank you," she said, briefly, talk
ing the package from my haRd. But
did not allow myself to be dismissed
thus quickly.
You arc not we'll, my dear young
lady," said I. "Will you not COM
mand my services"
Something in my voice, perhaps also
my quiet, respectful manner seemed
to inspire her with confidence. She
looked at mo with wonder in her
beautiful, fearful eyes, and said, less
curtly than before:
You arc very kind, sir; would
like to have 4 droschlic."
l bowed. and, while she stood al the
window OF u flower store, I hurried
down the street and soon found an
empty vehicle, in which, | joyfully and
with Il gentle feeling of expectation of
what would happen next, drove back
10 my little Unknown.
Meanwhile she had rcgaincd her
self command; only her hand yet
trcmblcd rs shc in entering the car
liagc laid it lightly in lninc, and it
felt ice cold through her glove.
"Nour rCsidcncc!' | asked. She
named ono Of the elegant streets in
the west end, and rs called the adj
dress TO the coachman | knew how
certain lwould be not to forget it my
self. | closed the carriage door; she
then bowed her lovely head ut the open
window and thanked me for my SER
vice; but She spoke confuscdly and in
her embarrassment her pale checks
c0!Orcd with II rosy blush, so that she
appeared even much moro charming
than before.
May | call tomorrow and inquire
after your hcalthl' | vcnturcd to ask;
but she seemed taken by surprise at
the question. and hcsitatcd to answer,
while the blush dccpencd ON her
check
Hip cried the cOachman at this
moment; the horse started off, and as
l stepped again on the sidewalk the
vehicle was already rattling away.
AS if in dream l entered my hotel.
l could not refrain from laughing at
myself; this strdor, tbs interest about
u young lady entirely unknown to mo
moro beautiful, moro dazzling vis-
ions than this childish, shy girl had
often during my life crossed my path
without having attracted me particu-
larly. was q riddle to myself; how
ever, | made the firm resolve to find
out by tomorrow some particulars
about this new street acquaintance.
A few hours later sat with num-
Der Of pleasant friends in one Of the
best restaurants under the lindcns.
The conversation was lively and cheer
ful and there were many ladies and