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 the 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, 1 turned
my steps homeward one afternoon
earlier than usual. had taken leave
of my friends, making an engagement
for reunion later on in the evening,
and directed my course to one of the
quiet quarters of the city in which NV
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 a much
moro stylish looking part of the city
than the public drives of the central
portion, because here tho high, grave
looking houses were either govern
ment offices or were inhabited by city
officials or wealthy private citizens
Before me walked for some distance
young and elegantly attired lady.
AT curve OF the street l succeeded in
getting heeting glimpse of her pro-
observe carefully even the knot of
o. golden blonde, sunshiny hair, half
covered by the dark English hat, as
well as the extremely delicate, grace
full figure of the still youthful girl.
Suddenly her stop faltercd, she half
turned, fingered for moment, and
then walked hastily towards me, past
me, and back over the road by which
she had just come. Not far ahead of
us came sauntering along an officer,
with lady on his arm, gayly chatting
and laughing. Could they have fright
ened my Unknown2 A saddened in
terest stirred within me; I wished to
gain some insight into her strange
conduct, and therefore made o hasty
turn, following her and keeping only
a few PAGES behind.
Then I saw how she pressed the
little clenched hand passionately to her
heart, and with tears in her violet
eyes, and half sad, half scornful en-
preston, murmurcd something to her
self which my excited imagination
fancied to be: 20, foolish heart, why
art thou not quiet; why mounts the
blood to my check, and compels mo
to turn back lest betray myself2"
Tho childish ebullition moved mo
unconsciously, and feeling of ieal-
Ousy stole over me against that officer
whom had involuntarily thought of
in connection with this young girl. If
1 had only dared to address her; but
that I could not bring myself to do.
She evidently belonged to the first
class of society, and nothing was fur
ther from my thoughts than desire
to insult Or intrude upon her. But
fortune favored me. Asmal package
which she had hitherto carried slipped
from her arm without her having re
marked it. Quickly picked it up and
gave 1T back to its fair owner, with o
few polite words. She looked at me
with surprised, somewhat naughty
glance, as l remained standingbeforc
her rather longer than was absolutely
necessary. Her large, violet, childlike
eyes were still filled with teaiY, ,and
the delicate face was deathly pale.
'I thank you," she said, briefly, talk
ing the package from my hand. But
I did not allow myself to be dismissed
thus quickly.
You are not well, 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 me with wonder in her
beautiful, fearful eyes, and said, less
CURLY than before:
You arc very kind, sir; I would
like to have droschke."
l bowed, and, while she stood at the
window Of q flower store, I hurried
down tho street and soon found an
empty vehicle, in which 1 joyfully and
with gentle feeling of expectation of
what would happen next, drove back
to my little Unknown.
Meanwhile she had rcgained her
self command; only her hand yet
trrembled as sho in entering the car
riage laid it lightly in mine, and it
felt ice cold through her glove.
Your rcsidence2" / asked. She
named ono of the elegant streets in
the west end, and as l called the adj
dress to. the coachman / knew how
certain Iwould be not to forget it my
self closed the carriage door; she
then bowed her lovely head at the open
window and thanked me for my SER
vice; but she spoke confusedly, and in
her embarrassment her pale cheeks
colOred with rosy blush, so that she
appeared even much moro charming
than before.
May call tomorrow and inquire
after your healthY" / ventured to ask;
but she seemed taken by surprise at
the question, and hesitated to answer,
while the blush deepened on her
check.
eli" cried the coachman at this
moment; the horse started off, and as
I stepped again on the sidewalk the
vehicle was already rattling away.
As if in dream entered my hotel.
l could not refrain from laughing at
q young lady entirely unknown to me
moro beautiful, more dazzling Wis
ions than this childish, shy girl had
often during my life crossed my path
without having attracted me particu-
larly. was riddle to myself; how
ever, made the firm resolve to find
out by tomorrow some particulars
ah0Iit this new street acnuointapce