The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1889-01-09
THE FAIR UNKNOWN

THE FAIR UNKNOWN.
The opening Of the grand industrial
exposition had brought me to the city
in the early part of the spring of 1879.
Tired from long standing and walking
around; more tired still by the shows
and wonderful exhibitions of the
displayed at this exposition, turned
my steps homeward one afternoon
earlier than usual. / had taken leave
of my friends, making an engagement
for a reunion later on in the evening,
and directed my course to one of the
quiet quarters of the city in which my
hotel was situated. The less frequent
the bazars and show windows became
SO much moro 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 the central
portion, because here the high, grave
looking houses wore either govern
ment Offices OF were inhabited by city
officials or wealthy private citizens.
Before me walked for some distance
young and elegantly attired lady.
AT q curve of the street succeeded in
getting a feeting glimpse of her pro
file, and felt myself thereby urged to
observe carefully even the knot of
of golden blonde, sunshiny hair, half
covered by the dark English hat, as
well as the extremely delicate, grace
ful figure of the still youthful girl
Suddenly her step faltered, 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,
and laughing. Could they have fright
ened my Unknown7 A saddened in
tercSt stirred within me; / wished to
gain some insight into her strange
conduct, and therefore made hasty
turn, following her and keeping only
a few pnces behind.
Then 1 saw how she pressed the
little clenched hand passionately to her
heart, and with tears in her violet
eyes, and half sad, half scornful ex-
preston, murmured something TO her
self which my excited imagination
fancied to be: 30, foolish heart, why
art thou not quiet; why mounts the
blood 70 my cheek N1--e~..aala1A-.-.-
to turn back lest betray myself9"
The childish ebullition moved mo
unconsciously, and a feeling of jeal-
ousy stole over me against that officer
whom 1 had involuntarily thought of
in connection with this young girl. If
l had only dared to address her; but
that could not bring myself to do.
sho evidently belonged to the first
clnss of society, and nothing was fur
thor from nv fllnIIcrlfc
to insult or intrude upon her. But
fortune favored me. Asmall package
which she had hitherto carried slipped
from her arm without her having re-
marked 1t. Quickly picked it up and
gave it back to its fair owner, with a
few polite words She looked at me
with q surprised, somewhat naughty
glance, rs l remained standing before
her rather longer than was absolutely
necessary. Her large, violet, childlike
eyes were still filled with tears, and
the delicate face was deathly pale.
81 thank you" she said, briefly, TAX
ing the package from my hand. But
I did not allow myself TO be dismissed
thus quickly.
You arc not we'll, my dear young
LADY," said /. 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 are very kind, sir; would
like to have droschke."
/ lowed, and, while she stood at the
window Of a flower store, hurried
down the street and soon found an
empty vehicle, in which, joyfully and
with a gentlo feeling of expectation of
what would happen next, drove back
to my little Unknown.
Meanwhile she had regained her
self command; only her hand yet
trembled as she in entering the car
riage laid it lightly in mine, and it
felt ice cold through her glove.
Your residence5" asked. She
named one of the elegant streets in
the west end, and as called tho ad-
dress to the coachman 1 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 L call tomorrow and inquire
after your health7" ventured to ask; !;
but she seemed taken by surprise at
the question, and hesitated to answer,
while the blush deepened on her
"Hi4'' cried the coachman at this
moment; the horse started off, and as
/ stepped again on tho sidewalk tho
vehicle was already rafting away.
!. AS If in dream entered my hotel.
I could not refrain from laughing at
myself; this ardor, this interest about
a young lady entirely unknown to me
more 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, F made the firm resolve to find
out by tomorrow some particulars
about this new street acquaintance.
A few hours later Is sat with num-
Der of pleasant friends in one of the
best restaurants under tho lindens.
The conversation was lively and cheer
full, and there were many ladies and
gentlemen continually going in and
out
In the neighborhood of the table at
which we sat and made ourselves
merry was gathered a large party,
joyous and gay like ours.