The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1890-07-03

CHAIR winch had been tilted. lace down.
ward. against the far table ut the
'.courier's" order. He was tall, and had
an aquiline. intellectual cast of counte-
nance. His hands-the artist had an APP
preciatiye eye for hands and fingers
were students: his linen was ire
proachable: his chin and cheeks were
bluc-shaven. and his black hair was cut
straight across at the back just clearing
the collar Of his coat, instead Of being
shingled.
"A clergyman dednced Gilchrist,
from the latter popularity. That-not
the white choker---is the trademark of
the profession. Did barber. or preach
er, establish the fashion? After inspec-
ton Of the menu, the newcomer ordered
a repast which was sumptuous when
compared with the frugal one course Of
the seven seated at the table built
around post in the middle OF the room.
He took no notice OF them nor they Of
him. Ills mien was studiously abstract
ed. While waiting for his food he drew
a small blotting-pad from his pocket and
wrote upon it with a stylographic pen.
his profile keener as his work went on.
In pausing to collect thoughts or choose
words the inclination of his eyes was
upward. After his entrance profound
silence settled upon the central table.
Not even the baby prattled. This sin
gnlar taciturnity took on significance to
the alert wits of the unsuspected
observer when he saw a swift inter-
change of looks between the cripple and
| her left-hand neighbor. attended by {.
| grimace of such bitter disdain directed
by the junior of the pair at the student
as fairly startled the artist.
| The unconscious object of the shaft
put up paper and pen, and addressed
himself with deliberate dignity, upon
the arrival Of his raw oysters. TO the
lower task of filling the material part
Of him. lie was discussing a juicy
square of porterhouse steak, as March
bowed respectfully on his way out, to
the girl at tho head of the board, q
smile in his pleasant eyes being es-
pecially intended for the dwarfed
cripple beside her.
Homer had bolted the last fragment
of y huge segment Of custard pie,
washed down tho crust with second
jorum Of coffee, and sat, satiate and
sheepish, upon the tall stool, awaiting
orders
The most extraordinary combinery,
taken in all its parts, it was ever my
luck to behold" declared March Gil.
christ at his fathers dinner-,able tina,
evening. Intensely American, through
i :.1
or not the man who appropriated the
reserved seat was usurper. Ii he were,
that spirited little economist of cour.
Ter was quite capable of dispossessine
him, Or, at least, Of calling the waiter
to account for neglect of duty. And
what relation did blind Homer bear te
the party?'
dear old March, said his sister, at.
fectionately. 'Story-weaving in the old
fashion! How natural it sounds! VIVA,
jolly times you anu have had over oul
amateur romances Ind makc-bclicves
Which reminds me of a remarkable ser
mon preached Sunday before last by oul
new pastor. Il told you we had one
didn't l?1 The text was: six water
pots of stone, containing two or three
frkins apiece.
"Absurd!''
''True; but listen! The text was onl,
hook from which he hung an eloqucn
discourse upon the power Of faith tt
make winc-'old and mellow and flavor
GUS he called tout Of what to crosse
souls seems insipid water. twas pie:
for the pleasures Of Imagination "A, a
falkland elevated our favorite amuse
ment into a fine art, and the fine ar
into religion. came home feeling lik,
spiritual chameleon, fully convince,
that rarified air is the rightful susie
nance Of an immortal being. Aecordin:
to our Mr.. Wayt what you haven't go
is the only thing you ought to be SUR
of. Life is sort Of Now you see i
and now you don't see it busines
throughout. Only when you don't Sc
it you are richer and happier than whcl
you do. Did you ever think to hear M
babble metaphysics? Now, where ar
those portfolios:"
"Make-believe that you have over
hauled them, and be blest," retorted he
brother. There's q chance to practic
your metaphysical cant. With a new
deep meaning in it, too, which you vii
] detect when you inspect my daubs.
did some fairish things in Norway. how
ever, which may prove that your rul
! has an exception"
The Gilchrists freely acknowledge
themselves to be what the son an
daughter styled "a mutual admiration
square" March's portfolios were no
the only engrossing subjects that DIRE,
them together in the library where col
. fee and cigars were served.
TO be Continued