Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-04-17
A COWBOY COACHMAN.

MS handsomely furnished Office on
Broadway. He was one OF the large
sized and distinguished looking bust
ness men OF New York. Although fifty
i've years old, an age at which man
living On the country has become some
what careless rs so his personal APP
pearanee, he was dressed in the height
OF fashion. His hair and moustache
were white, his features were clear
cut and naughty, his bearing was aris-
tocratic.
The Office boy opened door, and n
young man in rough garb was ushered
into the august presence. The new
conner made a respectful obeisance, and
stood In humble attitude, awaiting the
pleasure Of the great man.
THE letter of recommendation is
satisfactory. | have decided to give
yoG' a trial. You must first be suitably
clothed, and | herewith give you an
or6er on A. II. King & Co., for hand
some coachman's outfit Good morn
ing"
Thus summarily dismissed the
young man frightened his grasp on the
letter that Mr.. Valoppel had handed
TO HIM. and departed.
Ten hours later the suit was com
pleted. and at the end of fourteen
more hours the young man, wearing
the snowy clothes, sat on the coach
mans box OF fine cquipage that stood
before brown stone front on Fifth
avenue.
There are winter mornings so cold
hot in, h., To- 81, Il,
forms and contract their size, and there
are other mornings when the air, keen
hut not cutting, arouses all OF the
activity OF vigorous human beings,
causing them to expand their chests,
swing their arms and become larger
and more powerful than when they are
IN an indolent mood. Ii was morn
ing of the latter kind and the avenue
presented a cheerful appearance. Tho
pedestrians walked in sunshine. but
breathed a cool, dry air that gave them
zest. The sleek black horses attached
TO the equipage We're full Of mettlc and
champed their bits and ratified their
silver-mounted harnesses.
The door of the brown-stone front
was opened by colored servant con-
cealed from view, but it seemed as if
it sprung back at a nod from the
splendid being thai was revealed. her
queenly bearing conveying the i'm
preston that ali things, even the
inanimate, must yield 10 her wishes
and render her homage. 4 more
strikingly handsome and naughty
young lady than she was it would be
difficult TO imagine.
The brisk and cheerful spirit of the
morning communicated itself to her.
she drawing her tall and graceful form
TO its full height with glad vigor, and
with elastic tread descending broad
stone steps to the sidewalk. A smile
played on her proud and glowing
features, but it was for herself alone;
II was u tribute TO her consciousness
that she was the chief attraction OF the
winter scene.
As she approached the carriage
whore the obsequious footman stood
ready TO aid her, the heart OF the new
goodman beat rapidly; for. strange as
it may seem, there is often an unac-
~countable fascination in that which we
cannot wholly approve or like. Her
,disdainful eXclusiveness, the seeming
inaccessibility of her personality to the
friendly and respectful advances OF COM
mon mortals, apparently separated her
from all ordinary influences. There
was a mystery in her individuality.
Could she feel deeply? Could her proud
heart be touched and be subdued by
the power OF love?
Cau IL no fhat the coanbpn.y ,ol,,I
these questions2 Yes; for even COM
mon coachman can indulge in romantic
speculations.
The footman directed the coachman
TO drive TO the Grand Central Depot.
The carriage was an open one and on
the way the driver ,ventured to look
behind him twice in n quick and eau
Gous manner. He saw the fair maiden,
sitting like daughter of the gods, with
n magnificent robe drawn about her.
but she did not notice him. He felt
that she must regard him merely as
human machine that was unworthy of
her consideration. At the station her
Indifference was maintained. and, as ac-
companied by the footman she entered
the ladies waiting room. the new SER
want, having recovered his customary
equanimitg, found himself wondering
how much her brilliant bonnet and
handsome sealskin cloak must have
cost, and estimating how large must be
the income Of man who could afford
10 marry her.
The name OF the young lady was
Julia Valoppel, she being the only
daughter OF the proud president of the
Celestial Insurance company. She re-
sembled him In character and she
satisfed him in every particular. He
ardently desired that she should marry
% title. He had decided that her hus-
band must be an English duke or an
italian count or German baron. and
she shared his wishes. The foregoing
facts were ascertained by Joe Buckskin.
the coachman, as he conversed with
fhe footman. after the latter had
purchased q ticket for his younO mis-