New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-12-27
MISS ADELAIDE'S FRIEND.
SHE WAS SEVEN YEARS OLD WHEN SHE
MET HIM AND HE -

She was very young but her face was serious, ana
she had stately dignity which made her hold her
head high In the air and sraghten her shoulders whe
she spoke to strangers. Her eyes were large "iu
dark, and when she turned them upon any one they
seemed very odd, with her light, foating-llke hnir
and her clear skin with its sparkle under the eyes
and crimson touch lower down. And when anything
displeased her she drew herself up very Straight ana
looked like disdnnul young lady, for she was very
young and she had no brothers and sisters, ana her
father and mother and grandmother and nurse ana
all the used to being relgned over by her
Miss Adelaide. when she was taken to the park on
sunny days in the winter did not mind II her nurse
gosslpped with other women in white aprons. She
had strong contempt for people Of this kind but did
not say anything about 1t. There was the park Tor
her, and she amused herself as her Hight fancy w1shch
while her talked with other young women
ogled the ugly big men whose red mustaches nora
faces long coats and brass buttons only made Miss
Alcoholics lip curl. One particularly stout. red
faced man used to talk TO her often that our
young woman had feeling Of despair when she saw
him. And on this afternoon, the day before Christ
mas, when her dark eyes fell on him. she turned
around without word and walked slowly down the
walk, naughty look on her young face. After she
had gone hundred feet she She ran until her
cheeks very red. and her breath was very short
and hot. 1t growing dark. and she was glad That
she had decided not to go further. There were
come and she thought she would better stay where
she for time.
There was man on a bench at the side OF the path
way. He was not like her father, who was always
clearly shaver and whose linen was very white ut this
time OF day, for 1t almost dinner time lie HAD
a black growth OF hair on his face which showed
roughly through his skin, and his hat which was
pulled down on his forehead bad break I'm it. His
collar turned up, though that was Of little USE
for there were no buttons 1t, and his throat was
bare and red when showed within the opening OF his
coat. But he man, and men were very meek
and humble she had always seen them. she went
up to him, drawing her figure up rs high as she conlu'
and looking at him very closely for minute or more
81 guess you would better take me home,' she said,
in the tone OF a young woman who Is accustomed to
being obeyed.
The man on tile bench give q start and took of his
broken hat He got up and made bow which was a
little awkward
"You would better run home, Mss" he said in n
harsh voice, and not wait for me. You might
not like your company when you get to know 1t
better. haven't dressed for dinner yet and never
dine unless l am in evening drss.' Then he gave
very coarse laugh which was reckless and hard.
"Beter 60 back right away" he added. :" am not
the friend whom you took me for. am not escorting
young women home this evening"
He was bowling with mock gravity while he said
all this and the evening wind lifting his thin
and tried to stand erect, for her eye had cold look
and she had crossed her hands and standing
firmly and rigidly
III you please she said with dignity, "you will
take me home right away. 1t is getting dark and l
shall be late for dinner"
II think / WILL" said the man, looking around.
"if you insist
"Thank you," she said graciousy. eve shall have
to hurry. 1t is late
81 suppose" said the man, bowling again. you
will not be offended II I ask you where you live.
You Sec" he added. with a grim smile in his
face, 81 have forgotten your address
81 don't know where i've" said Miss Adelaide
al supposed you knew
~ did once" answered her friend, with grimace.
but my memory is very bad am alsentmnded.
II is little chilly" he added, with comical look
on his face. MAY put on my hat againl'
"Please do" said Miss Adelaide and her head
nodded slightly though her shoulders and body did
not bend. "You might catch cold.'
81 suppose he said waving his hat and placing
1t upon his head, " that you live in Fifthave.'
Miss Adelaide bowed
And the corner isn't It'll"
Miss Adelaide bowed again.
MY memory Isn't 50 bad as I thought 1t was,'
lie said, with another laugh which was less harsh.
Z" But what street was thatl" he aslIcd. "I-its
slipped my mind.'
Il don't know" she answered. ats on the
corner. Really she added, with dignity, Sc must
ask YOU to hurry. Ny father might be worried"
That would never do-never" answered the man,
with queer light in his red face. 81 wouldn't have
him worry for anything In the world. He has trouble
enough with his bank"
"His railroads. you mean' said Miss Adelaide.
quickly. al don't think he has any banks
"Oh, of course the corrected himself. 81
am so absent minded. ] meant railroads
They had started down the path, Miss Adelaide
confidently her COMPANION dOubtfully.
al shouldn't think" she said severely, you could
get time to come TO the park in the afternoon. Ny
father is always busy until dinner tine"
"Oh," he said. with leer :" / gentleman Of
leisure. don't let my business trouble me-
"That's very strange she said. "My father is
always troubled. Won't You please tell him how you
manage your business-yOur-?"
my railroads. he said with little laugh. which
broke in the middle"
"Will you 2" she said.
You may rest assured on that he said grimly.
I'll have long interview with him. I'll tell him
good deal that he did not know. I'll give him some
advice Perhaps he'll be willing to pay me for ii.
| guess he WILL"
"Thank you very much,D said Miss Adelaide, look
Ing at him, but his face turned away.
But the street glare OF electric lights
and above them the gateway the gas Jets were
yellow.
well, this is the avenue" he said when they had
gone out to the sidewalk.
Let's hurry them" she answered. al never
out so late BEFORE
g Sec here he said roughly, at don't care to go
out there where there IS much light. II hurts my
eyes," he added nervously. "lt-it doesn't agree
with me- Ny doctor advises me TO keep In the dark.
Now If you will tell me where you live, I'll try to get
you home but can't, / really can't, you know" he
said with one of his grating laughs, go contrary 10
my physicians ORDERS
Miss Adelaide gave him look of scorn and indig-
nation.
Every well, sr,' she said in stately way, al
shall have TO ask some else 20 take home, and
thank you, Sir" she added bowling like IN offended
queen for your kindness. ! will say good evening"
sir.'
w.it p,inuta cried Miss Adnloida,s finland