Passaic City record., 1891-09-12
A FALL AND A CALL

Rupert Gedney was the sort of a man
the fair sex call sbeautiful," much tc
the disgust of his fellow-men.
It was a beautiful sunshiny morning.
The picturesque scenery of Montjoy
never looked more attractive, and Ged-
ney walked along admiring himself in
the brook that flowed on beside him.
Perhaps it was over-anxiety to get look
at himself-his mind was so intent upon
the impression he was to create on GER
tain young lady that morning-that led
him to take that mis-step. What matter
now what caused him to trip. He fell,
and great was the fall From the glory
OF an immaculate, elaborate attire to a
pigs level. For trying to recover his
balance made him wallow in the mire.
The mud, that his sudden weight made
fly, seemed to aim at nothing but him.
Lo, what transformation was here
He tried to gain his feet, when, horror OF
horrorsl girlish laugh rang out upon
the air. One of the fair sex to catch
him in such plightl What under
Heaven was he to do2 he thought as be
turned slowly around and encountered q
plump, rosy young maiden, in a plain
figured muslin dress, and her pretty
freeh facial confusion now-hidden
away in the depths of her broad
brimmed hat, which was pulled down at
the sides and tied under the chin.
~ beg your pardon, sir" said the
girl, retreating few steps when Ged-
ney turned his face toward her. ''In-
deed 1 would not have laughed if
thought you were stranger. have
been trying to overtake you for the last
five minutes. l took you tor an old
friend, and one can laugh at an old
friends mishap sometimes, you know,
without giving offense."
s'Thank Heaven it's only plain lit
tie country glrl,'' thought Gedney,
partly recovering himself while the girl
was speaking.
'sI suppose l am spectacle that would
make any one laugh" he said, looking
at himself instead of the girl. II would
surely cut Harry Milbank out if Miss
Mountioy saw me now." This last sen,
tence brought a look of surprise to the
rosy faee beneath the broad brim; but
the look escaped Gedney, so taken was
he with himself. 81 can't go to Colo
mel Mountjoy's looking like this, that;
certain. What am to do?"
Apparently this sudden appeal wa:
made to the young girl, for he looked
straight at her, his eyes this time pene-
trating the wondrous depths of her hat
She WAS examining him critically now,
with eyes brimmlng over with merri
ment.
"You might wash your face in the
brook there" she suggested, coolly. 81
think it would improve your appearance.
Then, unless you are in hurry to pro-
coed on your way, ten or fifteen minutes
standing in this sun here will dry that
mud so that it may brush off nicely"
.sThanks tor your advice" said Ged-
ney; and, as she bent to dip her hand
kerchief in the brook, he thought: "She's
decidedly pretty; and such eyes! Hang
my luck, to be caught by this buxom lass
in such trim"
81 must go back to the village hotel,
he said; 'tnot for worlds would have
Miss Mountjoy see me in this state"
''Miss Mountjoy!" cried the girl, rails
ing her hands and looking horri6ed
"Miss Mountjoy would faint-would di,
on the spot. l think, if she were to SCI
you now."
"Ah, you know Miss Mountjoy," sale
Gedney, eagerly. ssTeil me something
about her. Is she handsome?"
Handsome and the girls eye
twinkled. "Horrid creature-but per
haps you know Miss Mountjoy, and ar
only asking questions TO make me talk
You city chaps-I know you're from th'
city-are up TO all sorts OF nonsense, sh'
said, archly.
.sBy Joye, this little country CIR
knows how to firt; her eyes invite ;
Irritation. Well, I'll play sweet ana get
all' the Information possible" )" thought
Gedney, and he said:
+" 'Pon honor, I've never seen Miss
Mountjoy. Heard considerably about
her, though
81 thought you were stranger here.
You see, I'm always rambling about, land
know everybody that comes to Mount
joy," said tho girl.
"Perhaps You know Mr.. Harry Mil
bank, thcns Heaven knows, he visits