The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-11-05

spiration when within five yards OF
the house. I took one more look at
the cape and saw that it was quite
new and had the makers name inside
the collar. | dashed over to the ele-
waited, caught the next train, and
reached the furrier's shop just as it
was closing up. The proprietor was
very obliging, had the matter looked
into and informed me that a cape
similar to the one / showed him had
been made q week ago for a Mrs,
Charles Botan. He gave me her ad-
dress. I shall leave on Saturday
and join mother and the girls in
Switzerland. Here is James. Well2
James-It's all right, sir. The lady
described the cape exactly, so gave
it to her. She was very much obliged
to you, and the gentleman gave me
SIS, sir.
Duncan-Yes;. very we'll. Now, I
want you to pack my small trunk. l
am going to Europe. And, James,
about what age is-er-the gentleman,
Mr.. Botan? Did he seem to be a feeble,
misunderstanding sort OF man at all?
James-No, sir. I took him to be
about SO or 37-a little older than
yourself, sir.
Duncan-Yes. Now go. Fate is
against me!
Duncan Holmes, in his married sis
ter's drawing-room two years later
1t was certainly a strange coincidence,
to say the least. Soon after reaching
Geneva saw in a New York paper,
the death, "suddenly," of Charles b.
tan, at the address to whichsI had
sent the fur cape. Two weeks ago I
came home, and while attending an
afternoon tea, here at Margaret's,
saw sitting in a corner, dressed in
black, Theodore. / went to my Sis
ter and whispered, "Who is she?"
"She?" returned Margie, Sin black? Oh,
that is Dora Botan. Poor dear! she has
only just left off her crepe" In another
minute we are standing before her.
Maggie said, hurriedly: "Dora, this is
my brother, Duncan Holmes. You have
heard me speak Of him." and then
flew off to greet a. newcomer All!
what a delightful half-hour past talk
ing to her, and listening to her voice
and looking into her eyes: She did
not speak OF the fur-cape incident nor
OF her husband. I have met her twice
in the street since then, and last Sun
day l went into church with her. She
promised she would be here this even
ing, and she kept her word.
His sister shows Dora in.) -. go
Dora-I am early, see. Good even
ing, Mr.. Holmes. Are we the first ar
rivals? e.. .~
Duncan-No; there are several per-
sons in the next room, but it is very
comfortable here H.
Dora-I haven't been anywhere for
so long that feel quite strange.
Duncan-Yet a musicale is not a for
midable affair. Have this arm chair,
and will take this one. Now, I want
to tell you a secret.
Dora-A secret, Mr.. Holmes?
Duncan-Yes; and to restore to you
a piece of property of yours which &C
cidentally came into my possession two
years ago, and which l have feloni-
Ously retained and concealed until
now. Oh, you need not think this a.
joke, it is solemn truth. Have YOU
forgotten? ....
Dora-Have l forgotten what?
That we met two years ago. you
and I. There is recollection written
in your eyes, but you do "nt quite
place me. IT,. ...'s =.
Dora-I thought I had seen you be-
fore and heard you talk. Only yester-
day / was thinking
DuDcan-Of me? Thank you. Now
listen. / came uptown to-day in a
street-car, and as we reached the tun-
mel | heard a familiar voicefwhich gave
me a thrill of delight. The words it
said were unpoetic and commonplace:
bananas! ten for quarter. Put 'em
up in a bag for yer?" In an instant 1
seemed to see you sitting opposite me,
a sweet-faced old lady at your side.
she asked me where Fifth ave-
nue. was. Do you remember now? A
hunted dog ran through the car and
you vanished from my sight. What
is the matter? There are tears in
your eyes.
Dora-Yes recollect it all. It was
only few weeks before my great,
great SORROW
Duncan-Oh, pardon me. I did not
mean to grieve you so. Hank! the
music is beginning. Shall we 90 into
the other room?
Dora-No, thank you. We can hear
very we'll. Are you fond OF mus
ic?
Duncan-Yes, very. That fellow
plays well, too.
Dora-I am so glad you thought
dear grandma had such sweet face.
| nearly died when 1 lost her, and now
l am quite alone
Duncan is she dead? 1 am shock
ed to hear it. Aside. Where on earth
is Botan then?
Dora-Your face shows you are
grieved. Thank you. I remember
that you were very kind that day.
Singing begins. That is a fine voice,
but l am very tired of the song. Are
not you? .... Nj
Duncan-Yes, yes. I am glad we
are not to have another verse. It is
time | restored the rest of your
property to you. This handkerchief
has been all over Europe with
me.
Dora-Did I drop it in the car? But