The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1891-11-11
IN.

Duncan Holmes Qn his married sisters
drawing-room two years later)-It was
certainly strange coincidence, to say
the least. Soon after reaching Geneva
saw in New York paper the death,
suddenly" of Charles Botan, at the ad-
dress to which had sent the fur cape.
Two weeks ago came home, and while
attending an afternoon tea, here at Mar
garet's, saw sitting in a corner, dressed
in black Theodore. went to my sister
and whispered, "Who is shel" "She"
returned Margie, ''in black3 Oh, that
is Dora Botan. Poor dear! she has only
Just left off her Grape. You must meet
her; she is charming" In another min
ute we were standing before her.
Margie said, hurriedly: "Dora, this is
my brother, Duncan Holmes. You have
heard me speak of him." and then flew
off to greet a newcomer. Ah, what q
delightful half-hour l passed talking to
her, listening to her voice, and looking
into her eyes She is not much changed,
though sadder than she was, and l fan
cied once that she had dim recollection
of me, but that is hardly possible. She
did not speak of the fur-cape incident
nor of her husband. l have met her
twice in the street since then, and last
Sunday l went into church with her.
She promised me she would be here this
evening, and she has kept her word.
(His sister shows Dora in.)
Dora-I am early, l see. Good
evening, Mr.. Holmes; are we the first
ariivalsl
Duncan-No; there arc several per-
sons in the next room, but it is very
comfortable here.
Dcra-I have not been anywhere for
so long that 1 feel quite strange.
Duncan-Yet, a musicale is not for
midable affair. Have this armchair,
and l will take this one. Now, l want
to tell you a secret.
Dora-A secret, Mr.. Holmesf
Duncan-Yes; and to restore to you
piece of property of yours which acci-
dentally came into my possession two
years ago, and which have feloniously
retained and concealed until now. Oh,
you need not think this a joke, it is
solemn truth. Have you forgotten2
DoTs-Have forgotten whatl
Duncan-That we met two years ago,
you and 1. There is recollection written
in your eyes, but you do not quite place
me.
Dora-I thought l had seen you be-
fore and heard you talk. Only yester-
day was thinking
Duncan--Of met Thank you. Now
listen. 1 came uptown to-day in a street
car, and as we reached the tunnel heard
a familiar voice which gave me a thrill
of delight. The words it said were un-
poetic and commonplace: "Bananas
ten for quarter. Put 'em up in bag
for yer2n In an instant l seemed to sec
you sitting opposite me, a sweet,faced
old lady at your side. She asked me
where No. - Fifth avenue was. Do you
now2 A hunted dog ran
the car aud you vanished from
my sight. What is the matter? There
are tears in your eyes.
Dora-Yes; l IIecollect it all. 1t was
only few weeks before my great, great
Duncan-Oh, pardon me. did not
mean to grieye you so, Hark, the music
is beginning. Shall we go into the other
room3
Dora-No, thank you; we can hear
very we'll. Are you fond of musicl
Dunean-Yes; very. That fellow
plays well, too.
Doa-I am so glad you thought dear
grandma had sweet face. Itsuited her
character exactly. nearly died when l
lost her, and now am quite alone.
Duncan-Is she deadl am shocked
to hear it. had no idea you were in
for her. (Aside.) Where on
earth is Botan, then2
Dora-Y Your face shows you are grieved.
Thank you. l remember that you were
very kind that day. Singing begins.)
That is a fne voice, but l very tired of
the song. Are not your
Duncan--I do not know il.
Dora-Not know "Margueritep
Duncan-Yes, yes; Of coursel Par
don me, was thinking OF sonnet ing
else. lam glad We are not 10 have