The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-11-05

TURNED THE CAPE INSIDE OUT.
. sweet, stately name, just suited TO
her. This shall never leave me until
give it into her own hands. When
that time cotles my hands will be
wrinkled and shaky and my hair
white, her blue eyes will be dim with
years and her voice cracked - bah.
what is the use of thinking of it?
don't believe in fate. but believe in
love at first sight. All. me! James
is staying long time. l told him to
ride both ways. What a mercy
it was that did not carry out my first
plan of applying for information at the
house in Fifth avenue to which they
were going. l should have looked q
precious idiot. had made up my mind
TO relate the car incident in an Off
hand way and to describe the two
ladies, particularly the old one. her
soft, white hair and gray eyes. and all
that, but anyone, at least any
woman. would have seen that ! was in
love and would have taken infinite
pleasure in enligh~nlng me. thank
my lucky stars that did not go there.
but received another inspiration when
within five yards of the house. 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 elevated, caught
the next train, rode down town, and
reached the furrier's shop just as it
was closing up. The proprietor was
very obliging. called up his men, had
the matter looked into. and informed
me that q cape similar to the one
showed him had been made . week
ago for Mrs. Charles Botan. Slar-
ried. married, -Theodora! lie gave
me her address. l shall leave on Sat
urday and join mother and the girls in
Switzerland. Here is James. Well?
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 five
dollars. sir.
Duncan - Yes; very we'll. Now
want you to pack my small trunk.
am going to Europe. And, James.
about what age is-er-the gentleman.
Mr. Botan? Did he seem to he q feeble,
delicate-looking sort Of man at all?
James-No. sir. l took him to be
about thirty-s six or seven-a little older
than yourself, sir
duncan Yes. Now go. Fate is
against me!
III.
Duncan Holmes lin his MARI led sis
tcr's drawing room two years laterl-It
was certainly strange coincidence, to
say the least. Soon after reaching &C.
neva l saw in New York paper the
death, suddenly" of Charles Botan, at
the address to which had sent the fur
cape. Two weeks ago / came home,
and while attending an afternoon tea,
mere at Margaret's, saw sitting in a
corner, dressed in black, Theodore.
went to my sister and whispered:
WHO is she?" 'She?" returned
Margie, lin black? oh. that is Dora
Botan. Poor dear. she has only Just
left off her Grape. You must meet her;
she is charming" In another minute
we were standing before her. Margie
Sdlu, DoTd. lIllS Is INV
brother, Duncan Holmes. You have
heard me speak of him." and then few
off TO greet a newcomer. All, what a
delightful half-hour passed talking to
her, listening to her voice, and looking
into her eyes! She is not much
changed, though sadder than she was
and fancied once that she had dim
| recollection of me. but that is hardly
possible. She did not speak Of the fun
cape incident nor of her husband.
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, ana she
has kept her word.
Ills sister shows Dora in
| Dora-l am early, | see. Good even.
ing. Mr.. Holmes; are we the first ar,
| rivals?
| Duncan-No; there are several per
comfortable here.
Dora--I have not been anywhere for
SO long that feel quite strange.
Duncan-iet, II musicale is not a for
midable affair Have this armchair
and will take this one. Now. | wan,
to tell you "a secret
Dora-A secret, Mr.. Holmes?
Duncan-Yes; and to restore to 20,
IA piece Of property of yours which ac
cidentally came into my possession
two years ago, and which l have fe
loniously retained and concealed until
now. Oh! you need not think this is {
| joke, it is solemn truth. Have you for
gotten?
Dora Have forgotten what?
Duncan That we met twoyears ago
you and |. There is recollection writ
ten in your eyes, but you do not quit.
place me.
| Dora-l thought / had seen you be
fore and heard you talk. Only yester
day | was thinking
| Duncan-Of me? Thank you. Nov
| listen ] came uptown to-day in I