Evening journal., 1891-05-27
MY MISS SMITH.

When was about to come to America
for though | was born here, had lived
most Of my life in London-every one who
spoke to me on the subject told me that
should find young girls had much more
liberty in the United States, and that this
made it pleasanter for young men who de
sired to pay them attention. Whatever
else they said, they were sure to say that
! was very young-barely large enough
as yet to wear high hats and dress coats on
occasions of mportance-and though sol
emnly shaved twice a week, all that ap.
peared on the edge Of the razor was a little
pale yellow down.
was to go into business in New York
to take the place of son of a certain Peter
Smith. who had insisted upon going upon
the stage instead Of into the cotton busi
ness.
Old Mr. Smith was, | had heard. con
stantly prisoner in his own room in con
sequence Of the gout and his daughter
Miss Smith, was to come on board the YES
sci TO receive me- | remembered afterward
that had never heard Miss Smiths age
mentioned. but / supposed her TO be ma
ture spinster.
"You can't remember Miss Smith, am
sure" said my elder sister, who had
brought me up, our parents having been
taken from us while ! was yet a child
But she used to come to see US often when
you were four years old, and admired you
greatly. 1t is likely that she will think
you ought TO have some recollection of a
little horse and wagon she gave you"
"a horse and wagonR said L
YES" said Sophia "and you'd better
pretend to remember it, for know she is
very touchy-very touchy indeed"
promised to do So AS my sister and
her husband intended following me in six
months our parting was not a melancholy
one. Ny voyage was pleasant, and | ar
rived in New York without having met
With any unusual experiences.
1t appeared to me absurd that | should
have been sent over to be called for as IL ]
were parcel but as It had been done
waited in the cabin like lamb until one
Of the walters appeared, bearing upon a
salver a card which he presented to me-
read it and started TO my feet.
Miss Smith is here, thenY said
"Yes, sir" replied the waiter.
And followed him into the presence oI
lady in gray walking suit, who cam,
running toward me, holding out botl
hands.
II was so afraid you would not wait fol
mer' she said.
had expected an elderly lady. The per
son who addressed me was both young
and pretty, and hesitated a moment be
fore returning her greeting.
"This is Miss SMITH" | asked.
"Yes,n she answered. "And this is Mr.
John Smith,"
bowed and held out my hand.
1T is all right Johnny" she added. "Le
us get into the carriage at once. Is every
thing arranged about your baggagef Dea
me, how strange to see you again after al
these yearsl How you have alteredp
Naturally" said. 81 was such littl
fellow when You saw me last"
81 am older than you, you know" sal
/ she, rs we took our seats in the carriage
/ l"Yes, your hair used to curl; but l suppos
| you have forgotten me entirely"
Her lip quivered She was touchy, as m
sister had said. hastened to soothe her.
Forgotten your No, indeed" said
81 was speaking only yesterday Of the to
horse and wagon you gave me"
did II" said she. 81 had forgotten a
about that. What sort of horse was itp
"Oh, brown" said mendaciously; "an
Il a llLttt NitLuu VIII WhctAa.
She nodded.
| "Yes, I think family remember" sal
she. ''It has been sad, has it not. never I
see each other all these yearsY
AS had no remembrance whatever (
Miss Smith, knew that spoke in a som
what formal and conventional tone when
replied, Extremely so" and in a momeI
more | saw that tears stood in her eye
and that she was trying TO wipe them ava
with her handkerchief without letting m
perceive the fact.
She was SO pretty and 50 sweet that
really felt myself quite brute DIRE
near to her and began.
"My dear Miss Smith"-
She suddenly sat bolt upright, her cheel
flaming and her lip quivering.
England must be the stifrest, meanes
most dreadful placer said she. you a
like a poker, or column Of ice, or som
+ thing. Miss Smith to mel / suppose tn
do so over there; but It enrages me. L
been longing TO see you-thinking Of 20
J remembering how nice you were, feelil
as II the world would change for the bett
! as soon as / saw you, and you call me Nj
, Smith, as IL we had had a quarrelp
II suppose we are more formal on &
other side" said l. 1T is the custom oy
there"
3 "An abominable customi" said 81
=, l"Therel am not angry. but Oh, job
ny. Johnny suppose ought to have
! membered how long it was.
"You see, +" said l. 81 felt surprised.
expected to see a spinster; | had no Id
you were so young. | haven't got o'
r the surprise"
{ Glow queer men are" said she. .
course I am older than you, but we q
( just Of an age to enjoy ourselves togeth
h Now. aren't weY
v "Of course" said l.
"Call me Tiny. and kiss me, then." 81
Miss Smith.
! "well might they have told me Il
y American girls were freer in their mi
u ners than English maidensp / thong
Q Then / put my arm about her waist. a
p said:
Q my dear Tiny, don't think any m
could be cold to you, even after being 2
giicized 20 thoroughly as have been"
"Oh, that English way is not bad" /
Z said quietly, patting my hand and retu
y ing my kiss with interest TITS gent
y manly, and you are well dressed.
quite proud Of you, and We'll live togetl
r all our lives, and never, never part aga
j wan wei"