Middletown transcript., 1892-01-07

honest man The emeralds were yalu-
able, but the light of gratitude in a
pair Of blue eyes would be infinitely
more precious-as a memory. You
see, this rash young man had already
decided to return, with his own hands,
the bauble to its owner
Miss Louise AIlen." Link
Ewoman's s Christian name with any sur
name you ever heard Of, and find
sweeter harmony of sound. Why, it
was exquisite Now, the publication
of the owners name did mystify the
infallible Mr.. Selwyn, but, after all,
who but the finder would know what
"a silken circlet clasped with gems
wasf It might be a gridle, zone for
the hair, or a necklace. There was a
sweet confidence in the expression
that appealed to him.
A substantial reward !" A gentle
man could accept only thanks, and
they would be priceless recompense
from lips curved with ever SO faint a
smile. Perhaps to be placed on the
visiting. list of the family would he
/ welcome enough to young man from
the interior who had his way to make
in New York, but that was too hand
some areturn for common honesty.
Selwyn dressed himself with as
much care as be was won't to exercise
when he courteds Miss Sallie Harper,
of Liberty Corners. He shaved until
his chin was like alabaster, gave to
his .moustaehe the twirl so admired by
the susceptible Sallie, put himself into
Hight trousers Of a neat pattern, and
Prince Albert coat, adjusted gold
pin in a snowy blue eravat, and don,
ming high hat, sauntered out to re-
store the circlet to its fair owner.
Hailing a stage, Mr.. SelWyn was
driven to the blissful mansion in
which Miss Allen resided. It was an
imposing brown-stone pile, with
griffins guarding the door. The large
windows, at which there was no sign
of life. looked down on the young
man coldly, and right in the shadow
of the ront door his heart failed him.
| Would it not be the proper thing, he
queried, TO ask to see one of the gentle
men of the house, unfold the object of
his visit, and turn over to him, as
trustee for the owner, the lost prop
erty? For a moment he quailed be-
fore the inward monitor of propriety,
but he remembered, as the Irishman
would say. that he was just after being
cast out by the DAILY Phoaograph,
and this steeled him in his resolve.
He would see the adventure through.
So he fecked the dust from his patent
feathers, and with firm hand pulled
the door bell. The resoundlng clang
it sent through the house tried his
nerves.
A bleak-faced man with County
Galway whiskers and clerical tie
opened the door. He was dressed in
black. and displayed pair Of well-
turned calves encased insilk stockings.
The expression Of his face was like. ii
dead wall in an apartment-house
Selwyn's spirits collapsed again, but
producing a card, he laid it on the
silver tray which the elderly man ex-
tended, aud said with painful deliber-
alton, as of one asking a favor that |
he scarcely expects to have granted:
e Take this, il you please, to Miss
Allen"
Had trim maid servant answered
his ring, he would have put in the
Louise, but circumstances alter
cases. He was waived into the parlor
like stranger who has halted in the
aisle of a church, and the solemn man
vanished without sound. The grand
eur and spaciousness of the interior
would have made Mr.. Selwyn's de-
preston complete, but for fortuitous
incident. and he would have lacked
the spirit to carry him through. The
incident was pretty featured maid
who was raising the curtains. She
was the product of the luxurious SER
vice Of a great house -demure, Gomez
ly, well-nonrished, and neat as nun.
Her gown was tailor-made, and her
muslin apron coolly diaphanons. She
reminded Selwyn of the maid,servants
of the stage, who look as if they have
just stepped out of a bandbox. As
She tiptoed UP to fix curtain, almost
beyond her reach, an ankle sculptor
might have praised was disclosed. Be-
coming aware of Sel@yn's presence,
she walked out softly with perfect
composure, not SO much as glancing
at that young man. His enthusiasm
revived. At that moment Miss Allen
entered
She came into the room with an
easy gliding step, the perfection of
grace-a girl of medium height and
maturing figure, with the full color of
health, but cool and selfpossessed as
duchess. She was very young, yet
old enough. to know the art of quiet
elegance in dress. Her gown was of
lavender, and she wore an opening
rosebud at her white throat. Her
/ smooth brown hair was caught up be-
hind in a loose coil. AS she came
forward her shapely white hands
were clasped in front of her. There
was look of modest inquiry on her
face.
Mr.. Selwyn?' she said, with
rising infection.
He rose from his chair, experience
ing the emotion of man who might
be standing on high and isolated
pinnacle with cold air blowing on
the.back of his neck.
How in the world could be state his
errand to this refined girl? How be-
gin :. He opened his mouth to say
something, but the sound died away
III an imbecile stammer. Then he star
ed helplessly at a miniature on. the
wall.
Miss Allen tried to retain her COM
posure, but young Mr.. Selwyn was
evidently in such pain that blusb