The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1892-06-10
miscellaneous.
AN EXPERIENCE.


Interesting adventures have not
been numerous in my existence" Mrs.
Chester remarked from the corner of
the sofa, placing large soft cushion
behind her, and crossing her feet COM
fortably; "but I can tell you one that
happened only last summer, and
which, / think, is somewhat out of
the ordinary run. We were in Paris
at the time. One morning | went
alone to my bankers in the Rue
and drew some money for my sister.
AS | came out, l recognized Mr.. Fair
man, who was passing. L bowed, and
he Immediately joined NE, asking if l
would allow him to accompany me to
my destination, whatever that might
be. | had known Arthur Fairman
slightly for a number of years, and
probably would never have become
better acquainted with him had we
not met in a foreign land. There
seems to be a fraternal feeling be-
tween Americans abroad that in many
cases would not exist at home. At any
rate, | gave him the desired permits
sion, and we strolled along, enjoying
the life and gayety SO peculiar to the
Paris boulevards. AT the Maison D,
where had expected him to leave ME,
he remarked that he would be glad to
wait while | tried ON several hats.
Must confess that was pluming my
self upon having made something of a
conquest of a formerly Indifferent ac-
quaintance. His patience was angelic,
for after three-quarters of an hour he
greeted me in the same amiable man
ner, and asked me to lunch with him
at the Cafe Cambon. Charming man
l reflected moment, then accepted,
as knew returning home would mean
a solitary meal-at the best, a hurried,
unsatisfying repast.
GAS it was, | had an extremely pleas
ant time. We secured table in one
of the windows, and Mr.. Fairman al
most Immediately inquired if l had
ever been to Russia. / think this was
our principal topic of conversation. l
was surprised to find him such a
travelled, cultivated man and so in
teresting talker. The lunch was ex-
cellent, also the company, and when
he babe me adieu at the hotel, l am
sure it was with sincere regret on
both sides, particularly as he was
about leaving Paris for London, and
our renewed acquaintance would have
to be suspended until we met in New
York. MY sister returned from q shop
ping expedition later in the afternoon,
and l gave her graphic account of
how | spent the morning, concluding,
And here is the money you wanted,
nv hand gliding into my pocket. 1t
was empty. My purse had disappear
ed without a tear in the material to
mark its exit. | had not taken it out
after leaving the bankers of that
| was almost certain; therefore my
pocket must have been picked en-
! route. | remembered IL crowd of peo-
pie in the Rue Daunou, which damned
| the narrow sidewalks, but Mr.. Fair
man had been behind me the entire
way. Could he help me, | wondered.
| NY sister advised me to write to him
| at once. Perhaps we could stop him
before he left the city. | looked at
the clock it was striking four. He
leaves at six, | murmured, hopefully.
Il will send for him immediately
| Then, remembering But | don't
| know his address. Is it not provok-
ing?' | went over to the window, and
gazed absently out. l had been watch
| ing passers-by for some time, feeling
| deeply depressed, when suddenly |
caught sight of Mr. Fairman hurrying
along on the opposite side. What
luck! Without word of explanation
| to my sister, | ran to the door, down
the staircase, and into the street.
"In few seconds | had overtaken
him, and while trying to regain my
breath, managed to tell him of my
loss. He was most sympathetic and
much distressed over the occurrence.
''I am mortified at not having been
able to take better care of you, he
kept repeating, alphabetically you
cannot imagine how badly | feel.
However, will go to the police station
and report the theft on my way to the
depot, SO that your interests will be
well looked after when | am gone
He walked with me back to the
hotel entrance, and l gave him a
minute description of my pocket-book
and its contents, after which he ex-
cused himself, as he said he must re-
turn to his apartment before going to
the train. In spite of his kindly in.
terest, as is usual in such cases, the
money was never heard of again.
ga few days ago" Mrs. Chester con
tinued, drawing long breath and sit
ting more erect, Il met Mr.. FairmaI
on Fifth Avenue, and stopped ospeak
to him. How have you been since
saw you last summer in Paris ? | ex
claimed, cordially. He shook my hant
rather mechanically, l thought, ant
seemed somewhat puzzled. DO you
know | went on; we never found an!
trace of that money that was stolen
And l added, laughing, We alinos
accused you of petty larceny
! Mr. Fairman's face wore an eX