The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-09-01
DAWSON'S UMBRELLA.
And Miss Lovelocks Provision for
Rainy Day.

patterl patl pat! The rain was pour
ing down on the glass portico. A sud-
len storm had swept up out of clear
sky. Everyone was caught unawares
The stray cabs were seized In moment,
the omnibuses crowded before you could
look around. There was actually only
one umbrella in the stand by the door
Of the Cafe de Luxe. ! stood, in new
hat and n light gray frock coat, and
syed the umbrella speculatively. |
lenew the owner lie had just gone in
to lunch. He was large and long
iuncher. / was in hurry. Perhaps
the storm would pass. / could send it
back by commissionaire. was very
apt TO take cold, and my appointment
was really very important
Thus prompted Of. Satan, l put my
band toward the umbrella. At the
moment I perceived, like a stage viii
lain, that I was observed. In fact,
was not alone. A young lady of most
attractive appearance stood few feet
from me, almost under the portico,
gazing wistfully out into the wet. She
wore summer costume. She looked
at her watch, then again at the storm,
and murmured, dsconsolately: "Oh, I
shall be late" An instinct of generos-
ity overcame me. Without another
thought for my sensitive chest or my
light-gray suit, with a firm proprietary
air, laid hold of Dawson's umbrella.
ALLOW me-" said l, "as cabs seem
unattainable, to offer you an UNI
brella."
A glad light leaped into her eyes.
"Oh, couldn't" she said. What
would you do?"
81 don't mind wetting," ! answered,
heroically. Pray take IL. You can
.,rd It back here at your leisure"
Dawson could not have much more
shlp iaishci his soup.)
81 couldn't think of It," she repeated,
You will get soaked through"
a sudden thought struck me. After
Ill, aal 70 business 10 iosc sight of
Davs1r'5 umbrella
Perhaps" vcntured to suggest,
Nous roads lie the same way. It's q
irrgc umbrella" And ! opened it. 1t
was not d very large umbrella; but how
could know that?
81 20 this way" said she, with mo-
tion OF her hand westwards.
''My way" I cried. "Come, this is
providential.
We started.
''If you wouldn't mind taking my
arm" said 7, ''we should be better shell
tered"
''Oh, perhaps we should. Thank
you!" and she nestled quite close to me-
We ewalked along talking My left shoul-
der got all the drippings, but somehow
Twas indifferent TO that
'Are you sure you are thoroughly
sheltered?" asked.
Perfectly" she answered. "But
you're not, I'm afraid. You're too
kind. Mamma will be SO grateful"
liked this simple friendliness.
IL thought there was no chance of
rain to-day. You are more careful, Mr..
Dawson"
could not repress little start.
"You know my name?"
She laughed merrily.
"It's on the umbrella-half an inch
long," she said; II couldn't help read
ing it."
There it was-"Joshua Dawson, 4
Calceolaria Villas, West Kensington,
W." Somehow the address annoyed me
II myself live in st. James street.
"A strange way to make acquaint-
ance, isn't it?" she asked, with coquet-
tish glance.
Delightful. But you haven't al
lowed me to make acquaintance with
you yet. Haven't you your name any
where about you?"
my name is Lydia Lovelock," she
said; don't you like it? It's prettier
than yours"
Certainly prettier than Joshua Daw.
son." said !, wishing Dawson had
CHANGED TO be duke.
Joshua Dawson isn't pretty" she
observed, with candid eyes; 'now, Ii
it?"
"Then you wouldn't take my name
instead Of yours?" | asked to keep VI
the conversation,
"Your umbrellas enough to take fol-
ono day" she sald with blush. As
she spoke, she slipped and all but fel
on the shining pavement She gave {
little cry: "Oh, my ankle" anC
leaned heavily upon me ! held hei
up.
~ believe I've wrenched it badly,
she added. ''Oh, what a lot Of troubl,
Pm giving you, Mr., Dawson
She looked lovely give you ny
WORD, positively lovely her pair
and distress | don't think said so
but said something, for she blushet
again as she answered:
That's very nice Of you; but how an
TO get homeY"
Il must come with YOU" said
She shook her head.
II can manage now"
But you'll never be able to get out
"Oh. YES But-perhaps-the rain,