The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1893-09-13

&
Suddenly from round o sharp corner
there came upon us-almost running in
to us--Lydia Lovelock herself, with
Dawson's umbrella in her hand. He
had been narrowly scanning every UNI
brella we passed. He scanned this one
and cried, darting forwards;
"My umbrellap
With little scream Lydia turned and
fed. Dawson was after her like an ar
row. l pursued Dawson. Why, oh,
why, did she run away? Surely she must
have recognized me.
1t was very quiet street we were run
ming up, and our strange procession at
tracted little notice. The chase was soon
over. caught Dawson just as he caught
Lydia. For moment we all stood pant
ing. Then Dawson gasped again: my
umbrella! Thiefp
Lydia seemed very agitated. OF course
came to her rescue. Avoiding Daw-
sons eye, l hastily told my shameful
tale. Lydia's face frightened, but still
there was apprehension IN her looks.
"This lady, believe me, Y said, us en-
tirely blameless. OF course She thought
the umbrella was my own, My sole con-
ISOLATION, Dawson, is to think that had
you been in my place you would have
done the same"
81 don't see," remarked Dawson rude
ly, "why it consoles you to think me u
thief"
preserved dignifed silence.
However" he continued, of this
young lady has quite finished with my
property, perhapssho will be good enough
to give it me back.
Lydia did not take the hint. She chung
to the umbrella.
Cliff you would be so kind" she
stammered, "as to lend 1t to me for to-
day-the weather is still threatening
would return it tomorrow"
"Your request, madam, is modest
one," answered Dawson sarcastically
"but, as you observe, the weather is
threatening, and I want my umbrella,
Kindly give it me-" s.5fss
"Really, Dawson, to oblige a LADY,
began.
"Why don't you buy her an umbrel-
lap sneered Dawson.
eff she would accept it, I should be-
I stopped. To my surprise, Lydia laid
her hand on my arm and said: "Oh, do,
pleased And may keep this till we get
to the shop?"
| Ibid not understand her, but we turned
round and began to walk, looking for a
shop. She was very strange girl She
Jagged behind. had to wait twice for
her. Once she took turning as though
to leave us, and when called her back
she pouted. ~
Suddenly Dawson looked up.
at rains," he said.
1t did rain.
"Put up the umbrella" said Dawson
roughly.
''Let the lady have it, said 1 indig
nantly.
oven share it," grinned Dawson
"You can get wet"
But Lydia did not put 1t up.
"The rains not much," she faltered
1t was now pouring. With mutteret
oath, Dawson snatched the umbrella
from her. Lydia shrfekcd and ran away
like u frightened rabbit-ran Mt the TOT
of her speed up the street again.
"Stop, stopr' cried. "Stop, my dea1
Miss Lovelock."
"Holy powers!" exclaimed Dawson.
He had opened the umbrella. AS he did
so there was thud on the pavement
two, three thuds. In amaze looked
down. There lay silver cigarette case,
two purses and a gold watch. Dawson
burst into maniacal laughter as he point
ed at Lydia's retreating figure. That
girl could run.
For moment stood dumfounded.
What revelation Dawson chuckled in
satanic glee. Sadly stopped down and
picked up the purses, the cigarette case
and the watch.
"Great Scottp cried, and my hand
few to my waistcoat pocket.
1t was my watch!
did not prosecute Lydia because
could not have overtaken her, and for
other reasons. 1t was altogether toe
sad, too disheartening, too disappoint.
ing discovery. Dawson, however, OBJ
served that it seemed to him an excel
lent example of poetic justice in real life.
st. James Gazette.