The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1893-09-13
Display !! AYERS SIS C:
THAT UMBRELLA.

THAT UMBRELLA.
Patterl patlpati The rain was pour
ing down on the glass portico. a sud-
dem storm had swept up out of clear
sky. Every one 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 a light gray frock coat, and eyed
the umbrella speculatively. / knew the
owner. He had just gone to lunch. He
was large and long luncher. was in
a hurry. Perhaps the storm would pass.
| could send it back by commission
naire. was very apt to take cold, and
my appointment was really very impor-
tant.
Thus prompted of satan, I put forth
my hand toward the umbrella. At the
moment l perceived, like stage vii
lain, that was observed. In fact, / was
not alone. A young lady of most at
bobtANO oPPCdA0A obOO0 u low 1ccb
from me, also under the portico, gazing
wistfully out into the wet. She wore a
summer costume. She looked at her
watch, then again at the storm, and
murmured disconsolately, "Oh, shall
be late" An instinct of generosity over
came me. Without another thought for
my sensitive chest or my light gray suit,
with firm proprietary air, laid hold
of Dawsons umbrella.
"Allow me-" said l, Gas cabs seem un-
attainable, to offer you an umbrella"
A glad light leaped into her eyes. ''Oh,
I couldn't" she said. "What would you
iop''
II don't mind a wetting," answered
heroically. "Pray take it. You can
send it back here at your leisure (Daw-
son could not have much more than fin
lshed his soup.
81 couldn't think of it," she repeated.
You will get soaked through"
A sudden thought struck me. After
all, l had no business to lose sight OF
Dawson's umbrella.
Perhaps" Iventured tosuggest, "our
roads lie the same way. It's large um.
brella." And 1 opened it. 1t was not q
very large umbrella, but how could
know that?
II go this way said she, with mo-
tion Of her head westward.
my way" l cried. Come, this is
providential.
We started.
IF you wouldn't mind taking my
nrm," said I, 1--WE should be better shell
tered"
"Oh, perhaps we should. Thank your
And she nestled quite close to me. We
walked along, talking My left shoulder
got all the drippings, but somehow was
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.
81 thought there was no chance of
rain today. You are more careful, Mr..
Dawson" 1
could not repress little start.
"You know my manner"
She laughed merrily.
cts ON the umbrella-half an inch
long," she said. 81 couldn't help read
ing it,"
There it was-''J oshua Dawson, 4 Cal
ceolaria Villas, West Kensington, W."
Somehow the address annoyed mel
myself live in st. James street.
"a strange way to make acquaintance,
isn't it?' she asked, with coquettish
glance.
Delightful. But you haven't allowed
me to make acquaintance with you yet
Haven't you your name anywhere about
your"
"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 OBJ
served, with candid eyes; ''now, Is It'll"
"Then you wouldn't take my name In
stead of yours" I asked, to keep up the
conversation.
"Your umbrellas enough to take for
one day." she said, with blush. AS she
spoke she slipped and all but fell ON the
shining pavement. She gave little cry,
ooh, my anklep and leaned heavily up
on me. held her up.
II believe I've wrenched 1t badly she
added. "Oh, what lot of trouble I'm
giving you Mr.. Dawsonp'
She looked lovely - give you my
word, positively lovely-in her pain and
distress. don't think said SO, but
laid something, for she blushed again as
the answered:
"That's very nice of you, but how am
to get homer
II 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 rains
almost stopped-may keep the UNI
brellai There are some steps to mount
10 our door, and'---
Now. could / do anything else than
press Dawson's umbrella upon her? She
took it, and with last bewitching smile
vanished from my sight. I turned and
Almost ran back to the Cafe de Luxe, de-
ermined to make clean breast of 1t to
Dawson. When was so yards off, saw
him under the portico. The manager
and four walters stood round him in dis
consulate attitudes. One or two of hi
remarkable was talking very loud
reached my ears. / changed my mind
/ would wait till he was calmer.
turned away, but at that instant Daw
son caught sight Of me. A second late
he was pouring the story Of his wrong
into my ear.
Here came my fatal weakness. I lie
him go on. He took me by the arm an
walked me off. / could not escape him
and all the way he Numbered againa
the thief.
ara ~ oaa III t,t...