The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1893-10-20
DAWSON'S UMBRELLA.
And Miss Lovelock's Provision for
a Rainy Day.


a Rainy Day.
Patter. pat! pat. The rain was pour
ing down on the glass portico. 4 sud
den storm had swept MP ont Of a clear
sky. Everyone was caught unawareS.
The stray cabs were seized in a moment,
the onRib buses 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 in
u lunch. He was a large and long
luncher. / was in a hurry. Perhaps
the storm would pass. ! could send it
hack by a commissionaire. / was very
apt 10 take cold. and my appointment
was really very important.
Thus prompted Of Satan. I put my
hand toward the umbrella. At the
moment / perceived, like a stage vii
lain. that / wa, observed. In fact, ]
was not alone. \ young lady Of most
attractive appearance stood a few feet
from me, almost under the portico,
gazing wistfully out into the wet. She
wore a summer costume She looked
at her watch. then again II the storm,
and murmurcd. disconsolately: "Oh, !
shall be late" An instinct Of gencrOs-
ity Overcamc me. Without another
thought for my sensitive chest or nay
light-gray suit. with firm proprietary
air, Laid hold Of Dawson's umbrella.
ALLOW me" said /, "as cabs seem
unattainable, to offer you an UNI
brclla."
! glad light leaped into her eyes
"Oh, | couldn't" she said. What
would You do?"
Il don't mind n wettinG," I answered,
heroically. Pray take it. You can
send it back here at your leisure"
Dawson could not have much more
than finished his soup.)
Il couldn't think Of It" she repeated,
''You viii get soaked throu~h.''
\ sudden thought struck me. After
all, ! had no business TO lose sight Of
Dawson's umbrella.
Perhaps" ] vcntured 10 suggest,
''our roads lie the same way. It's
large umbrella" And / opened il. II
was not a very large umbrella; but how
could ] know that?
u 20 this way said she. with a mo-
tion Of her hand westwards-
My way" l cried Come, this is
providentiaL"
We started.
IF you wouldn't mind taking my
arm said /. 1--WE should be better shell
tered
-'Oh, perhaps we should. Thank
you.-' and She nestled quite close To me.
We walked along talking. My left shoul-
der got all the drippings, but somehow
l 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 viii be 50 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.
Its on the umbrella-half an inch
long she said; Il couldn't help T cad
ing it"
There it was-'Joshua Dawson. !
Calceolaria Villas, West Kensington,
w Somehow the address annoyed me
i myself live in ~. James street.
"A strange way TO make acquaint-
ance. isn't it?~ she asked, with a coquct-
tish glance
Delightful But You haven't al
lowed me 10 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? Its prettier
than yours"
Certainly prettier than Joshua Dav-
SON said /, wishing Dawson had
chanced TO be a duke.
Joshua Dawson isn't pretty" she
- u. 4
it?"
Then You wouldn't take my name
instead of yours?' / asked to keep up
the conversation.
Your umbrellas enough to take for
one day" she said, with a blush. As
she spoke. she slipped and all but fell
on the shining pavement She gave a
little cry: 'Oh. my anllle.- and
leaned heavily upon me. l held her
mp
Il believe I've wrenched it badly"
she added. 'Oh, what "A lot Of trouble
I'm giving you, Mr. Dawson"
She looked lovely give You my
word, positively love,y-in her pain
and distress ! don't think / said so;
but ! said something, for she blushed
again as she answered:
That's very nice of you; but how am
10 get hone?
i must come with YOU" l said.
She shook her head
Il can manage now"
But you'll never be able 10 get out
''oh, yes. ut-perhaps-the rains
almost stopped-Inay / keep the um-
brella? There are some steps TO mount
TO our door, and
Now, could / do anything else tina
press Dawson'S umbrella uDon her?
She took it and. with last bewitchiug
smile, vanished from sight. | turned
and almost ran back 10 the Cafe de
Luxe, determined 10 make clean
breast of it to Dawson. When was
fifty yards off l saw him under the