The Press., 1893-11-09
THAT UMBRELLA.

ing down on the glass portico. A sud- den storm had swept up out of a clear sky. Every one was caught unawares. The stray cabs were seized in a 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. I stood, in a new hat and light gray frock coat, and eyed the umbrella speculatively. I knew the owner. He had just gone to lunch. He was a large and long luncher. I was in hurry. Perhaps the storm would pass. I could send it back by commissions naire. I was very apt to take cold, and my appointment was really very ilnpor- tant.
 Thus prompted Of satan, put forth my hand toward the umbrella. At the moment I perceived, like 8 stage vil- lain, that was observed. In fact, I was not alone. A young lady of most at- tractive appearance stood @ few feet 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, l 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, l laid hold of Dawson's umbrella.
 "A1low me- said I, ''as 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 do?'
 "I don't mind wetting," I answered heroically. Pray take it. You can send it back here at your leisure" Daw- son could not have much more than fin ished his soup).
 "I couldn't think of it., she repeated. You will get soaked through"
 A sudden thought struck me. After all, had no business to lose sight of Dawson's umbrella.
 Perhaps" Iventured to suggest, -four roads lie the same way, It's large u1n- brella.0 And opened it. It was not 8 very large umbrella, but how could I know that?
 T go this way" said she, with mo- tion of her head westward.
 My way,'' cried. Come, this is providential. We started.
 "If you wouldn't mind taking my arm," said I, i've should be better shel- tered"
 ''Oh, perhaps we should. Thank you!" 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.
 ''I thought there was no chance of rain today. You are more careful, MT. Dawson"
 Icould not repress g little start.
 ''You know my name?"
 She laughed merrily.
 "It's on tho umbrella-half an inch long," she said. q couldn't help read ing it.''
 There it was-''J Joshua Dawson, 4 Cal ceolaria Villas, West Kensington, w." Somehow the address annoyed mel myself live ill St. James street.
 "A strange way to make acquaintance, isn't it?" she asked, with a coquettish glance.
 Delightful. But you haven't allowed me to make acquaintance with you yet. Haven't you your name anywhere 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 l. wishing Dawson had chanced to be a duke.
 "Joshua Dawson isn't pretty" she ob- served, with candid eyes; ''now, is it?"
 ''Then you wouldn't take my name in- stead of yours?" 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, "Oh, my ankle!" and leaned heavily up- on me. I held her up.
 "I believe I've wrenched it badly" she added. "Oh, what 8 lot of trouble Pm giving you MT. Dawsonr'
 She looked lovely T give you my word, positively lovely-in her pain and distress. I don't think I said so, but