The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1893-10-27
AN EPISODE.
One Of the Unconventional Kind
That Some People Like.

The conventionalities that hedge a
girl of gentle birth had surrounded
Margaret Douglas all her life. She had
been educated in select and fashion
able school. She had spent year
abroad with her parents-and then she
had been launched successfully into
society, where she had been one of the
seasons reigning bellies. She had had
many admirers, but though their atten-
tions had pleased her, she felt her heart
beats neither rise nor fall as each sue
for her father privately held ''other
views for his beautiful only daughter.
The winter before, in Mexico, Mr..
Douglas had come into close contact
with man who had inspired him with
such genuine affection that to him
alone he felt that he could willingly
intrust his child. This man was ex-
pectea to reach New York in the course
of the summer and Mr.. Douglas, having
cordially invited him to his home, could
only wait and trust that Providence
would look with favor upon his cher
ished scheme.
On this May morning Margaret Doug
las was walking down the avenue with
no other aim than to give her pet
French poodle his daily exercise and
airing. and she looked the high bred
girl that she was, lovely in face and
faultlessly gowned. She was thinking
of her mothers recent illness, and the
consequent change in their summer
plans, when all at once Alexis bounded
forward, barking excitedly, as he spied
fancied canine acquaintance in pass
ing carriage The sudden strain proved
too severe for his delicate silver collar,
a link gave way, and exulting in his
new-found freedom he darted among
the maze of rapidly moving vehicles,
and in moment was under the feet of
a pair of plunging horses. Margaret
gave a cry of alarm as she saw the
peril her pet was in, but at that instant
passing stranger sprang forward and
caught the now terrified and bowling
animal from beneath the horses feet.
Regaining the sidewalk with the dog
under his arm, the young man dexter
ously wrapped his handkerchief around
it's crushed and bleeding paw.
Your pet is not seriously hurt, but
still it is a case for the veterinary"-he
said, waving aside her thanks.
"Poor Alexis! l must take cab and
have him attended to at once"
The stranger hailed passing ham
som, handed Margaret in, directed the
driver, and then, to her astonishment,
stepped in and seated himself by her
side.
Margaret drew herself up in indig-
nant alarm, but there were no signs of
further impertinence on the strangers
bronzed and bearded face, The dog on
his lap howled plaintively, and
Margaret reached out her small gloved
hand to comfort the sufferer.
Don't touch him." warned the stran-
ger. 1T is not safe, though he wouldn't
mean to harm you."
An instant's rebellious hesitation,
then she withdrew her hand and sat in
dignified silence, with face averted, un-
til the cab drew up at the veterinary
surgeons door.
Having been reassured as to the ex.
tent of his injuries, and convinced that
she was leaving Alexis in good hands,
Margaret reentered the cab, prepared
now to repel the presumptuous stran-
ger should he again attempt to place
himself beside her. But, closing the
door upon her, he bowed respectfully.
Then, bending forward, she said with
her natural well bred grace: Thank
you for all your kindness-to poor
Alexis"
But when, upon her arrival home, the
driver refused her proffered payment
with the words: 81 dassent take it,
miss-the gentleman has paid me al
ready'-the color flashed across her
face, and she murmured: 'InsolentI"
The physician had ordered Mrs.
Douglas away to the sea, but she was
no sooner established there, with her
daughter and her maid, than her
strength suddenly failed, and for some
weeks she was unable to leave her own
apartments. Margaret had hardly left
her mothers side, until one after
noon when Mrs Witherbee, q gay
young widow of their acquaintance, in
sisted upon her going down for an
houF, under her chaperonage.
MY dear Madge," Mrs. Witherbee
said merrily, as the two settled them
J selves in m cow c0r0a. ~ &l,a ,,;az