Smyrna times., 1893-09-20
DAWSON'S UMBRELLA.

Patterl patI pat The rain was
pouring down on the glass portico. A
sudden storm had swept up out of a
clear sky. Every one was caught un-
awares. The stray cats were seized in
a moment, the Omnibuses crowded be-
fore you could look around. There
was actually only one umbrella in the
stand by the door of the Cafe de Lux.
l stood, in new hat and a light gray
frOck coat, and eyed the umbrella spec
ulatively. l knew the owner. He
had just gone in to lunch. He was a
large and long luncher. 1 was in a
hurry. Perhaps the storm woEld pass.
l could send it back by a commission
aire. 1 was apt to take cold and nv
appointment was really very impor-
tant.
Thus prompted of Satan 1 put forth
my hand towards the umbrella. At
the moment preceived, like a stage
william, that was observed. In fact.
was not alone. A young lady of most
attractive 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, shall
be late" An instinct of generosity
Overcame me. Without another thought
for my sensitive chest or my light gray
suit, with firm proprietary air 1 laid
hold of DawsOn's umbrella.
"AllOw me-" said 1, "as cabs seem
unattainable, to offer you an umbrel.
la"
A glad light leaped into her eyes
"Oh, couldn't, she said "What
would you do?'
II don't mind wetting," answered
heroically. "Pray take it. You can
send it back here at you leisure .
Dawson could not have much more
than finished his soup.)
II couldn't think of it," she repeat.
ed. "You will get soaked through" "
A sudden thought struck me. A fter
all, had no business to lose sight o
Dawson's umbrella.
Perhaps" l ventured to suggest
"Our roads lie the same way. It's q
large umbrella" And | opened it. Il
was Il very large umbrella. but how
did | know that?
Il 20 this way said she, with a
motion of her hand westward.
My way" / cried. Come, this i.
providential." We started.
If you wouldn't mind taking my
arm" said l, 1--WE should be better
sheltered"
"Oh, perhaps we should Thank
you ?" aud she nestled quite close tC
me. We walked along talking. Ny
left shoulder got all the drippiugs, bu
somehow was Indifferent to that.
Are you sure you are thoroughly
shelteredP" asked.
Perfectly" she answered. "Bu
you're not, I'm afraid. You're too kind
Mamma will be so grateful"
l liked this simple friendliness.
Il thought there was no chance o.
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 incl
long," she said; II could not help read
ing it,"
There it was--"Joshua Dawson, 4 Cal
ceolaria Villas, West KensingtOn, W.
Somehow the address annoyed me
myself live in st. James street.
"A strange way to make acquaint
ances, isn't it ?" she asked, with
cOquettish glance.
Delightful. But you haven't al
lowed me to make acquaintance will
you yet. Haven't you your name any
where about your"
my name is Lydia Lovelock," sh,
said; don't you like it" It's prettie
than yours,"
Certainly prettier than Joshua Daw
son." said l, wishing Dawson haC
CHANGED to be a duke.
Joshua Dawson isn't pretty" sh,
observed, with candid eyes; 'nsw l.
itP."
"Then you wouldn't take my nam,
instead of yours? ?" l asked. to keel
up the conversation.
Your umbrellas enough to take fo
one day. she said, with blush. As sh,
spoke she slipped aud all but fell oil
the shining pavement. She gave I
little cry: "Oh, my ankle |" and Leaned
heavily on me. l held her up.
II believe I've wrenched it badly,
she added. '"Oh, what lot of troubl,
Pm giving you NF. Dawson"
She looked lOvely-I give you m!
word positively lovely-in her pail
and distress. don't think said so
bot said something, for she blushet
again as she answered
"That's very nice of you, but hov
am to get homer"
81 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 raiI
Is almost stopped-may keep the um
brella? There are some steps to noun
to our door, and"-
Now, could l do anything else thai
press DawsOn's umbrella upon her
She took it, and, with last bewitch
ing smile, vanished from my sight.
turned and almost ran back to tn
/ Cafe de Luxe. determined TO make