The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1893-10-14
DAWSON'S UMBRELLA.
And Miss Lovelocks Provision for
n Rainy Day.

And Miss Lovelock's Provision 70,
n Rainy Day.
Patter! pat! pat! The rain was pour
ing down on the glass portico. A sud
den storm had swept up out of clen,
sky. Everyone 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 / stood, in a new
hat and light gray frock coat, and
eyed the umbrella speculatively.
knew the owner. He had just gone In
to lunch. He was large and long
luncher was In q hurry. Perhaps
the storm would pass. could send il
back by commissionaire. I was very
apt to take cold, and my appointment
was really very important.
Thus prompted of Satan. put nv
hand toward the umbrella. At the
moment perceived, like a stage vii.
lain, that was observed. In fact, I
was not alone. A young lady of most
attractive appearance stood few feet
from me. almost under the portico,
gazing wistfully out into the wet. She
wore q summer costume. She looked
at her watch, then again at the storm,
and murrnured, disconsolately: "Oh, I
shall be late" An instinct of generos-
ity overcame me. Without another
thought for my sensitive chest or my
light-gray suit, with firm proprietary
air. laid hold of Dawson's umbrella.
"Allow me-" said L, ''as cabs seem
unattainable, to offer you an UNI
brella"
A glad light leaped into her eyes.
''Oh. couldn't" she said what
would you do?'
II don't mind a wetting," answered,
heroically. "Pray take it. You can
send 1t back here at your leisure"
Dawson conld not have much more
than finished his soup)
81 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" / ventured to suggest,
''our roads lie the same way. It's
large umbrella" And opened 1t. 1t
was not very large umbrella; but how
could know that7
81 go this way" said she, with mo-
ton of her hand westwards.
my way" cried. Come. this is
providential.
We started.
''If you wouldn't mind taking my
arm" said l. ave should be better shell
tered"
.'Oh, perhaps we should. Thank
you'll" and she nestled quite close to me.
We walked along talking. My leftshou
der got all the drippings, but somehow
was Indifferent to that
Are you sure you are thoroughly
shrltered?" asked.
Perfectly" she answered. "But
you're not, I'm afraid. You're too
kind Mamma will be SO grateful"
liked this simple friendliness.
II thought there was no chance of
rain to-day. You are more careful. Mr..
could not rcpress little start.
"You know my name?"
She laughed merrily.
TITS on the umbrella-half an inch
long,, she said; II couldn't help read
Ing ="
There IL was--"Joshua Dawson, 4
villas, West Kensington,
W." Somehow the address annoyed me
Il myself live in St. James street
"a strange way to make acquaint-
ance, isn't it?" she asked. with coquct-
tinh glance.
"Delightful. But you haven't al
Owed me to make acquaintance with
vou yet Haven't you your name any
shers about you?"
"My name is Lydia Lovelock." she
aid; don't you like it? It's prcttier
han yours"
ssCertainly prettier than Joshua Daw-
on" said l. wishing Dawson had
.hanced to be duke.
Joshua Dawson isn't pretty she |
with candid eyes; now. is
t?''
"Then you wouldn't take my name
instead Of yours2" asked to keep up |
he conversation.
.sYour umbrellas enough to take for
me day." she said, with a blush. As
he spoke, she slipped and all but fell |
N the shining pavement She gave
title cry; .Oh. my ankle!" and
eaned heavily upon me. ! held her
Ip
81 believe I've wrenched it badly"
he added .sOh. what lot of trouble
IN giving you, Mr. Dawson"
she looked lovely give you my
vord, positively lovesy-in her pain
nd distress. l don't think said so;
ut I said something, for she blnshed
gain Is she answered:
.That's very nice of you; but how am
to get homey'
II must come with you," said
she shook her head
II can manage now"
.But you'll never be able to get out"
"Oh. res. But-perhaps-the rains !