The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1893-01-20
CHAPTER x.

tiIAI a.
An ancient but insistent problem finds
expression in the following vulgar ques-
ton: Which condition Is the more desira-
BILE, that OF a small toad In a large puddle
or OF the large toad in o small puddle?
From an abstract point Of view much can
be said on either side OF this fascinating
topic, but practically each particular toad
solves the problem either as his individual
taste directs, or, II he is unfortunate,
through the Overwhelming force Of circum-
stances.
John Upper Inman, who, as we know,
was q very imposing toad at home, found
London an oppressively large puddle.
Here was he surrounded by four millions
of people who had never heard OF him, who
knew not that he was president OF bank,
proprietor OF a newspaper, demi-million-
nire, an ex-diplomat and man of gigantic
mental force.
He had been two weeks in the English
10 capital and no peer of the realm had called
Mt his hotel, no reporter had interviewed
him on American politics. no mention OF
his arrival had been made in the Court
Journal. At times he was tempted to set
out at once for Lisbon where, he knew, the
dons would receive him with cordial cour-
ttesy.
There was only one thing that prevented
his immediate flight from London, and that
was the delight his daughter found in the
historic shrines around her. The two
weeks that she had spent in England had
been filed with new sensations, strange,
fascinating dreams that dulled the pain in
her aching heart and brought now and
then the old rosy flush to her cheeks.
Alice had read more than most American
girls Of her age and for years London had
whose ancient streets roamed the eta+elv
spectres Of kings and Queens martyrs
heroes noets warriors whose names would
never die With the indenendence he
gotten of natnre and habit she had dona \
good deal Of sipbt-seeng nv herself saal,-
inc ont localities made famous Nv history
or fiction searching for ont-of- tha-,,oy,
1ondmarlTe with a rereietorca +bot os+,,,-
isbed her father Who could find notbing, =,
Interest him in n tnmhle-doyvn inn or ~,
;IJ-smellinp court where IN, feot Of oa,i,,s
once had trod There were onIv two eN',-
ners Of fine world worthy ~ tha lion ~,
Tunner Tnman's regard na,naIv Po,t, /
and New England
Had Alica then for,ro++o,, rro,lon C+,-9
Had the romance Of other a.ra, r,ado ~
lose sirht Of tbo ron,onco ~ bo, own .ig,,
Could the ehades ~ BaIoic,h ca l,as.it,n,
goldsmith Dickens wine ont in bar ho@rt
the IMAGE Of a bandsnna 1'onfb riha IN
avoided that bourn from which no ,,r
returns?
Perhans these ouesfions are not in yooj
taste. Perhaps we ought not TO nlnnre a
thermometer INTO the heart OF yoang FL
70 measure It's warmth in this oiielous
way. Inc modern realistic school la $
down the ancient dietum that "bN their
works we snail know them On this basis,
therefore we must conclude that because
Ailce lhman had spent fortnight IN VS.
lung the most inspiring hooks OF London
she had forgotten youth who was then
crossing the nigh seas In the hope OF find
1ng her. What think YOU gentle reader?
Where are you going to-day, Alice p"
asked Mi. lnman, one morning In the col
Iee-room.
don't know" she answered plaintive-
~. am coming to the end OF my rope"
An Enghshman who overheard the re-
mark started percepubly. " That girl must
De an Amencan' he murmured to himse /.
Good !" exclaimed the father with un-
wonted enthusiasm You will be wiA.n.y 20
go to the continent soon"
"Oh, but father" returned Alice, 81 must
visit Westminster again and 1 haven't
done Nine. Hussaud vet
Horrors " exclaimed She great man a..
cetiously..
Alice smiled for moment and then said
seriously, Forgive me, father. I AN
very selfish. You are anxious to get to
Paris, and l keep you here against yOBr
will. Just give me another day aA ~
agree hereafter to go where YOU wish. Sat
do love Aondon, It's just the squse-iees t
place on earth
Again the Britisher across the board