Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-09-02
THAT UMBRELLA.

Patter! pat! pat! The rain was pour 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. stood, in a new hat and light gray froCk coat. and eyed the umbrella speculatively. 1 knew the owner. He had just gone to lunch. He was large and long luncher. was in a hurry. Perhaps the storm would pass l could send it back by commission nairc. l was very apt to take cold, and my appointment was really very impor- taut.
 Thus prompted of satan. put forth my hand toward the umbrella. At the moment l perceived. like n stage will lain. that was observed. In fact, was not alone. A young lady of most at from mo. 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 murmurcd disconsolately. Oh, shall be late" An instinct of generosity ever came 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 un- attainahlc. to offer you an umbrella"
 A glad light leaped into her eyes. "Oh, couldn't" she said. What would you do:"
 Il don't mind wetting." answered heruically. Pray take it. You cR send il back here at your leisure" (Da%- son could not have much more than fin IShcd his soupl
 Il couldn't think of it., she repeated. You will get soaked through"
 \ sudden thought struck me. After all, l had no business to lose sight of Dawson's umbrella.
 Perhaps" Iventured to osuggest, ''our roads lie the same way. It's large um- brella," And opened it. It was not A very large umbrella, but how could l know that?
 Il go this way" said she, with mo- tinn of her head westward.
 My way" l cried. Come, this is providential."
 We started.
 If you wouldn't mind taking my arm." said l. we should be better shel- tered.
 Oh. perhaps We should. Thank your' And sl" nestled quite close to me. We walked along. talking. My left shoulder got all the drippings. but somehow I was indifferent tn that.
 Are you sure you are thoroughly sheltcrel:" l asked.
 "Pcrfrctly." she answered. But you're moi. I'm afraid. You're too kind. Mamma will be so grateful"
 liked this >impl" fricndlincss.
 Il thought thcr" was no chance of tmn today. You arc moro careful, MT. Dawson.
 could not rCprcsS a little start.
 "E"u know my namc:"
 She laughed morrily.
 ''It's on th" umhr"lla-half an inch long, sh" said. II couldn't help read ing it."
 There 1t wI> -''Ioshua Dawson. 1 Cal ceolaria Villas. West Kensington. w Somehow the address annoyed me-I myself liv, ill Si. T4mu> street
 4 strange wavto make acquaintance, isn't it:' she asked, with a coquettish glance.
 "DeliShtful. 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 I. wishing Dawson had chanced to be n 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:" I 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. held her up.
 Il believe I've wrenched it badly" she added. ''Oh, what a lot of trouble I'm giving you Mir Dawson!'
 She looked lovely Il give you my word, positively lovely-in her pain and distress. l don't think said so, but l said something, for she blushed again as she answered:
 That's very nice of you, but how am I to get home:''
 Il must come with you," said.
 She shook her head.
 'l can manage now"
 But you'll never be able to get out"
 "Oh, yes. But-perhaps-the rains almost stopped-may I keep the um- brella? There are some steps to mount to our door, and"-
 Now, could do anything else than press Dawsons umbrella upon her? She took it, and with last bewitching smile vanished from my sight. l turned and almost ran back to the Cafe de Luxe, de- termined to make a clean breast of it to l0SFpH | lIfKSnn IprHITEfT