The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-08-19
Select Sturp.
A FOOLISH AFFAIR.

The southeast lion at the base of Nelson s
column in Trafalgar Square turned slightly.
He looked down Parliament Street at the
light which, from the top of the clock
tower, was staring steadily at London with
its four bright eyes. The southeast lion
snorted.
''Still sitting" he said bitterly; "still sit
ting.
81 don't see so much of the House as
you do, - remarked the Camberwell bus
lion. He shifted round to look in the
direction of ST. Stephens. ats rather an
imposing affair, don't you think p
''Yes," said the southeast lion Thought
fully; eyes, it is an imposing affair
They looked up to see whether Nelson
was coming down for one of his usual
chats There was no movement.
''Got the silly hump about something,
| expect said the southeast lion.
''He don't come on in this scene, said
the other; "he's dead in this act. But
he's all right, bless you. He's 'armless.
'sI wish you'd keep your waggery for
your tail, said the other Grossly; ''it makes
me feel tired"
"Talking Of tales, went on the Gambler
well bus lion "did ever tell you that one
about Prof Lumley and his young wife p
The southeast lion stiAed yawn. The
other began
"Prof Lumley was clever professor at
South Kensington, who knew more about
minerals and chalk and sandstone than any
one else in England had forgotten. Hav-
ing always told everybody that he was a
confirmed bachelor, he butte early became
engaged. Miss Agatha Downing copied
Murillos and things at the National Gallery
here at the back of us, and these two-the
young professor with his pince-nez and the
neat cream -frocked girl--used to stroll round
the Square after five O'Clock on students
days. I've heard good deal of counting
since I've been here, but | declare to good
ness Reyer heard sneh eQpFting as the
professor went in for.
"WarmY' inquired the southeast liOp
with interest
"My dear lion, replied the other, "ice-
I
bergs were sultry to it. I don't believe he
ever said single word of love. | don't
really, He used to talk about his work
at the museum, he Rsel 70 talk politics
and he used TO talk about the weather. but
there was none of your sweet nothings and
dear fooIeries that the average girl pants
to hear"
"sAgatha, he said one afternoon. |,
was Friday, and she had under her arm {
stretched canvas.
"'Frederick.
81 think we might be married Hexi
month"; They were both perfectly com
posed about it.
every well, dear-next month.
asNext month";
sAnd the next month they came dow
Che steps Of St. Martins over the way
Married. didn't see anything of then
for some time. Afterwards heard thai
the professor was engaged in some expert
ments in regard TO newly discovered Goa
vein, and these were taking up nearly al
his leisure. He read papers at the Roya
Institution and he lectnred on his subjee
In different parts Of London and the conn
try, and he was away from Cromwell Roai
good DEAL Mrs. Professor came one da,
to the Square and walked twice slowl,
round Just as she used to do in her engaged
days. and she looked at me for few mo
ments with so sad an expression that
had had heart it would have made mi
weep. Then she went into the gallery
When she came back en- route for tn
Underground station at Charing Gross sh
was not alone.
81 think, she said to her companion
i think would rather you said good-b..
here, Mr.. Vernon.
unjust | say good-by, Mrs. Lumley
He wasa good-looking boyish fellow, au'
straightforward, and he spoke slowly an,
lazily as one who is not pressed for time
You won't let me see you to the station 2
mo, said Mrs. Iumley.
VERY WELL said Mr.. Vernon I'll g
for loaf round the cluts q think b
meant drink, but he said Loaf. And
Mrs Lumley2
Yes.
a'If you should come across anybod
who has any influence at Whitehall wis
they'd use it in my behalf I've aske