Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-06-24

alas, no light came! The young man. who was
watching his movements impatiently, then
snatched them from him, made similar attempts
but with similar unsuccess.
"Oh, I see. Light-on-the-box matches, Of
course Well. you are stupid
Much confused, the major had to acknowledge
the truth.
1T was that miserable tramp" he cried; The
did it on purpose. l believe
II did not expect this from you," groaned
Lady Partridge. "Oh, take me out of this; let
me go somewhere. l shall die of it all
know"
And the poor lady, taking her niece's arm,
tottered away into the adjoining apartment
followed by the two gentlemen who were sin.
numbering her" with their help.
This young man, Charles Selby by name, was
IN one OF the government Offices, having about
41O q year to live upon. As will have been
guessed, he was violently attached to Miss Lucy,
and being as much, secretly, favored by the
young lady as he was discouraged by her
aunt, he was not inclined to abate his pre-
tensions. In truth, it was his appearance at the
Motel that prompted Lady Partridge's depart
ure, who, having discovered his arrival in the
morning. hurriedly packed up her things paid
her bill and departed, in spite of all assurance
that she would never catch the train. They
arrived at the station a few minutes after its
departure. In fact, they had the modification
OF seeing it flying along over their heads as
they passed under an arch. But though there
was no train for two hours Lady Partridge was
determined not to return to the hotel and sent
the fly away. The porters had gone to their
breakfast, SO they found the station a solitude.
Our major, who was now in a sort of disgrace,
came forth from the room ruefullv enough, I'M
certain whether to 20 away or to stay where he
was. But he would not yield to his forward
and even impudent rival. As he was looking
from the window across the dismal snow-clad
country he said to himself:
poor Lady Partridge. Really she will get i'll
if this goes on. do wish had match"
Suddenly he heard a rough voice behind him.
Wish you had match, guv'nor. Well,
didn't guy We all 'ad?''
"Oh. it's you, is it?" said the other, and still
revolving against the too familiar title. "And
what did you mean, fellow. by passing off those
things on me that won't light? It was a
swindler'
And what did you want more for your shabby
thruPpenny? Who are you talking to with yer
"Yes," but you know you ought to have given
me the box" said the major, more mildly.
'And so would if you had known how to
treat me as a gemman. But you don't, cos yer
not one yerself."
eagerly.
....Of course have. Anything agin my having
''No, no; not at all. But as you have it give
1t to me now, at once, and here's q shilling
for you:"
"Well, come now, yer improving" said the
tramp. softening. That's better. But it amt
enough"
The major thought what a surprise il would
be to have the fire lit and blazing, then 60 in,
and lead In Lady Partridge in triumph. 1t would
extinguish his rival forever!
Come" he said, 'heres 2 shillings. "Now
hand over the box
"HalIoo. halloo!' said the provoking tramp,
putting his box back into his pocket. LET us
see about all this. Yer mighty eager about an
old boxr'
Now, now, my good. worthy fellow, don't
delay; here's the money"
II amt yer worthy, good Teller at all. and
won't BIO. No, soft sawder won't do it, can
tell you"
II assure you there's poor lady in there who
will assuredly die if you don't give me that
box"
The tramp laughed loudly.
Come, old stingy, none of yer jokes. Dying?
Go and dye yer hair; l tell yer, it wants it
badly. But put down 10 shillings and you
shall have my box. Therer'
'Oh. that's imposition. I'll do nothing Of
the kind
At this moment another actor appeared on
the scene.
Don't; don't let him have it. Here. I'll give
you the ten shillings for your box, and here
they are.''
The tramp stared at the young man in blank
establishment.
"Why, yer all mad! Ten bob for an old
boxr'
II insist on having it." said the major; sits
mine. Ispoke first. beg of you not to in
terfere with mo-"
"Absurd Ridiculous Contemplated" said
the young man.
Ere: ere" roared the tramp, "now you go
it, old Thfuppenny"
"Pooh, pooh.'' cried the major.
"Halloo.' said the tramp, following him
me?'
"Oh, let him alone" said Charles. His age
protects him, and his long years."
Here the insufferable tramp, who seemed to
have conceived a thorough dislike to the major
That's good! Long ears! Yes, 1 see EN-
Yes, he has EN-. They're long enough. Ho,
no! And feel EN-"
Poor Maj. Blenkinsop. much irritated, turned
on the young man.
Its YOU that are encouraging this low fell
low. But your motive is plain, sir. l under
stand; you re all spite and jealousy"
The other answered him sharply
AT any rate, can't make myself ridiculous,
as you do-running after young ladies, and at
your time of life"
Here the impudent tramp broke in again.
ma. iiO al 'ct INC kris, III Olu Cuap ike
that! Why, he ought to be shown at a fair, he
ought! Ho, ho!''
You see, even this simple honest creature, -
said the Young man, in gliding way, 'sees the
ridicule."
sir" said the major, "you are imperti-
nent."
''Sir, said Charles, approaching him. "what
did you say about impertinent? Will you re-
peat that?'
"Good, good!" said the tramp. rubbing his
hands in much enjoyment. Come outside,
gents. strip and do the thing all regular. I'll
see fair"
"Oh, nonsense said the irritated major.
walking about. II must insist on having my box
that bought
well see here, said the tramp. good. humor-
eddy, there's only one way to 'commodate
both you gentlemen and yer claims, and that is
this here-put the box up III auction. Let the
highest bidder have it. l can't say fairer than
that-come now.'
And jumping on a chair our tramp flourshed
his box in the air and invited bids in an expe-
rienced style.
you're quite right" cried the young man,
"Ill give you a sovereign to begin with"
"A quid. Going: going, Now. you, Stingy'
MIR. Benklnsop turned away sulkily.
Very well, as you likes. Then Ill knock it
down to this gent. Fust and only biddin One
quid!-one quid! No more? Going-going
no more than a quid? Last time
Suddenly faint voice was heard from within
"Maior! Major! Major Blenkinsop! Oh. come
to me quick!'