The Washington times., 1894-07-01
p Fiu8-POUnd NOi6.
Written for THE TINES
[By G. L. SINS. author OF Tales OF To-day"
The Lights o London, "''Dranlas OF Life"

by tT. IL. SIMS. autuOr Oh - dleS OF lO-Cay,
The Lights o London, "'Dranlas OF Life. "
II was past midnight, and Piccadily circus
was thronged. At the corner a number OF re-
spectab!e people who had been to places OF
nusement were waiting patiently for the
heaviy-laden buses that drew up one after
another.
As each bus drew up at the curb the little
crowd pressed forward. and there was the
usual wild struggle for Ilaces. in which men
and women alike forgot the first principles OF
po!iteness. and remembered only that it was
late at night and home was long way off.
On the pavement, laughing. singing. and
hustling each other. We're Il number OF dlsrep-
utable people. male AM female-womer old
ald young. VINO bore upon their faces the
brand of their calling, and men old and
young who sauntered leisurely, cigar in
mouth. mp and down, surveying the poor
laiu;e creatures of the Christian slave mar
i.et with critical eye.
\ tail. military-lookinc man of about forty,
whose Inverness cape. worn wide open, re-
yealei the large expanse of snowy shirt front
peculiar 10 evening dress, stood at the corner
smoking u cigarette.
Standing we'll ac} against the shutters OF
Swan and Edgar :. he was in a position to
scratinize every woman who passed.
Several looked at him--one or two spoke 70
him-but he took no notice.
One pale-faced girl. neatly dressed in black,
alter passing him twice. came back and stood
beside him. He moved a few PAGES away,
and she followed him and wished him good
evening.
lie looked at her. almost coutemptuously
and farming on his heel walked IN the oppo-
ste direction She followed him. aud coming
up by his side, walked towards st. James
hail with him.
u want TO get home.'' she said, land /
ha"ent copper. Won't you give me my
bus farg!''
The man laughed.
"Unlya bus fare?" he said. 81 thought all
.ou yoJuG III ties wanted cab fares?'
II II not pretending, sir" the girl replied.
~ Sc Il sick child at home. and l haven't a
shilling in the world II you'l give me the
money for ny bus. you can see me into it,"
The DPn shrugged his shoulders and put
his hand in his pocket.
You '0n't expect mc 20 believe you. sup
pose, but there your ,iare.' and he handed
her what he beiieyed to be sixpence.
The Sirl took the coin. thanked him, and
tGrne away. minute afterwards she was
lV his side again.
beg yoGr pardon, sir, but you've given
me half a sovereign she said, holding the
coin up thar he might see il.
Now John Alister was man about town
III ID" Tors; sense OF the word. He was an
o.d hahitue Of the West-end thoroughfares
where the night side of '.lifer is to be seen.
and he had a long experience OF the class OF
ladies' who ask gentlemen for 'cab fares
''lou re queer Sort he exclaimed. star
ln-s hard at the girl. whats the game? Do
you tnlns shalt take the half sovereign back
anu give you sovereign for your honesty?
Have you tried tine dodge before and found
il answergf -
NO, SIR, replied the girl Indignantly. "I
tell you the truth. wanted enough to nav
my bus iare. You meant to give me sixpence.
ana you made mistake. Here's your half,
sovereign; III walk home'
Aiister shook bis head 4
NO. my dear, he said, you'd better keen
H. 1t VIII do you more good than it win me.
IN sorry i | We insulted you, and beg vonr
parGon- Shake hands."
He put out his hand, and the girl took n
and he held it a moment to get a good LOOK
al her. -
Tney were standing in the light of street
lamp.
john Alister saw that the girl was vouno
and had been pretty, and the tears were in
Ler eyes.
Come. come. little one,' he said, kindly.
81 see I've made a mistake, but you needn't
I'll ke it 10 heart. When girl asks man for
money in such a place as this''-
You are right" replied the girl, interrupt
Ing him. I've never done it before, but