The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-01-04
THAT UMBRELLA.

y
den storm had swept up out of clear
SKY Every ono was caught unawares.
Ihe stray cabs were seized in Il moment,
the omn!buses 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 new hat
and light gray frock coat, and eyed
the umbrella spcculatively. / knew the
owner. He had just gone to lunch. He
was large and long iunchcr. l was III
hurry. Perhaps the storm would pass.
I could send it back by commissions
naire. 1 was very apt to take cold, and
my appointment was really very impor-
tant.
Thus prompted of satan. put forth
my hand toward the umbrella At the
moment l perceived, like ~ stage vii
lain, that was observed In fact. Twas
not alone. y young lady of most at
tractive appearance stood few feet
from me. 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
murmured disconsolately, "Oh, | shall
be late" An instinct of generosity over
came me. Without another thought for
my sensitive chest or my light gray suit.
with n firm proprietary air, laid hold
of DawsOn's umbrella.
"Allow me-" said I, ''as cabs seem I'M
attainable, to offer YOU an umbrella"
glad light leaped into her eyes. "Oh,
couldn't, she said. What would YOU
dor'
81 don't mind wetting," answered
heroically. Pray take it. You can
send 1t back here at your leisure" (Daw-
son could not have much more than fin
ished his soup.
II couldn't think of it." she repeated.
''You will get soaked through"
sudden thought struck me. After
all, had no business to lose sight of
Dawson's umbrella.
Perhaps" Iventured to suggest. "our
roads lie the same way. Its a large UNI
brella." And opened it. 1t was not q
very large umbrella, but how could I
know that?
Il go this way said she, with mo-
ton of her head westward.
MY way" l cried Come. thi, 10
providential."
We started.
IF you wouldn't mind taking nv
ARM said |, 1--WE should be better shell
tered"
"Oh, perhaps we should Thank vour'
And she nestled quite close to me- We
walked along, talking. My left shoulder
got all the drippings, but somehow was
indifferent to that.
care you sure you are thoroughly
sheltercd:' | asked.
Perfectly she answered. But
you're not, I'm afraid. You're too kind.
Mamma will be SO grateful"
liked this simple fricndincss.
II thought there was no chance of
rain today. You are more careful, Mr..
Dawson"
could not reprcss Il little start.
lyon know my nnmc:"
She laughed merriy
Its OH the umbrclla-half an inch
long she said II couldn't help read
ing it,
There it was-''J Joshua Dawson, 4 Cal
ceolaria Villas, West Kensington, W.
Somehow the address annoyed mel
myself live in st. James street
"a strange way to make acquaintance.
isn't it, she asked, with Il couucttish
glance.
Delightful. But you haven't allowed
me to make acquaintance with you yet.
Haven't you your name anywhere about
your
My name is Lydia Lovelock," she
said. Don't you like it: It's prettier
than yours
Certainly pretter than Joshua Daw-
son, SAID |. Wishing Dawson had Glanced
to be Il duke.
Joshua Dawson isn't pretty she OBJ
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 10 take for
one day" she said, with blush. AS she
spoke she slipped and all but fell ON tho
shining pavement. She gave little crv,
ooh. my ankle!' and leaned heavily up
on me. held her up
II believe I've wrenchcd it badly" she
added. "Oh, what lot of trouble I'm
giving you Mr. Dawson"
She looked lovely - give you my
word, positively lovely-in her pain and
distress don't think said So but
said something, for she blushed again as
she answered.
That's very nice of you, but how am
to get homer
II must come with you," l said
She shook her head.
can manage now"
BUT you'll never be able to get out"
"Oh, yes. -perhaps-the rains
almost stopped-may l keep the UNI
brella? There are some stems to mount |
to our door, and"-