The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-01-12
THAT UMBRELLA.

the omnibuses crowded before YOU could
look around. There was actually only
one umbrella in the stand by the door of
the Cafe do Luxe. I stood, in new hat
and light gray frock coat, and eyed
the umbrella speculatively. know 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
nalre. | 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 II stage vii
lain, that was observed In fact, [ was
not alone. y young lady of most at
tractlvc appearance stood n few feet
from me, also under the portico. gazing
wlstfully out into the wet She wore a
summer costume. She looked at her
watch, then again at the storm, and
murnurcd disconsolately, ''Oh, 1 shall
be late" An instinct of generosity over
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 !, cas- cabs seem I'M
attainable, to offer you an umbrella"
A glad light leaped into her ewes. .sOh.
couldn't" she said. What would YOU
dop"
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)
81 couldn't think Of it, she repeated.
'You will get soaked through
a 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. It's large UNI
brella." And 1 opened it. 1t was not o.
very large umbrella, but how could I
know that?
81 go this way" said she, with a mo-
ton of her head westward.
MY way cried. Come, this is
providential"
We started.
IF you wouldn't mind taking NV
arm" said /, I'VE should be better shell
tered"
ooh, perhaps we should. Thank your
And she nestled quite close to me. We
walked along, talking. My left shoulder
got all the drippings, but somehow was
indifferent to that.
Are you sure you arc thoroughly
shelteredT' asked.
Perfectly" she answered. "But
you're not, I'm afraid. You're too kind.
Mamma will be so grateful"
liked this simple friendliness.
81 thought there was no chance of
rain today. You are moro careful, Mr..
Dawson"
could not repress little start.
"You know my name?"
She laughed merrily.
Its on the umbrella-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 tho address annoyed mel
myself live in st. James street.
ga strange way to make acquaintance,
isn't it," she asked, with q couuettish
glance.
Delightful. But you haven't allowed
me to make acquaintance with you vet.
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 prettier than Joshua Daw-
son, said I, wishing Dawson had CHANGED
to be a 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?" 1 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 anklew and leaned heavily up
on me. held her up.
II believe I've wrenched it badly" abe
added. "Oh, what lot of trouble I'm
giving you Mr.. Dawsonl"
She looked lovely Il give you nv
word, positively lovely-in her pain and
distress. l don't think I said so, but
said something, for she blushed again as
she answered:
THAT'S very nice of you, but how am
/ to get ho,nc:'
Il must come with YOU" said.
SHE shc,i. her head.
II can manage now"
But yonil never be able to get out"
ION, yes. -perhaps-the rains
almost stopped-may keep the UNI
brella! There are some steps to mount
to our door, and''-
Now. could | do anything else than
press Dawson's umbrella upon her? She
took 1t, and with last bewitching smile
vanished from my sight. | turned and