The Washington times., 1895-02-24
And now HE RARELY
LOOKS AT LADIES.
WRITTEN FOR THE TrdEs.l


directly opposite. One, middle-aged and
stately, the other, young a:-d pretty They
were evidently persons of some standing in
the world, and Mr. Graham became quite in
terested in them, especially the younger one.
AS he was covertly studying her lovely face
the book which she was reading slipped 10
the floor. He seized his opportunity and
presented 1t to her with most winning
smile. She smiled in return, and he was
quite fascinated with her laughing hazel
eyes, dancing in keeping with the dimples at
the corners OF her rosy lips The elder lady
looked up also. and graciously thanked him.
few moments after he heard her say:
"Belle, dear, do you see the porter? really
must have this window open trIfe; it is so
close"
Mr. Graham rose with alacrity. "Permit
me, madam" he said.
THANK you very much. So sorry to trouble
you," she n.urmured. while Miss Belle smiled
sweetly upon him cnee more.
mo trouble at ALL assure you, madam; I
am only too glad 10 be of service. These
porters are the most insufferabIe nuisances:
always on hand when they are not wanted
and never around when they are he con-
tinued, whirling his chair around to face
them.
They seemed not all averse 70 continuing
the conversation, and so Willing away an
Idle hour, so he soon found they were on their
way 10 St. Augustine, where they int nded
joining a party Of friends at the Ponce de
Leon.
at is such a nuisance having TO change in
Washington. l am sure always get into the
wrong car and lose half my possessions if
trust them TO the porter" plaintiYeiy sald the
elder lady.
Il shall be delighted TO see you comfort
ably SEATED in your train ana safely started
on the remainder Of yonr Journey, il you will
trust yourselves 10 my guidance" MIR. Gra-
ham hastily interposed.
In due time they rolled into the depot at
Washington, and Mr.. Graham loaded HIM
self with sateheiS. wraps, books, ana the
numberIess trifies which ladies' always INSIST
upon taking with them, and escorted his Two
charges down the long platform. Then they
were told Ihat their train would not leave IN
III 80, whereukon Miss Belle gGYe gasp OF
dismay.
"0h. mammal what are we to do? Sit in this
tiresome place for four hOursI We should
CbTIdiuiy 10 VIII, ~ say DOlu4u1 VI S4ONlS
meeting death by starvation and her love
lyeyes grew humid and her rosy mouth began
TO droop.
Dir. Graham hastily came to rescue once
moro.
Il am well acquainted with the city, and if
you care 10 do so. shall be only too glad TO
place myself at your disposal for the after
noon, and we will go out sightseeing. and so
make your wait;less tedious"
No, sir, we cannot impose upon your
kindness any further" said mamma so you
hai better leave Us to our fate;" while Miss
Belle lifted her hazel eyes implorinGly 10 his,
as if entreating him not to desert them.
Never he gallantly exclaimed Il GER
tainly feel 1t Is my duty to took after you for
the rest of the day. and see you safely started
on your way. so, with your permission, we
will leave these traps IN the wa.ung-rOom
and start out on voyage OF exploration"
We'll, ii you will 5e SO kind, aud insist
upon it, am sure We shall only De too de-
lighted TO have such an efficient guide and
protector" said mamma, while Mss Belle
smiled IN approval, and he felt quite eiated
with his success.
First, think We had better have lunch,
so We will ste.' across to the Imperial, where
usually stop, and whose cuisine l can heart
lily recommend
He enjoyed that lunch exceedingly; per-
haps the dancing eyes and shy dimples op-
-
They ali entered " IN glee into the spirit OF
the impromptu expedition, and it was gay
trio that started out on the tour OF eXpiora-
tion.
They visited several of the public buildings.
and of course ascended ihe Washington Mon
ument, where MIR. Graham was absolutely
obliged to sit very close to Miss Belle, in q
most protecting manner, while ascending.
and finally to take her little hand il his
under cover OF her null. in ordsr TO assuage
her fears. Really, Mr.. Graham was enjoying
the day immensely.
AS the afternoon wore away altogether too
rapidly, Miss Belle proposed that they should
stop in a jewelers. in order TO purchase some
little souvenirs OF their pleasant stay in Wash
ington. Mamma agreed. Accordingly they
entered Brilliant d Costlys and mamma cast
a glance the clock.
Dear, dear. is it possible? Four o'clock
Now, Belle, you have just 10 minutes 10 Sc
lect your souvenirs"
They looked over a number OF articles
and purchased several little trihes. Belle
espied an especially dainty Czarine buckle OF
exquisite workmanship, which she insisted
upon purchasing. Mamma paid for the
things from a well-fiiled purse and said:
snow, Belle, dear. we really must %"
Miss Belle was attracted 10y tray Of re-
markabIy Jeautiful diamonds, displayed in
all their unadorned beauty, with no settings
to distract the eye.
"Oh, mamma! Just one moment. Look
at those lovely, lovely stonesr' The smiling
clerk PLACED the tray on the case and turned
to reach out another. Mammals purse
dropped to the floor and Mr.Graham stopped
to restore it 10 her hand as Miss Belle gave a
a sigh and said: .How 1 love these beautiful
diamonds; 1 could stand and admire them all
day."
Mamma said quite severely: "Belle. do
not be absurd. / am sure you have more
jewels now than you have any use for. Come
at once, we shall barely catch the train as il
is"
Sure enough the warning bell was ringing
as they entered the depot, and the ladies has
tened to the platform. while Mr.. Graham ran
to the waiting-room for their traps He hur-
ried after the vanishing forms and saw them
mount the rear platform of the train as II
began to move; had just time TO hand them
their belongings. and gazed a'ter them with
wistful eyes as Miss Belle waved her hand in
parting salute.
somewhat sadly. ''Wel, old bow" he
thought, "she has gone out of your life. per-
haps forever, when who knows what u few
uays might have done. / have a great mind
TO run down to st. Augustine. But they will
have left before can get there. What fool
intended getting their address. Their name
Il don't even know that. He walked very de-
sponuSntly 10 MS motel, anu, a!ter ulnneF, ne
felt SO disgusted with himself that he went to
the theater 10 dispel the little blue demons.
On coming out he felt in his pocket for his
match-case to strike light for his greatest
"chum." an excellent Havauna when he
| found that missing. This completed his
misery, for it Was much valued gift from a
dear friend. He walked gloomily back to his
room and settled down in the one easy chair
| for his goodnight smoke. He had just be-
gun to see a lovely face. with laughing ewes
and dimpled mouth, gazing at him from the