The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1895-10-07
A LITTLE SURPRISE.

had been married just a twelvemonth,
and as believcd | had got the very dear
est little woman in the world for my wife.
The year just concluded had in conse-
quence been the happiest of my existence,
and resolved to make my partner little
present IN remembrance of the event which
had maGe us one for life. AS know how
much mere deli giaaful gift becomes when
1t is unexpected, said nothing to my
wife Of my Intentions, wishing to take her
quite by surprise The accompanying mar
ratiye will, think, show how completely
I succeeded in that endeayor.
My business lay in the city, whittier 1t
was my custom to travel every morning
from the quiet of little suburban resi-
denoe, returning home in time for coy
dinner in the early evening. 1t was my in
variable practice to carry with me small
Gladstone bag, and Oh the day in ques-
ton after placing into this, along with
few other things, the articles CAD pur-
chased for the purpose named, and which
consisted Of gold bangle, a pendant for
the neck, with ruby star attached, and a
small diamond brooch, took the train at
Cannon street in the very lightest of spirits
on my journey home
Seating myself in the corner of the first
class carriage in which I rode, with my
bag in hand, was for time the only oo-
cupant of the compartment, but as the
train was on the point OF starting l was
joined by person of very gentlemanly ex-
terror, faultlessIy dressed, who stepped ill.,
to the carriage with an air of some con-
Germ. Like myself he carried a bag-a
circumstance not at all striking in itself,
but noticeable on this occasion by thu So
licitude which it seemed to cause its own
err who seating himself opposite to me,
first put the thing under the seat. then by
his side and finally elected to carry it as l
was doing mine.
It was not long before we were In COZ
yersation. The season of the year was late
summer, and tho subject naturally sug-
costing itself was that of holiday making.
NV companion had evidently travelled q
great deal, for he diseoursed fuently of
journeyiDgs on the continent, comprising
adventures in the Alps, trips up the Rhine
ard excursions into Italy. He told OF the
beauties of the Riviera the delights of Ba-
den and the glories of Berlin anG waxed
enthusiastic over the charms of continental
women, the fair girls of France and the
dark beauties of Italy.
'sBut after all there are no women like
the English ,, concluded my companion
more quietly. "They may lag behind the
continental girls in the matter Of personal
beauty; but, depend upon it, they make
up for it in all other qualities"
This was quite in accordance with my
tastes, for my little wife at home was, I
am proud to say, an English girl, and fully
bore out his estimate. warmed to my
companion at oace on his saying this and
it was not long before had informed him
a good dess abog.S my private life; draw
ing glowing picture OF my country home,
ard the little genius who, like an angel,
presided over It, Heappeared so interested
that even went a step farther in the light
ness Of my heart and told hiE not only
that this was tbs anniversary Of my we'd
ding day, but that was intending to sur
prise my wife on my return home with a
little unexpected present. In exchange for
this rankneas my companion also became
confidential.
YOU'D hardly think, he said speak
ing in a iolq voice as he leaned over toward
me, ''that this bag whAh hole in my
hard cohtatz5 jowelry worth close on e10,-
OGa. would youf All, you look Surprised
And yet it weighs but very little. Try It'll"
! placed ney own bag on the seat beside
me in order to take the one he offered me.
ssJewels are not necessarily heavy arti-
cles,' said, balancing the bag critically,
which seemed ne heavier than my own.
ttBut." added, smiling, while a futter
passed through my frame at holding in my
hands SO much wealth, Kit is none too
wise to trust o stranger with SO precious
an article as this, is it?"
"Oh, have no fear Of you" he replied,
- Ss,.l- Z
q rogue when l see one. In my line OF
business have occasion 10 mix with all
sorts Of people, ana neariya lifetime of ex-
perience has given me a sufficient insight
Into the characters Of men to be able al
most to judge them at a glance.
Wondering who my companion could be,
but convinced in my own mind that he
was some one OF importance and dattered
somewhat by his confidence, handed him
back the bag, which he placed on the seat
beside mine and Immediately started an
other run Of entertaining conversation.
Considerably to my regret, this was inter-
rupted by the train pulling up at station.
nah, here is my destination" said the
stran ger, rising at once and taking up his
bag GOOD aftcrnoon I hope you will
pllow mo to wish you many happy returns
OF the day"
In another me;nent be was gone, and
felt quite sorry to lose the companionship
of so interesting felloW traveller. Friend
ships are often formefat first sight, and
had this man remained in my company
rnuoh longer I felt convinced it would
bavs resulted IA ny contracting new one.
gov delightful it would have been, l
aoughg, 20 ask him to make one of our
ktaza esEaner party that evening. What
4zas-sx g8asasd his interesting conversation
s@sps 10 my vile, whose knowledge of the
wa4d, Ike my own, vas unfortunately
OF s,asad CD YeEy extensive personal ex-