Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1896-04-30

u" cSI VI my cklSJ-
~ ence, and / re-
solved to make my partner a little
present in remem brance of the event
which had made us one for life As |
know how much more delightful gift
becomes when it is unexpected, | said
nothing to my wife of my intentions,
wishing to take her quite by surprise
The accompanying narrative will, l
think, show how completely l sue
ceeded in that endeavor
My business lay in the city, whittier
it was my custom to travel every morn
ing from the quiet of little suburban
residence, returning home in time for
cozy dinner in the early evening. 1t
was my invariable practice to carry
with me small Gladstone bag, and on
the day in question, after placing into
this, along with few other things,
the articles | had purchased for the
purpose named, and which consisted os
gold bangle, a pendant for the neck
with ruby star attached, and a small
diamond brooch, took train at Cannon
sire ct in the very lightest of spirits on
my journey home.
Seating myself in the corner of the
first-class carriage in which l rode,
with my bag in hand, was for time
the only occupant of the compartment,
but as the train was on the point of
starting l was joined by person of
very gentlemanly exterior, faultlessly
dressed, who stepped into the carriage
with an air of some concern. Like my
self, he carried bag-a circumstance
not at all striking in itself, but notice
a BILE on this occasion by the solicitude
which it seemed to cause it's owner,
who, seating himself opposite to me,
first put the thing under the seat, then
by his side, and finally elected to carry
it as was doing mine.
1t was not long before we were in
conversation. The season of the
year was late summer, and the sub
ject that naturally suggested itself
was that of holiday making. NV
companion HAD evidently travelled
a great deal, for he discoursed
fluently of journeyings on the conti-
nent, comprising adventures in the
Alps, trips up the Rhine, and excur-
sions into Italy. lie told of the beau
ties of the Riviera, the delights of
Baden, and the glories of Berlin, and
waxed enthusiastic over the charms of
continental women, the fair girls of
France, and the dark beauties of Italy.
But, after all, there are no women
like the English" concluded my com
panion, 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, am proud to say, an English
gisl, and fully bore out his estimate.
warmed to my companion at once on
his saying this and it was not long be-
fore | had informed him good deal
about my private life; drawing glow
ing picture of my country home, and
the little genius who, like an angel
presided over it. lie appeared so in
terested that | even went step far
ther in the lightness of my heart, and
told him not only that this was the
anniversary of my wedding day, but
that | was intending to surprise my
wife on my return home with little
unexpected present In exchange for
this franllness my companion also be-
came confidential.
You'd hardly think" he said, speak
'ng in n low voice as he leaned over
toward me, that this bag which
hold in my hand contains jewelry
worth close on to ten thousand pounds
sterling, would you? All, you look
surprised! And yet it weighs but very
little. Try itl"
Jewels are not necessarily heavy
irticles," l said, balancing the bag
critically, which seemed no heavier
han my own. But" | added, sm;l-
ing, while flutter passed through my
frame at holding in my hands so
much wealth, sit is none too wise to
rust stranger with so precious an
lrticle rs this, is it?"
"Oh, | have no fear of you," he re-
'lied, with charming caudor. 81
think l know n rogue when see one
In my line OF business | have occasion
to mix with all sorts of people, and
nearly a lifetime of experience has
given me sufficient insight into the
characters of men to be able almost to
judge them at n glance"
Wondering vino my companion could
be, but convinced in my own mind that
he was some one of Importance, and
flattered somewhat by his confidence,
handed him back the bag, which he
i 4 a 1.