The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-12-22

had watched her: for some moments
rs my bus rolled down Piccadilly and was
greatly taken by her appearance. The
pavemsnts apd the carriages were full Of
we'll dressed and beautiful women. but
somehow i seen ed to have eyes for no
one but that girl She wore the sweetest
costume, something in blue. picked out
with white at the collar and cuffs. ana l
inferred white upon the front OF the
bodice. She was steering her bicycle with
skill and boldness through the B o'clock
traffic, and l longsd to sec her face. which
l felt convinced would please my eve. But
this OF course could not do. as she was
riding steadily about ten yards In front of
us.
MAY ask.'' said my neighbor, "if
that young lady is your sister or your
cousin Or Certainly not, ] replied.
Just wait moment. Sne II be as pleased
as anything when she sees that ! have
noticed her. Nothing annoys woman
like indifference.
"A girl-alone and unprotected '-she
begnn.
"She should be all the more pleased to
see me. II said. She was abreast OF the bus
again, and leaned over the side waving
my hat She looked up with glance Of
surprise.
nodded pleasantly. She lifted her eye
brows and smiled. But crawling hanson
took her attention, and she fell behind
again.
"Therel I" l said. "If ever girl looked
pleased there she Is. Who am i that
should refuse momentary satisfaction
to n lonely Rirlg'
turned with smile ~ my neiRbbor.
Her face was flushed with anger for had
clearly proved her TO be in the wrong.
1T IL men like yourself who are the
the blots on our vaunted civilization "
she said. "Suoh sweet, innocent face,
too -
"Yes isn't itS" said. am so glad you
agree with me- It's the sort of face I've
always ad,niret, and as soon as / caught
n back view Oh her i felt certain she
would have that sort OF face. That's
why / wanted 10 get n look at It. ~
"Such men as you"-beRan my neigh
bor
"Now. II were not married man"
i continued refiectively, THAT is the very
girl would marry at once.
'As IL is, OF course, / can't But that's
not my fault Is it?"
"You are marriedg" said the lady.
~ am, / replied.
"Tpat makes it much worse, +" she said
"On the contrary. IL ~ my excuse "
] said. "It Is oil owing To my Wife II
1t were not for her, l should be-well-
very different"
"Sbe must be a miserable woman, +"
said the lsdy, "if she knows of your
conduct My heart hleeds for her. 1"
mot ar all, " / said. 'She is quite
bappy-as happy as that girl. Now, did
you ever see n more charming girlS'
| turned and sent a nod In the direction
or the girl. who was pedaling along
quietly just beyond the bus. She lifteo
one hand from the handle bar and waved
II 10 Inc in friendly response.
ljndaf circum stances " Il said.
81 think l shall speak TO Ter. Otherwise
j might miss her when | get off at sloane
street. Do you think she would inindY'
"Let me iinI lire you" said my neigh
hor If you 10, ! shall speak to tho
conductor"
"It would he grossly improper" l
SAID, "un1ess hc happens to be your
brother or your cousin orr
The lady shifted and looked around, but
TIE conductor " ~ not In view
! leanen down and the girl looked up
inquiringly. riding 10 the sioe Of the bus.
81 am going to got OIL at Sioane
street called 10 her. Will you stop
taers?'
Stc nodded, and. bending slightly ever
the handles, quickly outstripped the bus
and rode on down tho slope. | lea q
mack in my seat and watched her appre
ciatively as she hoated awav.
Never in my life" | murmured.
nave ! seen any one whom admire
~ ere. A most delightful cir.
"A most dlsgraceful Incident said
ry neiRhbo-.
"You see, - said affah.v, "two peop'e
meet--'twas in "a orowd-aud their hearts
rush togethtr like magnets or poles or
whatever the thirgs ara It Is quite clear
to me- that wc ore made for one another.
Don't you b.lieve in atiinitiesY 1hey ara
fan. "
1T Is not mattar OF jesting. IL Is
verv serious ma ter To tamper In this way
with the innocsncs or
II think IL is rather n joke, l said.
alt NAV be n joke for the man, or,
S,ther. be may think so, mi takenly. But
you never hy any chance think OF the girl
and feel il my duty u woman IA pro-
test against
Bless my soulv' | exclaimed, 81
think Of the girl always Sne Is never
CUT Of nv thoughts. "
"I he eirlr'
"Yrs, the eIrl-that Girl. Didn't ] ex-
plainy Oh. here we aroV