Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1897-03-06
IN A TEACUP.

11hIIy Iuu 1lsSh IIall OIL lOuk
earlier than usual this morning to give
himself sufficient time to write letter
upon which his entire future happiness
depended-so he told himself-but the
half hour had elapsed before he had
been able to formulate his thoughts sat-
isfactorily. He was due at his office in
40 minutes, during which time it would
be necessary for him to shave and con-
sumo his breakfast. So, without further
attempt at elaboration, he dashed off
what he had to say, sealed the letter
and wrote her Christian name on the
envelope, placing the stamp on the
wrong side. Why he had not written
the letter the previous evening, during
which he employed several hours in
meditation concerning it, is a conun.
drum that only man in love can an
swer.
After ornamenting his face generous
ly with ugly little razor scars, he hur-
riedly completed his toilet and rang
vigorously for the bellboy.
"Here, Alexander Take this letter
and mail it for me-. He handed him a
button instead of dime, and rushed
down the hotel corridor to stop the de-
scending elevator.
Alexander stared after him, then
looked at the button, grinned and turn
ed the letter over.
'Ain't got any address-stamp on
wrong side. Well, l guess he knows
his business. And he dropped it into
box.
A month passed. Harry had received
no reply, and became in consequence
extremely uneasy, thinking that per-
haps in his haste he had written some
thing that might have offended the re-
cipient or that the letter had not reach
ed it's destination. Alexander observed
his patrons discontinue with trou-
bled conscience, for he was fond of him
because he tipped him more literally
than any one else in the hotel.
The letter was returned in due time
from the dead letter office, and Alexan
der was intrusted to take it to Mr.. Ell
lard's room. He rested on the stairway
and thought the matter over. He did
not wish to lay himself liable to reproof
for his carelessness. He knew that when
man makes fool of himself it is not
we'll for any one who acknowledges he
knows of it,
The envelope was addressed simply
but illegibly "Agnes.
Alexander remembered certain rose
tinted notes that were strewn about Mr..
Ellard's dresser, signed, "Yours. as al
ways, Agnes. No. - W treet"-the
lady doubtless for whom the letter was
intended, and instead of returning it to
the writer, he delivered it at the above
address.
Agnes Moran read it with a gleam of
triumph in her eyes.
AT lastW she exclaimed. II had a
severe struggle landing that fish
wealthy. handsome, healthy, the beau
ideal of our circle. What triumph! l
wondered why he was SO silent and
lackadaisical the last time he called.
Oct. lit is now the 9th of Novem Der.
The envelope has been opened-how
odd! OH" And upon examining it
closely she realized what had happened
and laughed heartily.
"Poor fellow-and he has been in un-
certainty for over month. But what
possessed him to send the letter in this
condition after it's return! Perhaps to
let me know how perturbed he has been.
Well, no matter. He shall know his
fate by tonight. The first thing to do
is to go over to see Angie Fairfax and
tell her the news. Hateful thing-she
played her cards hard to get him. She
will squirm with jealousy" And the
black eyed, red Tipped, round, 1.-the
damsel started off at deliberate self
conscious pace with her head up, as a
fine young animal which has tasted
blood and knows where more prey can
be obtained.
She found Angie in her modest bou-
doir, before dainty white dressing ta-
BILE.
"What do you think, DEAR" cried
Agnes, breaking in upon her calm and
throwing her luxurious figure into q
dimity covered chair; ''the strangest
thing has happened, and have come to
spend the whole afternoon and evening
to tell you about it. - She handed Angie
the letter, watching her narrowly. An.
gie's hand trembled slightly as she saw
the writing; then she read it aloud with
perfect composure:
MY DEAREST GIRL address you thus be
cause you have always been so to me. because
from the first time l saw you you seemed tc
belong to my life.
You are SO different from the women about
you, sincere, pure and simple, mountain
flower among hothouse plants, and although
have lived in this world of society for years
long fora restful atmosphere such as your love
might give me.
l have written this to tell you that cannot
call on you again until know in what capao
ity / may come. II 1t is to be only your
friend-and l will be your friend as long al
you will allow melt would be a kindness In
you to let me know at once. In deep anxiety
HARRY.
"a mountain fower" laughed Ag