The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1898-03-26

L
the wonderment of Mr.. Pellingham on
receipt OF this amazing communion
ton. The photo was certainly that of
a pretty girl; yet, ''Who is Alice Towns
bend? And what on earth can she
want with me?" were the questions he
still kept asking himself, after putting
every possible and impossible construc-
ton on the letter. In the end curiosity
decided that he must at least keep the
appointment if he ever hoped to solve
the problem.
Accordingly, at the time and place
referred to, he found himself anXiously
awaiting the appearance of the mys-
terious stranger, who was growing all
the more mysterious in not being pres
ent. Five, ten, fifteen minutes passed,
and yet nobody appeared answering to
the descriptions; and he was about to
quit the place, under the impression
that some fool had been playing hoax
on him, when-"I beg your pardon!"
was uttered by himself and another, al
most in the one breath.
The lady he had bobbed into was at
tired in black, and under other circum-
stances would have passed unnoticed.
The mutual apology, however, brought
their eyes together; and he had good
memory for faces.
Miss Townshend, presumed"
The lady paused, and turned pale;
then blushing violently, spoke like a
thief caught in the act.
"Mr. Pellingham, / believe"
"That is my name," replied that gen
tleman.
'I-really had no notion of keeping
this appointment. I took the whole
thing as jest"
"Yet you have kept ?" said the for
mer, smiling.
SIN sense, yes. I'm afraid I must
plead guilty to curiosity at the last
| moment"
"Mine is similar confession"
An embarrassing silence followed
this double admission, which Mr.. Pei
lingham was the first to break. "May
ask, Miss Townshend, how you be
came acquainted with me, and why you
made this appointments"
At this direct challenge the lady's
eyes widened with establishment. "Yor
are the Mr.. Pellingham that wrote to
me, are you not?" she asked.
1t was his turn TO look astonished
Wrote to YOU" he repeated. Certain
ly not. ] don't understand. I'm afrait
there is some mistake"
\ sudden glance of suspicion greeted
this remark, but was quickly dispelleo
| I,x,h ;- oil &c Il 4
Pardon me-" she said, as she produced
from her handbag letter and photo
graph and handed them to him, "thes,
are from you, presumed"
He examined both, and began t,
scent the truth. "The photo is mine,
he replied, "but not the letter. Fvi
IDENTIFY some mischievous acquaintance
of mine, whose handwriting | can
identify, has been playing practica
joke on u.s."
Good gracious! Then you know
nothing about this advertisement Q
, She handed him the cutting.
He read it, and looked up with smile
II am not responsible for this, assur
YOU"
well, what stupid jest!"
81 quite agree with YOU"
There was pause, each looked at TIL
other and tried to appear very much an
noyed. 1t was failure, however, ant
they both laughed.
Her thoughts at that moment were
"What n finely-made, handsome man h
, is. a gentleman, evidently. He ha
turned 30, though"
On the other hand, he was at q los
to decide whether her most captivating
feature was the charm of her voice, he
' unquestionable refinement, or tn,
beauty of her face; but he gave up tn,
, query as one unaccustomed to such rid
dies.
"Allow me to return your photo,
she said
And I, yours" he answered.
The exchange was effected with ml
tunl apologies; which latter, of course
were unnecessary, but they served t.
prolong the interview. The lady wa
the first to make move. "Good night
Mr.. Pellingham," she said, extending
her hand, 81 regret our introduction
was not of more formal character"
! He took her hand It was dainty anc
neatly gloved, and in the novelty of hi
; sensations he could barely refrain from
, pressing it. "Good night, Miss Towns
, hend," he replied, rather awkwardly
adding, with sudden and curious de
sire to know more Of the lady, 81 dom
feel disposed TO let the matter drop.
must try and find the perpetrator of thi
, hoax, and demand an apology"
"Pray, don't trouble on my account,
was the response; 'as told you, wa
not in earnest myself"
He bowed and raised his hat, at tn,
, same time making a last desperate eff
fort to retain the acquaintanceship :"
take 1t, then, you have no further in
: terest in the matter?"
She hestated n moment, and looked n
her boot. 1t was n trifling action, but /
r emboldened him to add:
"Otherwise I should ask permission
in case / do make any discovery, to drol
line or communicate with you. still
have your address, you know"
Again she looked at him, and instinc
convinced her that he was gentleman
She answered:
"Pray do what you think fit, Mr.
Pellingham, and now, good night