The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-23
THE MAN WITH THE COAL.


SORT and were included in the list of guests
invited to the hops at the neighboring hotels.
One morning at breakfast they discussed the
last invitation with their father, who was
rather opposed to what he called mixed
gatherings
However, Mrs. Grant had provided her
uausnters with evening dresses, and remem-
pered now she had loved dancing in her
youth. She would chaperon them and be
very cautious about introductions. So their
1atner reluctantly consented to their going
Gnu thelr dresses next absorbed them. The
night was perfect, and the ballroom at the
fremont presented a charming scene when
they entered it.
Inc girls soon discovered friends in the
many groups, and their cards rapidly filed.
Both became interested in a tall, slight young
man. VINO wore a badge and seemed quite
body.
HE dances beautifully" said Belle Grant
TO her partner, who was decidedly awkward.
NO wonder. He has lots of practice" said
Mr: Felter. He really starts all these fes-
Ilvltles Tor the sake of having dance. Can't
present him? He is really charrning-talks
as well as he dances, and sings exquisitely."
Lillian Grant laughed at her own partners
seriousness but just then the good dancer
approached them. Felter presented him. and
he chatted easily about the success of the
evening. He was on the floor committee and
was apparently overwhelmed with affairs;
put ne managed to put his name on each
sisters card, and they agreed afterward that
his was the best dance of the night Thew
described him to their mother wondered if
they would meet him soon again, and really
spent good deal of time thinking and talk
ing or his many attractions.
several days afterward, the coal supply
gave out, and Mr.. Grant wrote on a postal.
card an order for several tons, and dropped
IL III the box at the pOstofice
That afternoon the girls were seated on
the porch sewing for fair to be held at a
helshoorlng house. when they noticed a large
wagon entering the drive. 1t was filed with
INV,
driver glanced up as he passed on the high
seat raised his hat, and distinctly bowed to
the sisters. ~
The man bowed to us!' said Belle, drop
ping her work in amazement. What does
he mean?"
on, he's country Jake, I suppose, and
+ thlnks that the proper thing" said Lillian.
laughing. But see how cleverly the work is
done here" WV WIN -
Inc man had driven close to cellar win
dow adjusted a narrow slide, and was SHOW
ellng the coal into it with a display of mus
cular strength that was quite interesting
while the rafting noise was deafenine rs
wore olue overalls, and his hat shaded his
features; but as he drove away the sisters
stared at each other incredulously. @aeg
| w ny, that's Mr.. Gordon!' cried Belle ) ~
Il really believe it is'' said Lillian. -. ~
What on earth is he?" FTz
Why a coal man, of course"
will you tell father?"
Indeed, I will not! He'll saw if serves nc
right, going to public balls and meeting ali
sorts and conditions of men. Wen simply
have to cut him.
s'Such a dancer tool 7 never hos L
waltz" uoA
What could have possessed Mr.. Felter to
introduce him?'' oi ~
Spirit of American equality, no doubt
Whenever we see a coal cart we'll ber1e ~
avoid it, -
Dear me, he'll be back with another on
as soon as possible
We'll, he'll not see mel" Lillian sprane r.
her feet seized her work. and disappeared
Belle remained in her low chair and ca1r,,,
put in her stitches.
"Pshaw!' she reflected. 1--WE must be mis-
taken: 1t is strange likeness, nothing
more e
She was absorbed in rosebud whom tho
mingled sounds of a child screaming and
horses wildly prancing startled her The
scene made her heart throb wildly. Her
small brother, a mischievous elf of six wears
had fallen in front of the coming coal oar+
and its driver was pulling back tho str,1e,
gllng animals. The terrified child did not
move. Belle recovered her senses ran down
the steps, and picked up the little man. SET
ting him on his feet in the lawn grass
Bravo! Miss Grant," cried fami,;.
voice, and she raised her eyes to meet Cor
don's. That was close call; The youngster
isn't hurt?'' ''er
ooh! no, thanks to you Mr.. Gordon
Keep him in the house till 7 get thro,,oh
here He started the horses With 81 -
pranks.'' MS
You're not bit NICE Fred" She sboop
her head at the little cuprit hupoed -:
and led him into the house. The whole
family had assembled, and Lillian in W." he
agitation forgot hel prudence. lei
ut is MI Gordon, Belle. I heard him
speaking to you ILL
'Mr. Gordon!' cried Mrs. Hart. .T didn,+
see Mr.. Gordon"
well, you can see him now said Reu.
courageously. Hes putting the coal in
"Oh, I thought you meant that young fol
low that YOU met at the hon.