Evening journal., 1899-10-27
AN UNPREMED-
ITATED THEFT

Mrs. Spreadbrow sat under the big
willow in her front garden. Behind her
stood the trim cottage, and in the grass,
almost at her feet, gamboled Eddy, her
youngest born, and the new white and
black puppy.
From the gyration of the two young
creatures on the grass, Mrs. Spreadbrow
let her eyes wander drearily across the
bay to the irregular sky line Of the big
city, where she knew that Mr.. Spread
brow was busily engaged in converting
bales Of cotton into brisk bank notes.
All, thought she, happily, she had
much to be thankful for, the best hus-
band in the world, promising family
a charming home on Staten Island and
- But at this juncture her reverie
was broken in upon by the sound Of
footsteps on the gravel walk leading
from the front gate to the house, and
looking up, she beheld the comfortable
figure of her dear friend, Mrs. Town
ley.
There followed a scene such as any
lady who has been surprised by the
sudden and unexpected arrival of a
valued friend can readily imagine In
the course of it Mrs. Townley was con-
veyed toithe parlor of the trim cottage,
to sit and "cool OF" before going up
stairs.
Take off your bonnet, dear" said
her CHEEKY hostess. Il will put your
satchel and parcel and things on this
chair. o. l have so much to tell you
about and scold you for; why haven't
you come down befOre?"
In the midst of Mrs Townley's ex-
plantations as to why she had absented
herself. there burst through the open
French window, like the advent of a
whirlwind, the puppy, Sport. IN full
cry, followed by Eddy.
Round and round the room they cir
cled for some moments and then, obedi-
ent to the oft-repeated commands of his
mother, the little youth turned and en-
braced their visitor with much hearth
ness. The peace that followed these
demonstrations was rudely put to flight
by the click OF the front gate. and the
cry from Eddy, who was stationed at
the window announcing "a lady COM
ing"
Somebody to call. How provokingl"
said Mrs. Spreadbrow, with a pucker OF
her placid brow. Come, Maria, let's
go up stairs before Della goes to the
door. There goes the belll Never mind
your things"
In an instant the room was cleared OF
all save the black and white puppy,
who shambled about for a moment,
then trotted out into the garden by the
same route he had come in.
ITS young lady. Mrs. Spreadbrow
and she says she wants to see you on
business" announced Della, a moment
later, thrusting her head through the
.Ff 1.r ~,
brow and her friend had retired.
Dear mel what can she want?" The
lady's voice expressed as much irrita.
tation as that kindly organ could en-
body.
AS she entered the parlor, tall, slim
girl, who had been standing nervously
in the middle of the room, advanced tC
meet her, and the icy tone and manner
that Mrs Spreadbrow had determined
to assume toward the disturber of hel
seclusion melted away as the pretty
young creature lifted pair of sad dark
eyes to her face and said in an en-
barrassed voice.
please pardon me for intruding
have come toto"
Pray sit down." interrupted Mrs
Spreadbrow, cheerily.
Thank you" said the girl, anG
dropped into a chair. Il will not de-
tain you long. l have here a chill.
dren's histOry-"and from the depths
of a roomy satchel she produced &
small book-"that Catcham & Teasan
are publishing"
All Now, Mrs. Spreadbrow knew tn,
worst. But I don't want IT," she said
gently
1T won't do ny-any-harm- -to-tC
look at it," The girl spoke as If tryin,
to repeat a lesson, and with wistfu
look in her face.
Yes, it will; because if I let vol
show it to me may buy it, and l real
ly don't want it"
Nobody does; but you have put you
rejection Of it very kindly" said tn,
girl. rising to go.
Her voice trembled, and the smile shi
managed to screw her pretty lips int
was far from cheerful. Mrs. Spread
brow was touched. There was some
thing so pathetic about the voice an,
manner, and she was so very younl
and so very pretty The motherly lad,
laid her hand on the girls arm, sayinl
softly:
Let me give you a glass of claret be
fore you set out again in the heat-O.'
For the little book agent had turneI
away to hide the tears she could no
restrain.
Excuse me" she murmured, Its tn
hot weather, and-and not being ac
customed to the work. + began onl.
yesterday, and it's a long trip to AM
from New York"
"Sit down, urged Mrs. spreadbrov
gently, "and / will so and get tn
wine."
When she returned the girl had quit
recovered and was sitting quietly at tn
window smiling at the gambols of tn
puppy. she apologized for havin
given away to her emotions, slipped he
wine and then rose again to go.
THANK you so much for your kind
ness, she said warmly, and good
byi"
SANG IN CHESTER