The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-04-29
The Coal Man.

Inc Grant family had rented fur-
nished cottage for the season at fashion
able resort, and were included in the list
OF guests invited othe hops at the neigh
ooring hotels. One morning at breakfast
tney discussed the last invitation with
thelr rather, who was rather opposed to
what he called mixed gatherings
However, Mrs. Grant had provided her
daughters with evening dresses, and re-
memDring how she had loved dancing in
her youth She would chaperone them
ana De very cautious about introductions
So their father reluctantly consented to
thelr going, and their dresses next alb
sorDed them. The night was perfect. and
the DdlIroom at the fremont presented a
charming scene when they entered it.
The girls soon discovered friends in the
many groups, and their cards rapidly
hlled. Both became interested in q tall,
| slight young man, who wore a badge and
seemed quite ubiquitous, managing every
thing and everybody
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 ali
| these festivities for the sake Of having a
| dance. Can't I present him? He is really
charming-talks as wei las he dances, and
sings exquisitely."
ner's seriousness, but Just then the good
dancer approached them. FeIter presented
! nm, and he chatted easily about the sue
cess or the evening. He was on the floor
committee, and was apparently over
Whefmed with affairs: but he managed to
put his name on each sisters card, and
they agreed afterward that this was the
best dance of the night. They described
MN TO their mother, wondered If they
UOTll6
a great deal of time thinking and talking
of mis- many attractions.
Several days afterward the coal supply
gave out, and Mr.. Grant wrote on a pos
tai card an order for several tons and
dropped it in the box at the. postoffice.
That afternoon the girls were seated on
the porch. sewing for a fair to be held at
a neighboring house, when they noticed
a large wagon entering the drive. 1t was
filled with coal, and drawn by spirited
horses. Their driver glanced up as he
passed on the high seat, raised mis- hat
and distinctly bowed to the sisters.
The man bowed to ust' said Belle,
dropping her work in amazement. What
does he rnean?''
On, he's country Jake, suppose, and
thinks that the proper thing" said
Lillian, laughing. But see how cleverly
Tie WOr hlS Qone mere.
The man had driven close to a cellar
window, adjusting a narrow slide, and
was shovelng the coal into it with a dis
play OF muscular strength that was quite
interesting, while the rafting noise was
deafening. He wore blue overalls, and
his hat shaded his features; but as he
drove away the sisters stared at each
other incredulously.
why, that's Mr. Gordonw cried Belle.
81 really believe It Isl" said Lillian.
What on earth hep"
''Why, a coal man, of course!'
Twill you tell father"
Indeed, I Will not! He'll say It serves
us right, going to public balls and meet
ing al lsorts and conditions of men. Wen
simply have to cut him.
''Such dancer, too! never had such
a waltz"
What could have possessed Mr. Felter
to introduce hirn?"
Spirit of American equality, no doubt
whenever we see coal cart. We'll have
to avoid it!''
Dear me, he'll be back with another
ton as 500 mas possible
well, he'll not see me-" Lillian sprang
to her feet, seized her work and disap-
peared. Belle remained in her low chair
and calmly put her stitches.
'Pshawi" she reflected. I'VE must be
mistaken. 1t is strange likeness, moth
ing more"
She was absorbed in rosebud when the
mingling sounds of a child screaming ana
horses wildly prancing startled her. The
scene made her heart throb wildly Her
small brother, a mischievous elf Of s
years, hal fallen in front Of the coming
coal cart and its driver was pulling back
the frightened, struggling animals. The
terrified child did not move. Belle re-
covered her senses. ran down the steps
and picked up the little man, setting him
on his feet in the lawn grass.
Bravo! Miss Grantr cried familiar
voice, and she raised her eyes to meet
Gordon's. "That was a close call! The
youngster isn't hurt?''
ooh, no, thanks to you Mr.. Gordon"
Keep him in the house till 1 get
through here. He started the horses with |
his pranks."
You're not bit nice. Fred" She shook |
her head at the little culprit Rugged him |
and led him into the house The whole |
family had assembled, and Lillian in her |
agitation forgot her prudence.
1T is Mr.. Gordon, Belle. I heard him |
speaking to you"
''Mr. Gordonr' cried Mrs Grant. 1T |
didn't see Mr.. Gordon"
"WeH, you can Sc him now" said Belle |
Hes putting the coal in
"Oh, thought you meant the young fell |
low that you met at the hop"
80 do, mother. He's coal man"
Nonsense
And he kept the horses from crushing
Fred's little body
What are you al talking about?"
asked Mr.. Grant. SO they all explained
together.
coal man. Haven't I told you the result
of these mixed gatherings"
But he waltzes so we'll said Belle.
''AIr. Felter introduced him" cried Lii
an. "Have Il out with him"
In intend to-
eff he is specimen coal man the order
IS very nice" said Belle
That evening the girls met Mr.. Gordon |
at a dinner party and observed the at
tention and interest that he commanded /
when conversing. II was evident that he
had Travelled extensively, and had met
with strange adventures.
He Is quite mysterious person" Belle
remarked TO Mr.. Felter at the first or
oortunIty. Papa is quite irate with
YOU"
They were partners IN the dance that
followed the dinner and could talk con-
How so7"
Why. your friend came 70 our house
this morning ard put IN coal"
Felter laughed out
''Oh! he IS very independent He 81