Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1899-12-01
Mr.. Jones or Mr.. Brown I


So or thereabout, one OF those men who
seem to be bern to pass through the
world alone. 1t CHANGED that Mr. Brown
miles distant. Walking leisurely along
the street. he was all at once accosted by
| a child of 3, who ran up to him, exclain,-
| ing:
Father, 1 want you to buy me some
more sugar candy,"
Whom We're you speaking to, my
dear?' he inquired of the little girl.
81 spoke TO you, father said the little
one, surprised.
Really" thought Mr.. Brown this is
embarrassing. 1 am not your father, my
dear" he said. "What is your name?"
What funny father you are,' she
said. But you are going to buy me
some candy"
Yes, yes; I'll buy you n pound if you
won't call me father any MORE" said
Brown nervously.
Mr.. Brown proceeded TO a confection
er's and actually bought pound of sugar
candy. which he placed in the hands of
the little girl. In coming out of the store
they encountered the girls mother.
"Oh, mother" said the little girl, lust
for mel"
You shouldn't have bought her so
much at time, Mr.. Jones'" said the
lady. I'm afraid she will make herself
sick. But how did you happen to get
home so quick? did not expect you till
night"
.Jones-I-madam," said the embar-
rassed Mr. Brown. Its all a mistake.
7 oip't To1oS of oil icp'f my I
am Eliphalet Brown of W. and this
is the first time / ever came into this
city"
Good heavens. Mr.. Jones. what has
put this silly tale into your head? You
have resolved to change your name, have
you? Perhaps it's your intention to
change your wife?"
Mrs. Jones' tone was now defiant, and
this tended to increase Mr.. Browns en-
barrassment.
Il haven't any wife, madam. l never
had any"
off upon me?" said Mrs. Jones with ex-
citement. IF you are not married, I'd
like to know who l am ?"
Il have no doubt you are a most re-
spectacle lady," said MIR. Brown. ''and 1
CONJECTURE llOiu w nat sOu nave Sdlu tudl
your name is Jones, but mine is Brown,
madam, and always was"
"Melinda," said her mother, suddenly
taking her child by the arm and leading
her up to Mr.. Brown, Melinda, who is
this gentleman"
"Why, that's fatherv' was the child's
immediate reply as she confidently placed
her hand in his.
"You hear that, Mr.. Jones, do you?
You hear what the innocent child says,
and yet you have the unblushing inlpu-
dence to deny that you are my husband!
The voice of nature, speaking through
the child, should overwhelm youi I'd
like to know il you are not her father
why you are buying sugar candy for her?
I should like to have you answer that.
But presume you never saw her before
in your life?"
81 never did On my honor l never
did. told her would give her the sugar
candy if she wouldn't call me father any
more"
& ""You did, did you? Bribed your child
not to call you father. Oh. Mr.. Jones.
this is Infamous! Do you intend to de-
sert me, sir, and leave me to the cold
charities of the world? And is this your
first stepr
Mrs. Jones was so overcome that with
out any warning she fell back upon the
sidewalk in a fainting fit.
Instantly number Of persons ran to
her assistance.
~ don'tiknow her." said Mr.. Brown
She isnfA wife. 1 don't know any
thing about herP' s5
why, it's Mrs. Jones, amt itY'
Eyes, but Pm not Mr.. Jones.''
'Sr," said the first speaker sternly,
! "this is no time to jest. / trust that
you are not the cause of the excitement
which must have occasioned your wife's
fainting fit. You had better call coach
and carry her home directly"
BroWnnsaw that there was no use to
protract the discussion by a denial. He
therefore, without contesting the point,
ordered a hackney coach to the spot.
Nj. Brown accordingly lent an arm to
Mrs. Jones, who had somewhat recov-
cred, and was about to close the door
upon her.
why, are you not going yourself?"
"No! Why should II"
"Your wife should not go alone. She
has hardly recovered"
Brown gave despairing glance at the
crowd around him and. deeming it use
less to make opposition where so many
seemed thoroughly convinced that he
was Mr.. Jones, followed the lady in.
Where shall driver
'1-I-don't know" said Brown.
"Where would you wish to be carried?"
"Home, Of course" murmured Mrs.
Jones.
81 don't know.
"No. 10 H street." said the gentle
man already introduced. glancing con-
temptuously at Brown.
will you help me out, Mr.. Jones?'
said the lady. Il am not fully recovered
from the fainting fit into which you
cruelty drove me-"
Are you sure that, am Mr.. Jones?"
asked Brown, with anxiety.
''Of course!''
''Then," said he resignedly, ~ suppose
l am. But. if you believe me, l was
firmly convinced this morning that my
name was Brown. and, to tell you the
truth, l haven't any recollection OF this
house."
Brown helped Mrs. Jones into the par
lor; but, good heavens. Conceive the as
tonishment of all when a man was dis
covered seated in an armchair who was
A.