Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1899-12-15
Jones or M. Brown

IS or thereabout, one Of those men who.
seem to- be born to pass through the
world alone. 1t CHANGED that Mr.. Brown
had occasion to visit town some so
miles distant. Walking leisurely along
the street., he was all at once accosted by
child Of 5. who ran up to him, exclaip,-
ing: ..,.-..
Gather, l want you to buy me some
more sugar candy"' ''
= Whom were you speaking to, my
dear"' he inquired Of the little girl.
Il spoke to you, father said the little
one, surprised. -
Really" thought Mr. Brown, this is
embarrassing. I 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"
Eyes, yes; I'll buy you 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, "just
see how much candy father has bought
for me!''
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-1-madam," said the embar-
rassel Mr. Brown. cts all mistake.
l amt Jones at ALL, 1t isn't my name.
,lo1o
is the first time l 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.
II haven't any wife, madam. I never
had any,
".And do you intend to palm this tale
off upon me?' said Mrs. Jones with ex-
element. ''If you are not married. I'd
like to know who amp
Il have 10 doubt you are most re-
spectacle lady" said Mr.. Brown. land !!
conjecture from what you have said that
l,
madam. and always was''
"Mclnda.''' 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 fathcr!'' was the child is
immediate reply as she confidently placed
her hand in his.
''You hear that. Mr.. Jones, do YOU |:
Enu h,4,. ha In, ;nnonop+ a(,;II g., w.,
and yet You have the unblushing inpu-
dcnce to deny that you are my husband.
The voice of nature, speaking through
the child. should overwheln you! I'd
like to know il you are not her father
why You are buying sugar candy for her?
should like to have You answer that.
But l presume you never saw her before
in your life?'
Il never did. On my honor | never
did. told her l 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 step?"
Mrs. Jones was SO overcome that with
out any warning she fell back upon tie
sidewalk in a fainting fit.
Instantly a number of persons ran to
her assistance.
Il don't know her." said Mr.. Brown.
"She isn't my wife. / don't know any
thing about her!''
why, it's Mrs. Jones, amt it%'
eyes. but I'm not Mr.. JONES'"
''Si". 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 a coach
and carry her home directly"
Brown saw that there was no use to
protract the discussion by a denial. He
therefore, without contrasting the point,
ordered hackney coach to the spot
Mr.. Brown accordingly lent an arm to
Mrs. Jones, who had somewhat recov-
cred, and was about to close the door
upon her.
wv ny. arc You not going yourself"
mo! Why should I?'
"Iour wife should not go alone. She
has hardly recovered
Brown gave dcspairing glance at the
crowd around him and. doenng it Use
less to make opposition where many
seemed thoroughly convinced that Ii.
was Mr. Jones, followed the lady in.
'Where shall drivers
"I-l-dun't know said Crown
"Where' would you wish TO be carricd?'
'Home, Of COURSE" murmurel Mrs.
Jones.
II don't know
"No. IS HI street, said the gentle
man already introduced, CHANGING 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 l am Mr. Jones"
asked Brown, with anxiety.
'.Of course!'
"Then,' said he resignedly. II 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, | haven't any recollection of this
house,
Brown helped Mrs. Jones into the par
Tor: but, good heavens! Conceive TIE u.s.
tonishment Of all when Il man was dis
covered seated in an armchair who was
the very facsimile of Mr.. Brown in
form. feature and every other respect!
"Gracious!' exclaimed the lady.
(which is Inv huShand!''