The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-10-31

EDGAR MARSTON had never seen
r. the woman whom he longed to
- ask to share his life. And he was
30 years old. But as autumn came.
with its robes of russet splendor and
naples burning like to the bush the
prophet saw in the scriptural past. a
strange sense of dissa tisfaction grew
upon him. He looked around his lux
uriously furnished bachelor apart
ments almost with resentment
other men had homes--homes
where 1t was pleasant to sit in the
freshine. II only there was some one
across the hearth. TTe looked over at
q vacant chair. And as he smoked
and medltated 1t seemed to him the
chair was occupied. Through the blue
wreaths of smoke he seemed to see
a gown-h gown of soft rose hue.
| with narrow rows of gold braid en-
crcling the collar and a broader band
of the glittering material girdling a
slender waist. Then there was face
with serene white brow and the
square cut lips which bctoken laugh
ter.
When had he seen it--where? OF
late-that was sure. And 1t had haunt
ed him. But he could not recall having
ever met
"Bad-bad-bad!' C-r-rr! Lemnpa go!
Good d-day-goOd- -day--good- day. Bad"
The shrill squawk assaiing his ears
grew louder. "Maisie-Maisie--com
Bad! Lemme--go!"
The final piercing and dscordant ap-
peal, brought Marston angrily erect.
"Confound that parrot! IF there's
beastly bird in existence it's one of
those chattering diaboical, mimick-
ing things! I wish every one had it's
neck wrung! I wish
"Jab-Jab-jab! Maisi - Maise
Lemme-''
Now, Marston was not a malicious
fellow. He and vindictiveness had
never even bowing acquaintance
with each other. But it isn't the
pleasantest thing in the world to be
wrenched body and mind out of a
delicious day dream and by the tor
tured cries of blatant bird at that.
The third protesting torrent Of chat
ter was, however. too much for Mars
ton. He flung around to the window
the next instant was out Of his
apartments, dashng down the short
Hight of marble steps and across the
street.
Hello. there!" he cried to the
group of youngsters who were pluck
ing green and scarlet feathers from
the body of protesting parrot.
What are you up to? Where did
you get it? How the duece can you
act like that anyhow"
A shrill babel of responses rose in
reply.
"It's LOST" ut don't belong to no
body" 1T just flew out here
WELL supposing it did! Is that any
reason you should torment it-you in
belong to anybody"
cited voice. 30 it does! Its-it's
mine!"
Then Edgar Marston had turned
was looking down on a girl with
merry, mignonne face-a girl in
soft rose gown with tracery of gold
at the round. young waist.
All! Now he remembered. She and
the parrot We're part and parcel OF
the people who had moved into the
suite over his in the st. Stevernus
flats. But the face of his smoke
framed dreams was not merry now.
Indeed, it was distinctly distressed.
The blue eyes We're fearful and the
lips had quite a piteous curve.
1.-The housemaid left the window
coen and tit flew out. wouldn't
have lost it for anything" This with
most desperate earnestness. i've had
it since sea captain brought ii 10
me when l was a little girl-Oh ever
so long ago."
II don't believe" auizzically, that
that was so long ago."
Marston was placing the rescued
bird in her arms.
1T was-ages ago. And those
dreadful boys! How good YOU We're
to rescue Medora--yes, Traits her
name, the sea captain said. He was
always reading Byron. How" glanc-
ing up at the bareheaded young gen.
tleman at whom the dispensing boys
looked malevolently back. chow can I
ever repay you?"
I'm fellow-tenant of yours" he
said. smiling. "I have the first floor
suite MY name is Marston. And
yours" He paused tentatively.
"Maisie!" shrilled the rejoicing bird
in her arms. "M-a-i-s-i-e!"
That's it," She laughed. noddins
and caressing her ruff1ed and bedrag-
gled pet.
Don't you think it's beautiful
bird""
Marston looked down on the little
lumpy, half-plucked, quivering heap
in the shelter Of rose-robed arm
upon which a slim white hand rested
Then his eyes met those of confident
appeal uplifted to his. He pulled him
self together for a plunge.
Beautiful" he echoed. "I've seen
a good many parrots. but have never
seen one like that-never."
Maisie Allison fairly glowed with
pleasure.
I'm so glad! 1t is not everyone
who can really appreciate Medora"
They were walking back across the
street to the apartment building.
II hope" ventured Marston. as they
separated In the tessellated hall be-
fore the office. that AIedora will not
be the worse for the recent ordeal
through which she has passed. May
come up to inquirer"
YES, But here is papa-O papa"
Then Mr.. Allison. portly and pink,
with the ponderosity begotten of
prime roast beef and rosy with the
glow of unimpeachable Madeira. list
ened interestedly to his daughters
account of her companions humanity
and asked him TO come up after din
ner for q smoke.
Marston went-that goes without
saying. Medora, recuperating i'm
grateful silence. was more to be adj
mired In her moments of repose than
in those OF animation. And Maisie-