The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-08-25

deep concern to me. That umbrella
came from the young woman whom
hoped to make my wife. When
parted from her at the door of the
friend she was visiting she made me
take the umbrella because it was
slightly raining. l am quite sure !
never opened It, and I believe | walkei
back to the hotel with my hat off.
Lovers are foolish, madam"
"Yes, and sometimes cowardly. Go
on"
Il found telegram awaiting me. My
father was very ill. hurried home. He
died that night His affairs We're in a
desperate condition. When all was
cleared up l found that my glittering
expectations were wrecked and that l
must fight the battle of life alone. l
felt that ! could no longer dream of
asking the young woman to be my wife.
Poor as / was ii would have been mad
ness. / heard OF her occasionally, here
and there, in the gay society of which
she was the pride. And then l saw her
name no more. Somebody said she was
abroad. That's the story of the UNI
brella, madam. Sounds woefuly un-
real, but it's quite true. mean to re-
turn 1t some time, and it's quite load
off my mind to know that II has reach
ed the real owner.And now, madam, II
may be that you can tell me something
concerning the lady to whom l have
alluded. l would be very glad to know
that she is we'll and happy"
Still interested in her, are you?"
queried the stout lady.
Yes, madam"
Notwithstanding your cowardly con-
duct, eh?"
Madam, I thought / did for the
best"
What she might have thought of
course didn't enter your selfish pro-
gramme. But where are the proofs Of
your petty romance?"
II have but one, madam-the UNI
brella."
There's no technicality to save you
this time, young man." said the stout
lady grimly. I'm going to sift your
story to the very bottom" She turned
from him and looked towards the low
er end of the long and dimly lighted
room.
Come here, my dear" she called.
A figure arose and slowly came for
ward.
"Yes, auntie."
Rupert stood up. His knees trembled.
MY dear, look this young man in
| the face and tell me If 1t is true that
you ever leaned him the umbrella of
your auntie."
"Ell-Miss Graham!" stammered
| Rupert
The girl put out both hands.
Rupert" she murmured.
"Hoighty-toighty!" cried the stout
lady. "This is a pretty way TO break up
a criminal investigation! There, sit
down, both OF you" She shook her
chubby finger at Rupert. Young man."
she solemnly said, you really don't
| deserve this. You've no idea how much
trouble and anxiety you have caused
us"
please don't, auntie," cried the
blushing girl.
"Well, | won't" said the stout lady
"I'll change the subject. See here, sir
You are to report to Lawyer Barlow
tomorrow morning. l have asked him
| to appoint you associate counsel for my
affairs. He's going away for a year OF
more and you will find that your task
is to be no sinecure. However, there
will be a reasonable salary attached" !"
THANK you, dear madam" said Ru-
pert. my ambition has taken a new
lease. Work has no terrors for me
Neither has a reasonable salary"
A moment or two later the stout lady
paused at the door Of the apartment
and looked back at the young couple
They did not heed her.
II fancy" she smilingly murmured
that IT wasn't such an ill-wind after
] all!"-Cleveland Plain Dealer.