Daily camera., 1901-03-25

solved to make my partner n little
present in rcmem brance of the event
which had made us one for life. AS
know how much more delightful gift
becomes when it is unexpected, sail
nothing to my wife of my intentions
wishing to take her quite by surprise.
The accompanying narrative will, |
think, show how completely l sue
ceeded in that endeavor.
My business lay in the city, whittier
it was my custom to travel every morn
ing from the quiet of little suburban
residence, returning home in time for
cozy dinner in the early evening. 1t
was my invariable practice to carry
with me small Gladstone bag, and on
the day in question, after placing into
this. along with few other things,
the articles ! had purchased for the
purpose named, and which consisted of
a gold bangle, pendant for the neck
with ruby star attached, and a small
diamond brooch, took train at Cannon
sire ct in the very lightcst of spirits on
my journey home.
Seating myself in the corner of the
tirst-class carriage in which ! rode
with my bag in hand, | was for time
the only occupant OF the compartment
but as the train was on the point of
starting was joined by person of
very gentlemanly exterior, faultlessly
dressed, who stepped into the carriage
with an air of some concern. Like my
self, he carried bag-a circumstance
not at all striking in itself, but notice
a ble on this occasion by the solicitude
which it seemed to cause its owner
who, seating himself opposite to me,
first put the thing under the seat, then
by his side, and finally elected to carry
it as was doing mine.
1t was not long before we were in
conversation. The season of the
year was late summer and the sub
ject that naturally suggested itself
was that Of holidaymaking. My
companion had evidently travelled
a great deal, for he discoursed
tluently OF journeyings on the conti-
nent, comprising adventures in the
Alps, trips up the Rhine, and excur-
sions into Italy. He told of the beau
ties of the Riviera. the delights of
Baden, and the glories of Berlin, and
waXed enthusiastic over the charms of
continental women, the fair girls of
France, and the dark beauties of Italy.
But, after all, there are no women
like the English" concluded my COM
panion, more quietly; they may lag
behind the continental girls in the
matter of personal beauty, but depend
upon it they make up for it in all other
qualities
This was quite in accordance with
my tastes, for my little wife at home
was, am proud to say, an English
girl, and fully bore out his estimate
| warmed to my companion at once on
his saying this, and it was not long be-
fore | had informed him a good deal
about my private life; drawing a glow
ing picture of my country home, and
the little genius who, like an angel,
presided over it. He appeared so in
terested that l even went a step far
ther in the lightness of my heart, and
told him not only that this was the
anniversary of my wedding day, but
that l was intending to surprise my
wife on my return home with little
unexpected present. In exchange for
this frankness my ccrnoanion also be-
came confidential.
You'd hardly think, he said, speak
ing in low voice as he leaned over
toward me, that this bag which
hold in my hand contains jewelry
worth close on to ten thousand pounds
sterling. would you? All, you look
surprised. And ye. /. we'.'hs but very
little. Try it.'
Jewels are not necessarily heavy
articles" l said. balancing the bag
critically, which seemed no heavier
than my own. But" l added, smil-
ing, while a fiutter passed through my
frame at holding in my hands so
much wealth, sit is none too wise to
trust stranger with - .a>."ors On
article as this, is it?"
"Oh, l have no fear of you," he re-
piled, with charming candor. 81
think l know rogue when see one
In my line of business l have occasion
to mix with all sorts of people, and
nearly lifetime of experience has
given me a sufficient insight into the
characters of men to be sble almost to
judge them at glance.
Wondering who my companion could
be, but convinced in my own mind that
he was some one of Importance, and
aattered somewhat by his confidence,
! handed him back the bag, which he
placed on the seat beside mine, and i'm
mediately started another run of en-
tertaining converse tion. Considerably
to my regret, this was interrupted by
the train pulling into the station.
"Ah, here Is my destination" said
the stranger, rising at once and taking
up his bag. Good afternoon! hope
you will allow me to wish you many
happy returns of the day!"
In another moment he was gone, and
! felt quite sorry to lose the compan-
ionship of SO interesting fellow-trav-
eler. Friendships are often formed at
first sight, and had this man remained
in my company much longer felt con-
vinced it would have resulted in my
contracting new one. How delight