Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-06-21
a Blue Umbrella.



: sharp featured man who sat with
his feet elevated upon the iron railing
of the veranda it could not have caused
him to start up more quickly. He
shipped the ashes from his cigar. paced
to the farther end of the veranda, and
returning to the questioner's side, he
said:
Harry. what made you ask me that
question 2"
The young man, upon whose should
er the others hand rested lightly. lifted
his eyes. Evidently the Colonel was
deeply moved.
"Why, all men marry; that is. men
of means or-anyhow, they should
marry"
But you have not married y
And for a good reason; am not
able
But You could support very COM
Portable household if you were not
well, what you are" said the Colonel,
as he moved away.
"Ah Hold on, Colonel; do not leave
me in that-hc's gone: -
The other. paying no attention to his
words, went down the broad steps and
walked slowly away in the moonlight.
II know what he means; he might
just as well have told me in so many
words-spendthrift Hang it all I
know very well that am careless about
financics and all that sort of thing If
had been forced 10 work early I'd know
the value of dollars and be very differ
ent sort of chap now. All. well Life
is too short to fret over mistakes gone
and done for. Edith Lisle is a-here
she comes now
Was it che tap-tap of tiny feet or the
frou-frou of snowy skirts that made
Harry Lancaster's heart throb tumul-
tously: 1t was both-and the fact that
the woman he loved more than all 9th.
ers was nearing him. Rising he tossed
his cigar away, lifted his hat and of.
fered the charming creature in white u
chair.
"Do not disturb yourself, Mr.. Ian.
caster; merely came for brief walk
up and down the veranda. Isn't it a
lovely evening"
There was a witchery in the tones OF
that low, sweet voice. Harry's heart
pumped away more vigorously than
ever. If the veranda roof hadn't been
eaved fringed with ivy the moonlight
would have disclosed the hot flush
that mantled the young mans face
1T is indeed delightful evening. II
You will not rest here for few mo-
ments will you permit me to offer you
my arm for the stroll?"
She laid her hand upon his arm and
the pair strolled slowly to the farther
end of the veranda; they turned to re-
trace their steps when Edith said:
WAS not that a FREELY: Over there
among the bushes to the left See there
At is again and such glowing one. too
There, it has disappeared.
ut may be FREELY but il is my opin
ion that Colonel Drake of the regular:
is smoking cigar out there among tn,
shadows. said Harry.
SIS that charming old bear here?" she
suddenly asked. allowing her hand t,
slip from the others arm.
"He came this afternoon.
And as | was not down to tea / die
not meet him.
You seem to be acquainted with the
Colonel. Miss Lisle."
Fairly, but really l ought not Il
have spoken so shockingly about fin,
gentleman. He is quite engaging, bu
/ detest that absurd idea about hi
! strange umbrella"
Umbrella: What umbrella, may
ask" inquired Harry, puzzled at he
! remark.
! why. have you never heard abou
. the Colonel's umbrella"
Never"
! Colonel Drake possesses a blue. old
fashioned umbrella which is suppose,
to be a very potent love charm or some
thing like that. Plainly. so it is told
when he invites lady to share its shel
ter against the rain her heart is wol
I forthwith. Strange. it is not?''
absurd Have you ever
mo. not yet"
II should not like you to accept it
. shelter ever-though do not believe il
such Stiffness" softly said Harry
If she understood his meaning sh
! was coy of acknowledgement. for, lift
ing her hand to his arm again. the pai
! resumed the stroll just in time to NEE
! the Colonel as he assembled the steps
1 The Colonel lifted his hat and passes
! indoors, while Harry and Edith stroll
!; ed and chatted the hours away.
The next morning Harry Lancaster
heart sank when he looked from TIL
window and saw the leaden cloud
. scurrying along the darkened sky.
Rain And / was to take her for
drive Well, suppose must make tn
best of it and while away the time il