Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-05-03
WAY 4?
BY BARRY PAIN.

1t was a public picture gallery on a
public day. and there was nothing to
pay. The young girl tripped lightly ur
the steps. She wore the expression OF
an earnest inquirer, but that may have
been deceptive. At rare intervals lool,
of utter devil flashed at the back of her
eyes; also, her skirts were short, and
she was too young to be reverent. Pos.
sibly, she had realized that if you want
to see Importance and dignity doing
their best with the least possible en-
you have only to take
any public gallery. But l do not pre-.
tend to explain; 1 merely record the
facts.
At the entrance man of presence, in
a uniform that happily blended the
field marshal and the third footman,
proclaimed in a dignified and even her.
aldic bass: "All sticks and umbrellas
on the right. please.
No one else was entering at the mo-
ment; the proclamation was for the
young girl of tin its beautiful
entirety. She surveyed the proclaimer
with wistful and admiring eye. Then
she said. timidly:.
Why"
This was unprecedented. The public
had ever meekly bowed before the edict;
it had trembled and obeyed; it had de-
posted all its sticks and all its umbrel.
las at the cloakroom on the right. And
it had never asked why. The public
idea when in good temper is a sheep;
and when in bad temper is lunatic.
In picture gallery it has learned from
Tradition that it is enjoying itself. and
is therefore in good temper.
Because it's the rule, miss" said
the official-and he would have been
more terrible if she had been less pref
ty. "All sticks and umbrellas are to be
left at the cloakroom on the right.
Can't be admitted to the galleries other
wise"
II see," she said. "Thauk You so
much. Thank you" And she turned
sharp to the left.
ION the right, Numbered. the official.
"Why 2" said the girl, more wistful
than ever.
Because the cloakroom's on the
right. I've said it three times now, y
he added, in u tone of weak complaint.
YES" said the girl. 'but that was
for sticks and umbrellas. You see this
isn't stick. and it isn't an umbrella. y
"Perrasawls," said the official, super.
ciliously. ''perrasawls is the same as
You'll have to leave that at
the cloakroom on the right" He be-
came suddenly plaintive. "Now don't
give no more trouble he said.
The girl seemed distressed. Have |
troubled you? I'm SO sorry. l didn t
know it hurt you for people to go to the
left. III go to the right at once. -
She did so. She found herself face to
face with Il counter on which reposed
the sticks and umbrellas of the obedient
public that was now wan.
dering round the galleries above, and
trying hard, but with no conspicuous
success, to say something about the pic.
lures which would not be absolutely
ldiotic.
Behind the counter was another Off
cial. He was thin. dry and old; and he
was intensely businessllke. He came
rapidly, tearing off the mum
bcred slip from perforated book. He
had all the air of man cashing IA check
for large amount as a personal favor.
Yours is four one five three, miss" he
said.
The young girl picked up equity,
umbrella which was lying on
The counter.
"And how much is this one?" she
asked.
This amt shop. We take charge
IF the umbrellas of visitors. Yours is
four one five three, if you II kindly hand
{ over"
but l don't think want to hand it
over" said the girl, thoughtfully.
20, very well ~ said the old but perky
official. IF you don't leave that um-
Drella you won't be allowed to see the
pictures. And he had a sufficient con-
'ictiOn that this closed the discussion.
He looked like it, too.
''Why?" said the young girl.
you'll soon find out why. Because
It's the rule
Its the rule? Why"
The old man had seen nothing like
this before, but he restrained himself.
Leave that umbrella or you amt let i'm
10 the pictures. That's all I've got to
say"
why! What pictures? I don't want
to see any pictures. hate pictures.
only came in because it looked like rain
and it looked just like an umbrella shop.
Are you really quite sure it's not an
shop?
Look here" said the outraged Off
cial, you'd better 60"
Why" said the girl, after reflect
i've pause.
"Why? Because we don't have any