River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1903-03-05
AN ENTRANCE
AND AN Exit


" II
TATE was against their meeting.
In vain did mutual friends" con
suit and advise ways and means for
bringing the two together; there was
always "a slip 'twixt cup and Up
an unexpected failure in the best
laid plans, and Miss Browne re-
manned technically stranger to MT.
Dunn.
Time and again acceptances for the
same social function had arrived
from both, only to be succeeded by
a hastily written apology or excuse
from one or the other. Apparently,
then, fate was against their meet
ing. Each had been willing to for
ward the well intended plans for
bringing them together, but hitherto
in vain.
One evening Miss Browne, having
with her visiting cousin, had issued
cards for a reception, and had sent
one of them to Mr.. Dunn. Upon re-
ceiving the invitation he resolved by
the nine gods whom Lars POrsena
invoked that nothing short of IL
=
him from attending.
He made most careful and pune
tiIious preparation for his appear
ance, and when arrayed in solemn
black and fine linen he heaved a quiet
sigh of relief as he consulted his
memoranda of engagements and as
sured himself that no obstacle in
tervened.
His hand was upon the door, when
his man arrived, to thrust a telegram
into his hand.
"Just arrived, Mr.. Dunn" said
Pirller, with sympathetic regret
modulated by respectful reticencc.
Opening the yellow envelope, Mr..
Dunn read the dispatch:
ARRIVE by $50 train. Meet me without
fail. Am alone. AUNT JANE.
"AlI right, Pirker. Call cab, y
said Mr.. Dunn, after a nerveless
glance at his watch. 81 must go to
the station to meet Miss Dunn, my
aunt. / shall not go to the recep'
ton. Wait up for me-"
VERY good, sir"
not help a wry smile of amusement.
Anybody but Aunt Jane could have
been arranged for or put off in
some way, or at least disposed of in
a hurry But Aunt Jane dearly loved
quiet supper with her favorite
nephew, at which she could rehearse
to him all the minor chronicles of
the old home town, and Aunt Jane
expected a certain amount of con-
sideration and Difference from her in
tended heir.
Arriving at the station, he awaited
the incoming train, meanwhile look
ing over an illustrated magazine and
wondering why he didn't care to do
more than glance at the pictures.
After the train had been overdue for
the usual time, it came in with q
Ieisurely carelessness that was mos
exasperating and deposited Aunt
Jane safely upon the platform.
Henry greeted his aunt warmly,
and told her he had a cab waiting.
Miss Dunn, however, turned to lady
who had stepped from the train with
her, and presented her nephew to
"Mrs. Brant," explaining that the
lady was an old school friend, that
they had not met for perfect ages, y
and adding that if Henry didn't mind
very much she was going to accept
Mrs. Brant's invitation to pass the
night with her.
Henry begged that on no account
should his aunt think of missing so
great a pleasure and, in short, bowed
himself away as soon as he had Sc
cured carriage and had seen the
two ladies and their hand baggage
safely on their way. Then he stepped
into the hanson with CLEAN of
hope upon his countenance. giving
the direction, Drive fast to 1902
North End avenue"
Alighting from the cab, Mr.. Dunn
advanced to the steps, and soon fount!
himself within the house that had
so long been to him as evasive as the
desert mirage to the Arab. Once
more he reviewed his toilet in the
dressing room, and assured that all
was unimpeachable, he approached
the reception room.
VI
fussy, but this was an exceptional
occasion. More than few were
aware of the condition of affairs
and Mr.. Dunn knew that the an.
nouncement of his name would create
something of a sensation. He ex
pected that his entree would not be
unnoticed.
Nor was it.
The footman took his card, held
aside the heavy portieres, and appre.
ciating the newcomers social impor
lance, exclaimed more loudly thar
usual, "Alr Henry Dunn!"
The hum of conversation ceased
All eyes sought the door to witness
his entrance.
With an easy grace Mr.. Dunn step
ped briskly from the corridor into
the reception room, aighting upon
n small mat that was upon the thresh
old. The mat slid forward upon the
nolished floor; Mr.. Dunn's feet few
wildly forward; he seemed for one
brief instant to be executing q
spread-eagle amid the ambient air
and then his athletic training came
10 his rescue, and he caught desper.
atelv at the portieres on each side
to save himself. His grasp was true
but the portieres failed him in the
moment of need. They were tackled
firmly to a gilt corniee, and pulled