The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-08-19
The Courtin'
Of CIitteTs."
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l christened her "Glitters" at first
sight. She was wearing tremulous
gold earrings fully two inches long.
and they spark. ed and glittered In
the sunlight as she moved her dark,
feather-crowned hsad. l suppose she
wore a hat, but tie effect was prin-
cipally feather; also she had some
sort of bead chain round her neck
glass beads-and they flashed and
glittered. too.
Her real name was Jane Emily, but
only discovered that later. For the
rest she was fine. splendidly formed
young woman She might gave passed
for Greek goddess-Juno, or her like
had she not sold fowers at Car
ing Cross and worn a brown merino
skirt and loose white blouse, for she
had really good classical features and
a perfectly magnificent bust and
throat
used to buy flowers in those days,
great punches of sweet strong-smell-
ing stocks, more delicate and frag-
pink and deep crimson roses, for Gym
thia loved flowers and loved Gym
thia.
My first acquaintance with "G,it.
tiers" had something sensational about
1t. was nearly the hero of street
excessively patient donkey had
aroused my wrath, and the same stall
wart gentleman was inviting me to
take on my coat and have it out with
him-and l itched to do it, too, al
though wore black cloth-when
"Glitters" interviewed.
She swept out from the crowd of
onlookers, perfect hurricane in pet
ticoats. and with black. flashing
tongue told the coster plainly what
she thought of him. Before she had
finished l felt sorry for the man
absolutely sorry. Here was splendid
young woman telling him the most I'M
pleasant facts about himself, and the
crowd being with "Glitters," applaud
ed every point.
With the appearance of leisurely
policeman her harangue ceased, and
AZ the crowd melted and detected
coster drove small donkey on, Gilt
ters" turned to me, flushed with tri-
umph.
That's all right, guv'nor; I kin do
i'm any di. that lot-dirty beast. Will
you ave flower, SIRE"
With this professional cry, Gilt
ters" returned to her normal occupa-
ton. and, as she skillfully wired a
buttonhole of lilies of the valley for
me. endeavored to form some idea
Of her character. She evidently mis-
trusted me at first, for when limited
out wish for better acquaintance
she flushed angrily. and judged me by
my clerical garments a netter of
souls on the warpath.
II amt a-goin' to none Of your mis-
sions-not me-" she cried, with fine
burst of temper. You parsons are all
alike with your missions. tryin' to
make us be'ave like mealy mouthed
humbugs. an don't want no truck
with you or your likes"
1t took few seconds to convince
"Glitters" Of her mistake, and hint
about g. young lady for whom should
need to buy flowers delighted her.
Where's the woman who does not an
ticipate love story? Before I had
bought bunch of delightful, fresh
smelling daffodils. "Glitters" was
smiling archly. and when I turned to
go. carrying my spoils, she proffered
me a bunch of violets as a free-will
offering, saying simply. For your
young Idly. sir" The romance to her
mind was concluded.
told Cynthia all about the little
adventure as she arranged the daffo-
dis In quaint. high brown jar, and
she smiled prettily and tucked Gilt
ters' +" violets into the bosom of her
dress. She was wearing pale mauve
frock, remember, and looked de-
lightfully pretty, as she always did. l
contrasted her delicate pink and
white loveliness with the flower girls
rudy health and comedy strength:
both women made in the same mold,
and yet the difference OF all the world
between them. l wondered vaguely II
Cynthia would ever repent her prom.
Use 10 marry poor clergyman, and
sigh for the luxury of this west end
drawing room when queening it In nv
east end vicarage in the remote flu,
ture.
you do love me. Cynthia, darlIng?'
cried, hungrily.
She moved gently toward me, her
silk skirts rustling. the faint odor OF
her favorite perfume pervading the
air. When she reached my side she
kissed my forehead softly.
Foolish boy" she whispered. don't
love you with all my hearth"
remember strainfng her In my
arms till she laughed and PLEADED for
mercy.