Middletown transcript., 1904-07-02

H.
was she disappointed, for when the cur,
tain went down the mouse and the LADY
were dancing together.
Mr.. Tanabe sauntered along after the
first act and suggested to katherine .
promenade to the soda fountain. She ex
cused herself to the others and accepted
the invitation. After they had refreshed
themselves, they wandered ont to the
summer house, where they could watch
the crowd and yet not mingle with it.
Although keenly sensitive and intui
tive under ordinary circumstances, Kath.
crime was taken unawares when Mr..
Tanabe suddenly leaned forward, and
looking into her blue eyes, said plead.
ingly:
Miss Eastman, you will stay in my
Japan. You will say that you care for
me most honorably, beautiful one,p'
Katherine gasped, but before she could
reply he continued:
"Since that first day, do you know
what I have'called you? My Princess Of
the Stars Oh, honorable lady, the per-
fume Of your personality has entered into
| my blood Before, was but a lump Of
clay-a pilgrim in desert-now ! live,
and my heart bubbles over with joy.
Why? Because Of you, my beautiful one. I"
| "Oh, MIR. Tanabe," said Katherine
| humbly, when she could find voice to
reply. Believe me, ! never dreamed
you cared in this way. Surely you are
not 50 foolish as to think you would be
happy with me. The ocean divides your
country and mine, and we are wide apart
in our training and beliefs. would
make you perfectly miserable
He shook his head dejectedly, and
then asked gently:
nYou care for someone else, more
| beautifully, honorable one?
YES responded Katherine family,
the color mounting to her cheeks.
someone here, in my Japan?" per-
sisted her inquisitor.
EYES," was the soft. monosyllable
reply.
II thought so,' lie remarked, with a
faint smile to cover lis real feelings, and
then be added pathetically, "But he does
not care as 7 do. Anata (thou) .art my
Princess Of tile Stars. / cannot forget. !"
s'But you must" she said pleadingly.
s'You will be sensible and marry dear
little O'Kiku San, whom saw you talk
ing with on the temple steps yesterday.
She cares for you | am sure, and she can
make you happy. Some day, long alter
wards, you will think Of me and be glad
that O'Kiku San, and not I, is the mis-
tress Of your home"
miss Eastman" Ire replied with dig
nifty, 81 am a Samurai, and a Samurai
never forgets. Come, will take you to
your father"
That evening Mr., Lee and Colonel Ran
dolph had no occasion to be disturbed on
Mr.. Tanabe's account, for the latter did
not appear
Katherine, perfectly poised, and be-
witching in her pink trailing gown, stood
with bare arms and shoulders under a
japanese lantern when Mr.. Lee joined
the circle.
"The Statue OF Liberty" he said. bow
ing low before her; tand what does our
goddess think Of our Fourth r.
1T is perfectly splendid Y she ex-
claimed enthusiastically. Il had no idea
it would be SO beautiful. Just look at
that row Of lanterns down the piazza and
across the street-not one country for
gotten-and every other one showing the
Stars and Stripes"
eNow look p said Mrs. Midway, point
ing out across the water, where the natives
we're managing the fireworks from their
sampans. An illuminated goldfish shot
into the sky, and wasquickly followed by
a iinrikisha, star mine and other pyro-
technic wonders.
s'And now look r. exclaimed Kather-
inc, when set pieces OF "Uncle Sam, !"
Columbia, "'Niagara Falls"and United
Flags" were followed by submerged bat
teries, which caused the bay to look like
sea of fire one moment, and the next
reflected in tile sky like flashes Of light
ning-
"And what music II cried Katherine. |
II can scarcely keep my feet still. Bless
the Emperor for sending that band down
to us ~
"What do you suppose those people are |
saying?" said Mrs. Midway, pointing to
the crowded street where the natives
were apparently enjoying the celebration
even though they did not understand its
"Oh," laughed Mr.. Lee, good-na-
tured,, don't you see they are paying
compliments by pointing to
our flags and shouting, Bel Koku Man
zair (American country live. forever y I
They will keep it up all night-they /
always do.
But they did not, for in the midst OF
"America" there was a terrific explosion,
tine jar of which shook not only the hotel,
but the very earth upon which henatives
were standing on the bund.
A moment later angry flames darted up /
from nearby cottage, and speedily licked
up not only the fiimsy dwelling Of wood
and paper, but several other buildings,
including native inn.
The scene at the Grand changed from
one Of festivity to anxiety as the guests
watched the confagration from the upper
piazzas.
Old women were seen struggling with
their tatamis (mats) hibachi and dear
domestic tea-kettles to place of safety.
Coolies rushed wildly up and down the
streets, their trucks laden with few
valuables and personal effects that lad |
been hastily packed. In spite OF the
heroic work Of the firemen. the streams
If water which were directed on the burn