The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1905-01-19
MEN LOVE DARKNESS.

dCISiIZSS d NOkSiubSb CNSlAAAS' Aolo
Francis, cropping his VI ay along the rail-
ings of Kensington Gardens, was aware
of a cab colliding with the pavement.
There was a sound }of breaking glass,
and ne paused. In the great wilderness
of mirk that environed him were voices,
the creaking of Wheels and objurga-
tions. The misty fare Of torch here
and there was no more than the flame
of a match in the night. From the cab
emerged a cry, which sent him i'll its
direction.
A street lamp suddenly broke through
the darkness and faintly illnmined the
cab. A woman in evening dress was
stepping out of it, and he paused on
the curb.
Amy damage?'' he called to the cab
man.
mo, sir" sailed surily out of the
blackness. 'Lady's frightened and glass
broke"
LOfQ FRANCIS turned MS attention 10
the fare, who had now alighted. *'Can
I help-??'' he began, and under the
Tight recognized her. MISS Chal-
croft ~
''Oh, who is it?" asked the girl gladly
and stepped closer to him Lord Fran
els! Oh, isn't this dreadful? / didn't
think it was so thick and so I started,
oird @bh. aat,,,o,, t5oos,,,t 1,po,,a ,uba,.ta
he is, and"
Where are you going?" He inter-
rupted her breathless statement.
"Glenhope street. Pm dining out"
"Oh, that's not FART he said cheerful
ly. But the safest place on these oc-
casions, it is we'll to remember, is the
humble bus. Still, Wen manage all
right. Better let me have your arm"
Miss Chalcroft was sensibly recover
ing from her alarm, and they moved
cautiously along the broad footway, her
companion discoursing amiably.
Let me see; we met last at the Ryl-
stons'-a small-and-early. wasn't it?
And remember you said that women
We're being unjustly attacked nova
days, and that men were no better than
they should be-" g.
did II" said Miss Chalcroft, with a
little laugh.
"Oh, yes; 1 recall it so we'll, because
squirmed under your eloquent denun-
citation. am pretty bad"
''Oh, was only talking generally, of
course" said Miss Chaleroft mildly.
"You declared that men had deterio-
rated far more than women, and spoke
with scorn of the modern man. You
sighed for the days of the knight-er-
rant"
Il dare say there are some stiil--you
are, now, for example" said Miss Chal-
croft lightly, and, being quite recov-
cred, withdrew her arm. The fog wa
denser than ever, and insensibly she
melted into the darkness. Immediately
on that came little cry. He CROPPED
toward it.
"Oh!" said Miss Chalcroft, II think
it's a pillar-post. or something. I fell
over it,
He led her away. Guide yourself by
the ratings" he suggested.
But they will make my gloves all
black, and I'm dining out" she protes-
ted.
Take off your gloves" he said.
How 1oolish," she said, laughing
nervously, and added plaintively, Il
know this awful fog will spoil every
thing have"
"I'll examine you for smuts before
you go in,' he said encouragingly, Miss
Chalcroft made no answer, and he came
to a pause under lamp post, "This is
where awe shall have to cross for Glen
hope street" Miss Chalcroft shrank
perceptibly closer to him, as if for pro-
lection.
He took her arm, without raising any
remonstrance, and plunged into the
roadway. - .,,
You're sure I'm not--not taking you
out of your way?" she said family. He
reassured her.
obi cried Miss Chalcroft, as an
omnibus numbered up.
He drew her nearer. tits all right.
There's the pavement near that conduc-
tors torch" He pushed on, and they
found themselves in maze of mont
UuSeS Stilu CatildgcSj etilu Htoppcu pEA
force.
Look alive I'm late for Buckingham
Palace, as it isl screamed a wit in a
coster-cart.
"Guv-nor, is this Chaplain Junction
or 'Ackney?" said driver solemnly to
Lord Francis.
"Oh, Lord Francis, please" pleaded
Miss Chalcroft; this bus horse is eat
ing my wrap!"
He lodged under the noses of a pair
and reached the pavement in safety,
where his companion uttered a sigh of
relief.
"Glenhope streets the turning on the
right" he explained.
"Oh. know now! I recognize It,"
she said cheerfully. They resumed
their careful progress, and her arm re
manned in harborage.
"Knights-errant," said Lord Francis
thoughtfully, generally had some re-
| ward"
did they?" she asked negligently.
Eyes; invariably their mistresses" 81
Miss Chalcroft withdrew her arm
abruptly" proffered some token in re-
coguition of their prowess. For exam
pie, the hero was often rewarded by
his lady permitting him to-"
TITS just about here" said Miss Chal
croft, peerng into the ambient gloom