The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1907-01-01
LETTER AND
.......ITS SEQUEL.
by PAUL MONTENEGRO.

namby-pamby passion, fit only for
beardless youths and romantic school
girls? Was he, a man of the world,
to be disturbed by an anonymous let
ter? He would have none of it, and
would thrust the whole thing from
his mind. lie would throw the letter
into the grate-no, he would keep Il
as curiosity; and so the dainty bill
let was locked i'm his desk, and the
lawyer resumed his duties.
From this hour a marked change
came over Judge Lindsey's whole
life. Wherever he went. at home or
abroad, presence. invisible to all
but himself, accompanied him; a fair,
sunny face, with a rosy mouth, and
starry blue eyes-he admired blue
eyed women-that peered into his
at every turn. In his dreams he pur-
sued light figure mounted on
dashing steed that flew before him
like che wind, its rider ever looking
smilingly back and tantalizing him by
keeping just out of his reach.
Ridiculous 'infatuationi Yes, very;
and we can only account for it on the
supposition that even for the wisest
OF us there is a time to laugh, time
to weep, and time to make fools
of ourselves-and that Judge Lind
sey's time had come.
He who had heretofore been care
less about his dress, now surprised
his tailor with an order for a fash
ionable suit of clothes: and instead of
lighting his cigar. as was his custom
the crusty bachelor!-with invita-
tions to Mrs. Jones soiree dansante.
and Mrs. Smiths ball, accepted them,
was introduced to various young
ladies OF all sizes and compilations,
took them into supper plunged boldly
into the melee OF the table to secure
them creams and chicken salad, till
the report actually gained credence
that Judge Lindsey had become one
of the first ladies men" in the city;
whereas, If the truth must be told.
he was only searching for that foolish
little Althea
The winter passed; still he had not
found the ideal Of his dreams. But
he was not disheartened. as one might
naturally have supposed; on the con-
trary, as the weeks passed, he grew
more hopeful and sanguine in his be-
lief that at some unexpected mo-
ment he should meet the one whose
letter had made so deep an impress
sion on his mind. And so it proved.
for on bright afternoon in May.
when sauntering i'm the park, his at
tention was suddenly arrested by the
appearance of two ladies' walking in
front Of him. From her tall form
and stately bearing he recognized In
the elder lady a former friend. But it
was upon the graceful, petite form of
the one beside her that his gaze be-
came riveted, and. prompted by some
sudden impulse, he fastened his steps
and was soon quite near them. And
here one OF the ladies accidentally
dropped her pocket handkerchief.
when a sudden puff Of wind sent Il
huttering almost at Judge Lindsey's
feet.
Both ladies hated. evidently In
tent on securing the prize
Permit me, madam" said Judge
Lindsey, simultaneously stopping and
picking It up.
But on lifting it daintlly In his
fingers, what was his establishment
ON beholding i'm a corner of the deli
cate cambria the talismanic name.
Althca
And here introduced TO him as
Miss WestbrOOk- stood his ideal with
blue, haunting eyes. rosy mouth.
snowy cheek just tinged with faint
blush, with sloping shoulders arch
ing neck and queenly air--all az he
had dreamed
As these thoughts passed through
his brain with the rspidity OF light
/ ming, he glanced up in time to Wit
ness the sudden start. the deep blush
the half-repressed exclamation at the
utterance of his name, and assurance
| became doubly sure
Presently, under pretense of exam
lining some plant or shrub, he drew
the elder lady little one side and.
in low tone. said
Mrs. Van Dorm, am most anxious
90 extend my acquaintance with your
cousin, Miss Westbrook. and can YOU
manage DO for me without her knowl-
edge of the tact2"
Nothing is easier" she began.
Mrs. Van Dorm YOU are an angel, 4"
/ no interrupted, eagerly
no doubt" said the lady. with a
light laugh. But as 4 was about To-
remark. u you viii take q seat ln my
carriage / viii invite you TO dine
with u.s."
And SO So was settled
Not suspecting that her handker-
chief had betrayed her. Miss West
brook was in mortal dread lest some
accident might reveal TO him the
knowledge that she was tho author
of the letter that had been written
slx months before But as lodge