Connecticut western news., 1908-10-15
.Sbe Found Wbat
 Sbe Looked 4 or.
[Original.l

body, just turned eighteen, with fair hair, blue eyes and one of those soft 1 feminine voices that usually go with such q physique. She was innocent as dove.
 But Miss Leighton had a younger brother, aged nine, who was as full of mischief as his sister was free from l guile. What did the young scapgracc do but paint on Pearls new silk um- brella, of which she was very proud | in white letters the words, Pm look ing for lover" Miss Leighton, dress ed in her daiutiest costume, passed l through the hall bUttoning her glove. l out through the front door on to | tie stoOp, cast her blue eyes up at | the sky, which was lowering. then at | the ground, which was wet. returned | to the hall for her umbrella, and as 1 she put 1t up looked again at the sky | fearing that 1t might rain instead of drizzle and damage the umbrella. Con- sequently she did not see the inscrip- tion. Her brother saw it from an up- | per window and rolled on the floor In an excess of glee. Pearl had not gone far before she l bethought herself whether she had | brought her portemonnaie and if it con- 1 tained any money. Opening a little bag on her arm, she took out the porte monnaie, which contained very small change, mostly copper and nickel. and was counting 1t when she dropped a l coin. While looking for 1t she heard very pleasant and well modulated masculine voice say:
 'I perceive you are looking for some thing. May be of service to youT
 "It's only @ cent or at most nickel Don't trouble yourself" 1 But he did trouble himself and, find ing the coin, raised his derby hat with one hand and handed her the piece with the other, looking into her azure | eyes with a pair of black ones that were dancing with good humor. He was young and evidently gentleman
 "Thank you ever so much," she said, not understanding the -merriment in his countenance. but relishing the ad- l miration that accompanied 1t.
 Have you lost anything else? he asked.
 "Why, no. What makes you think I have|
 "If girl is looking for something, as it is plain you are. either she has lost 1t or wishes what she has not pos sessed." ..
 "But what I have been looking for has been found" l "Whenw r..
 "Why, just now"
 "Then I am very happy" l She brought her eyes on his in mild wonderment; then. lowering them to the ground, she walked on. He did not take the hint and walked on with I her.
 "But you don't know,' he said, whether 1t will prove blessing or a curse.'' ....
 '"What?" .- | "This coveted thing"
 "The nickel you found for me?''
 "Oh, no! That's only nickel. It can neither be a blessing nor curse"
 What do you mean is a blessing or curse?" * rH
 ''This thing you are proclaiming to the world you are looking for"
 Again the look of wonder. Really" she said "I haven't the slightest idea what you are talking about"
 That's surprising. think you should give notice whether you have lost 1t, whether you wish a new one or whether you have never had it at all assure you 1t makes great deal of difference"
 She put on as naughty look as she was capable of and said, Since it has been found I think further discussion of 1t is unnecessary"
 "Then why not take in the noticer'
 What notice?"
 '"The notice that you are looking for''- ..
 He paused. She was not one of the kind to order away one who, having put her under cents worth of obliga. tion, seemed disposed to form a street acquaintance, but he saw that she looked distressed.
 Pardon me-" he said, dropping his bantering tone. Some one has been playing trick on you. The temptation to rally you upon 1t has been irresist ible. If you will examine the cover of your umbrella you will see for your self"
 She lowered her umbrella. He held his own over her and, taking hers by the handle, showed her the inscription
 ''Well, deciare!' she exclaimed Have been parading with that thing up? Tom did that My umbrellas spoiled, and Pm the laughingstock ot the town
 A tear stood in her eye. Closing tho umbrella, he said in his kindliest tone
 ''I think the letters can be washed out, and, as for being q laughingstock Pm sure the innocence so apparent 1T your face. your figure, your step-in decd. in everything about you-pro tects you. Exchange umbrellas witt me-"
 Thank you very much. Where shal I send yours?"
 "Mayn't I call for it?' Perhaps that will do as well. Ther , you can return mine at the same time. 7 He called that afternoon with hel