New-York tribune., 1908-06-28

was. however. did not attempt to analyze my
emotions. simply became enveloped with the
idea that perhaps it was for whom Bertha was
waiting. and that perhaps-ah me! perhaps it
was Bertha for whom. ali unconsciously, had
been waiting during these lonely years of un-
satisfied bachelorhood.
So l made up my mind I would call at 14I2
Euclid Place that very evening and return
Bertha Gillmore's pocketbook to her. And as
arrayed myself in choke collar and swallow
tails l conjured up alluring pictures of Bertha.
in each of which she had nut brown hair and
lustrous blue eyes soft and childlike. that gazed
into mine with a light of soulful understanding.
Whether she would be seated at the piano, play
ing dreamiy to herself-perchance, one of my
favorite Schubert melodies-as I was ushered
in, whether, vison-like, she would suddenly
appear, with delicious frou-frou of sken
skirts, / was unable to decide. I think. how
ever. my preference inclined toward finding her
at the piano.
Timing my departure so that might reach
her house about $40 O'Clock. / sailed forth into
the winters night caparsoned with buff col
ored spats and rosebud boutonniere and
rying my silver handled walking stick, which.
by the way I found of much service in keeping
myself upright on the icy sidewalks
As l had anticipated. the house was a hand
some one, set well back from the street and
fronted by a terraced lawn. a flight of broad
stone steps led UP TO the doorway.
The bell was an electric one and when I
withdrew my finger after pressing it it
tinued to ring. The push button had evidently
stuck and l said to myself: For goodness
sake.'
1t very loud bell. I don't think I had
ever before heard quite loud
picked at the button with my gloved fingers.
but it refused to come out Then 1 jabbed 1t
with my cane and that seemed TO make ii worse.
So l pulled my silk hat well over my ears-for
the wind was blowing perfect gale up there
and went at the push button with both hands.
I thought perhaps might be able to wrench the
socket off and in that way release the button;
but Just / getting hold on it lady
opened a window in the third story and poured
pitcher Of water me-
I called up to her that she had made mis-
take I told her l doing the best L could:
that if she would only have patience I would
explain. But she wouldn't listen a word I
said and | think, too, she must have been near
sighted. for she broke right in upon my re-
marks and told me that 1 a naughty,
naughty boy, and that if ! didn't stop ringing
that bell she would call a policeman.
Then l heard somebody the lower floor
calling for Bruno, and insisting that it a
perfect outrage.
Really, l felt awfully mortified. 1t the
first time anything of the kind had ever hap
pened to me- and l particularly regretted that it
should have occurred at Bertha's home. ! real |
lied keenly that l ought to do something de- |
cisive at once, so / grasped my cane in the mid
die and aimed desperate blow at the push |
button. But just as / swung back my a
light suddenly shone in the glass panel of the
door, there was a gaIloping noise, as of a human
being and quadruped coming along the hall. |
regardless Of the umbrella stand, and amid the !
snarls OF a dog an elderly gentleman could be |