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About The Eugene City guard. (Eugene City, Or.) 1870-1899 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 17, 1891)
THE DIAMOND BUTTON rBOM THlt niABT Of A UWTHR AND TBI HOT! BOOK Of a EKPOUTEB. By BABCLAT KORTH. (Cnprr1chct by 0. M Dunham. Publtihrd Or apKUi Airwiicmnrat lurout-n Tb American fraH Awoe atlco ) 'Fact, A very bad one. I begun life that way, but discovered in time that 1 h.nl not the qualities requisito for suc cess, and so after two seasona of starva tion I abandoned the sock and buskin and tvet)lu:illy drifted Into journalism. Hint U my vocation." lie li oUd at bis programme. "Yes, 1 thought so," ho continued. you will see on tin- stage to-night a girl was oneo engaged to. " Vou cut her when you cut tho pro fession?' "No, she cut mi' for a pair of dia mond earrings. I think that fact had qi.ito as much as anything vim) to do with tho realizing aonso of my dramatic deficiencies Ah. but that was in the long ago." The II rat art then demanded their at tention, and at lis clone Tom looked about the house. lie directed the attention of Ilolbrook to one of the boxes. "Is that not Flow Ashgrover Ilolurook leveled his opera glasses at the boy pointed out. "Yes. No doubt of it, though her back Is turned to us Who are the others in the box?' "Let mo have the glasses." said Tom, "I can not make tiiom out. 1 nreo men snd another woman. They nit in the shadow. Stop, there is some one coming from the box. Oh, it s Dick Witherspoon, ber cousin. That's all right, he'll come back; he is going out for a clove. "Somewhat strange to see 'tho hand- somo Flora' at a theatre at this time of the year." commented Ilolbrook. "Yes. one would suppose she was at NewK)itH "She has been there, and came In on somo business with her undo. The busi ness uiUHt have detained her."' ( "So it seems." "She must have been In tho city at the time of tho funeral." "Whos.-."" "Templeton's." "Well, what of Itr "What of it? Why, she didn't attend It." "I shouldn't suppose she would." "You forget. I told you that she said she was a relative a remote relative, of Teuipleton." "True, so you did. It is strauge. Isn't itr Dy this time the curtain went up on tho second act, and attention was again concentrated on the stage. At its con clusion tho lady In the box changed her Vat so that 6 ho could look over the house. In timo, as her eyes roamed over the orchestra circle, they encountered those of Ilolbrook. She recognized him and bowed somewhat coldly, Ilolbrook thought. "Shall you go and speak to her?" "No," said Ilolbrook. "I don't know what people 1 may meet there." The fact was, while hardly conscious of it. ever since his interview he had regarded her with a sort of repugnanco. "I think you make a mistake." "Perhaps, but I sha'u't go, all the same." "Y'ou mustn't drop her acquaintance." "That may bo, but I don't think her recognition was particularly encourag ing. Have you noticed that she has not looked our way once since?" Torn was not satisfied. Just what Ilolbrook was to do when ho did see her, he could not have suggested. When Ilolbrook added that in a small box, with several about in close proximity, she was not likely to engage In a con fidential conversation, lie was compelled to acquiesce. Still he thought Ilolbrook should call on her. Finally ho said: "See here, Ilolbrook. You've seen this opera before, and only care for the music. Well, let us go upstairs. Un doubtedly that party will go ou the roof after tho jierfortuance. We can go up there and hear the music as well as here. I would like to get a nearer view of the people with'her." "To what purpose?" "Oh, who can tell? I haven't any rea son or purpose. Instinct tells me to do something." "Very well; we'll go." They left their seats, and Ilolbrook was conscious that Flora watched them steadily as they went up the aisle. He made sure of it at the door, when ho could do so without being observed. Once upstairs they seated themselves so that they could watch the elevator without being seen. "I do not know what you are up to," complained Ilolbrook. "Neither do I," replied Torn with a laugh. "But the story of your interview with 'the handsome Flora' has made a deep impression. I want to become familiar with those about her. .That's all." They lit cigars, smoked and listened to the music until the curtain finally fell. "Now, then," said Tom, "in a few minutes we'll know whether we hnvo deprived ourselves of comfortable si"! is during the third act for nothing." Ilolbrook, who was in a bad humor, replied: "I'm sure we did. She won't go up there; she would think it bad form." "Bah! it's bad form, so her set would say, to be seen at a theatre at this time of year, especially in the city." "Hush," he continued, "there she goe now," as the brightly lighted elevator glided up. "Come, let us go up. No wait until they have had time to be seated." ', They waited a moment or two, and then ascended the stairs to the roof. At first they did not see the party, but care fully proceeding they came upon them partially hid behind a large fir tree tlnntrd in a tub. They came upon them IR. J. 0. GRAY, DENTIST. imci OVER ORANGE STOKE. ALL work warranted. . . f hisf (as adminutervd for puals at Wcth. old Witherspoon. bis daughter and son, the 'handsome Flora' and an old file probably another relative." Holbrook nodded, and after having given his order arose and crossed to the forty on t "t'-er r .-wining iiiera. neaddretscd iuniscii to riora. "I nm surprised to find you in thecllv Mish Ashgrove." "You find me disgusted," she replied Tneleita tyrant about this biibiiies Mi! e return to-morrow." Her manner was cold, even ronolluni und did not offer encouragement, lie wu. somewhat embarrassed, and would l.uve felt awkward, if Mr. Wthersnoon had not asked him to join them in their reiresiimenta. In declining on the score of havin friend from whom ho had parted only to pay ins respects to them, ho was enabled not only to regain self Kissosnion, but to recognizo in the gentleman Tom had do scriUd as "on old lllo." one of New York's first lawyers. Hy no means pleased with Flora's re ception of him, he determined to give her rap oi-rore parting from her. Lowering his tone he said: "I did not sec you at the funeral of your relative." "Who?' she said, with lazy surprise. 'Teuipleton your remote relative." "Oh, did I say he was a remote rela tive?" This was said with a haughtiness not unmixed with contempt, as she lan guidly fanned herself. She did not deign to explain why she was absent. Ilolbrook found himself growing red and angry, when to his surprise lie saw Flora straighten up quickly, while an anxious, even frightened, expression swept over her face. She looked in tently In-hind him. He turned and saw a gentleman fash lonnbly clad. Ho did not know him. U turned to Flora. She was traziim at mm (UoinrooK) tixeuiy, mere was a worried, inquiring expression in her eyes; her color was coming and going and her chest heaving, her mouth slight ly open. Apparently she paid little or no atten tion to the new comer, who was greeting t lie others of tho group. Holbrook noticed the change in her de meanor and was surprised; so much so that he said bluntly and awkwardly. "1 bid you good night, Miss Ashgrove," and bowing to the others roturned to Tom. "What passed between you?" asked Tom. "Nothing of any moment She treated ine outrageously." He then gave Tom a literal statement of what had passed, save her curious manner toward him at the end. lie was abstracted, and did not hear what Tom was saying, but stealthily watched the group. He could not fail to notice the extreme nervousness in Flora's manner, and that she was urging their departure. It was quite evident the rest wero comfortably enjoying themselves and not disposed to leave. Finally Flora said something to the newcomer and he arose, steped to her side and offered his arm. She took it, and they walked toward the front on the Broadway side and sat down out of view. Holbrook followed them with his eyes. Suddenly he slapped his hand on his knee. "By Jovo, Tom, I've an Idea." "Jot it down, my boy," said the Im perturbable Tom; "sometimes they are valuable. "It's a suspicion." "Ah, that is valuable, especially in the enterprise we have entered upon." "Yes, by Jove tall slim dark hair complexion handsome profile straight nose. By Jove!" "What the deuce are you muttering about?' "Did you see that man who joined the Witherspoon group while I was talking with Flora?" '-Yes, handsome fellow. Who Is he?' "I have a suspicion he is the mur derer." "The devil!" "No, the murderer." "What makes you think so?" I don't think; I suspect" "Ah, a nice distinction. What makes you suspect?" "You recollect that in my Interview with Flora she inquired particularly about the man I saw running away, ask ing mo whether he was tall, slim and dark complexioucd." "Very well." "Well, this fellow answers to the de scription." "So he does. How did they address him when he came up?' "I only heard them call him 'Harry.'" "On intimate terms with the family, then." "That accounts for her curious manner when he joined thein," said Holbrook musingly. "What is that?" Holbrook described how Flora con ducted herself. "Thunder, the suspicion takes form. It is something to work upon." "We must learn who he is." "That is easy; wait for me a minute." Tom hastily disappeared in the direc tion of the elevator. Holbrook leaned back, smoked his cigar, and pondered on the situation. Tom joined him in a 6hort time, and said: "Come with me to the elevator." They went off together, and then a man steped up to them. He was a medium sized, thin man, cheaply clad, with sharp features and small eyes. "This is my friend Mr, Holbrook. He will point out a man to you. We want to know who he is, his name, residence, haunts, business all that you can find out." "Very well," said the man. "Follow Holbrook." The two entered and seated themselves at a point where they could observo the Witherspoon group without being seen. They had hardly seated themselves when Flora and the man in whom they were so much interested joined her friends again. That is the man," said Holbrook. The one who has that handsome lady - c:i Ins arm. "Miss Ashgrove." said the man. "Y'es. you know her, I fee." "Yes, and the man too." "Oh. let us go to Mr. Bryan, then." They wentout without being observe!, for Floras hack was turned to tfceni. ' They found Tom at the elevator and went down stairs "He knows him," said Holbroot fc Tom when they were on the pavemert. "Who is he? asked Tom. "Mr. Fountain-Harry Fountain." "What is her Fashionable young man member l I'ninn club " "Where does he liver "Tliot I don't know. T told you all I do know." "Then find out everything you can bout him. I shan't want to see you rt:! VTi rrice me the inloonation." "It will be a short job." "So much the better," said Tom "(lood-nlght." "Good-niyht, gentlemeu." "Come, Holbrook, let's go," suid Tom "Who is that man?' asked Holbrook "My shadow." "What do you mean by thatr "Exactly what I say. I employ him as a shadow. To find out things to fol low men a spy, if you will." "What do you do that for?' "Y ou are not up to the new dodges of modern journalism. He U always In my employ." i ne iiourci inai s pleasant to hear flow did you hapen to find him quickly when you wanted him?" "I whUtled for him." "Pshaw!" 'That's what I did. When we din at Del s hewassomcwhereoutside; win wo were in the theatre he was somen hen outside, and had I not sent him oil no he would have been somewhere oiitsid wherever I was until 1 went to bed. any time I had only to give the whitl understood between us. and ho wouli liaveiiiK'ured." "So that's modern Journalism, is it? tl. I ... m . vii no, omit one oi lie recent ii grow ths: I invented It. "wen, come down to the hotel ami take a nightcap." "No, I'm for bed, and my room is not far from here. I've a big day before me to-morrow. 1 may call upon you in the morning. Uood-night. "Do: good-night." CHAPTER XL A KlUHT F.XI'KIIIRNCR ON IIROAhWAY OLURUll walked dowi Broadway t wear oil tlie ex vitement unite which ho fell h was laboring. "Man - liuiitin is as faseinatin a sport as tigei hunting," be sail to himself. "No that 1 know nn thing of tigei hunting, but us supose it is. wonder if wi have stritek tin right track. A all events it Is i beginning and something definite t work uiHm. How grateful Annie Tern pleton would le if we were to lie sueeess fill! What a pretty sight her face wouli present an incentive for any man t' work." Thus musing he strode along at a rnph gait, feeling positive pleasure in the ex ereise. Hy and by he became eoiiscioii that some one was following him lb crossed the street to determine this, tli person he susected crossed also. II slackened his pace, a tall, slim figure passed him, and he thought he w;t mistaken as he saw it disapjiear in tin darkness. So he forged ahead. Shortly he fouin the person was behind him again. He was now approaching a fashionabli drinking saloon, and ho determined t stop there and see what his followe would do He diil so, and met an acquaiutanci with whom he went to the bar. Immediately the door 0x-ned and i tall, slim man entered. It was the per son who had followed him. Ilolbrook observed him closely through the glass behind the liar, while chatlinj. with his acquaintance. The tall, slim man was by no mean young evidently tit) or C" years of age his hair was white, his face well seamer: with wrinkles. He was clad in respect able black, and was upright in carriage llolbrook thought he might have beer the man Fountain dis ced to follow him, und then dismissed the idea as at absurdity and attributed it to his heater imagination, A glance at the hand the person laii on the bar, which Ilolbrook could regard at short range without turning, such wa his position, confirmed his idea of its ah surdity It was unmistakably the banc of an aged person, there could be n 'make up" in that Presently the old man dropped a pieei of money on the floor. As he stoocd U pick it up be struck Holbrook in tin back. Convinced as he was that he had beer touched purposely, from an Impulse In could not restrain he turned. ' Tlie old man apologized in most com teous terms. His voice was pleasant, bu Holbrook felt that the dark eyes of tlx old man most keenly and rapidly scru tini.ed his features. However, he courteously responded tc his apologies and the old man passed ou into the street. "That was done on purpose," said tin acquaintance. "I thought so too." replied Ilolbrook Tiie barkeeper, who had overheard thi exchange, said: "He asked me who you were, sir " 'What did you tell him?" 'That I didn't know, which was tin truth.'.' Ilolbrook went out The old mai loud in the shadow of an adjoiiiing.d.Hi Ilolbrook leaped into a cab anil lob the man to drive to the Hodman Imiim and then watched from the window l' see if he was followed Theold man remained where llolbroo! had last recti him. "I've spent a dollar and a half foi nothing," he said "Tiie probability i that he mistook me for some one cI.m and discovered bis error in the drinkin. place:" so he went on to his own hotel When he arrived there he went to th desk for letters and curds that migl have been left him. be was told In II lei k that a gentleman had called ii i n ibiring l he evening, but bad reli ii II i: ln-r bis name or leave a cm saying that he was unknown to Mr Ho! brook, and would visit him at bis ofiin some time during the following day Inquiring what the man lnoxcd like lie was given a description which tallied with that of the old man whom be liml encountered on Broadway but an lioui previously. To say he was alarmed would lie u say what was not true, hut there is ni ipi-stion but that It made him iiiipiikv He began to doubt the advisabili'y ol :he campaign ukjii which he bad enter ,-d. and into which he had !eeii irrn-isl (to bk coktinced) C OMoliDZ. Customer (In nutaunint) Hero, waitor, tbnv's a hair in this soup! Waiter Yen, salt, 1 hwrd do cook say only lis mawoin', dut it do lieat all, bow ber ba'i an comiu' out. The Enoch. Iff m L0S3 AND CAIS tsnirnwed that III poM.-nit.iv .is it.-nd. tu IIl'IiI no iiii,rv vIm inui.irry id, fhloriiiiun Tint ahiltt I rili-rml. Irliol'l lln'i-n .1 un-w nxl Kli nnirmittf. I lrnil Hint ini-irv hiii imk n f.uvd in jpt, Autl ili'lT tlio r.nlii II,., I ,u no w.-ll LoeniiM bT; j ti ll whll-4 I mimininil ni h , hits lot ! Tw A miiiiitiHi j I mourned lnvmne I lit ilnlTiMliN i-ri. kjllfd lly burning nkim Hint mmivIuM invmrly liw; Dut nlilUl fur Ihiw I 'lmsl mv hiui.a ,.rr mini Wilhnwm Half broken ln-ailcl I l-uilol llierml Of frli-mlli!lli.in n liU-li none liml oiuKneemed ni-aner; ! Hut aluUt I rrpl I fouiul I newer friend Ami ikiirer. Anil thua I lenrnct nlit pleit'iirea are evtmnvd (Jnli that Miuii-thiiiff better mat be ti-n; Colli at ui.it r tlml tliU uirlli eichanp-d Tor heaven Ellen Thonieyi-rufc Kimier In Good Worda Till: LOVE OF A DAY. i "Well, Jack," observed Mr. .Murtlmore Welldcn, us he found hinisi-lf on the stoop of his charming remit ry residence upon thielliid.viu. "where urn you going to spend your holidays? Kurox, I guess?" "Sot a bit of it, bit her. I mint to do my own dear hind first Just think of all there is to see hern." ' "We ain't fashionable. Jack." "If you go that. sir. all the English swells consider It correct form, as they I rail it, to run over bent. I tell vou I wit heartily ashamed of myself when that nice young fellow, Sir' Henry Harden, asked my opinion ulxuit the distances in tho Yellowstone Park. I was nearly sneak enough to pretend to know, nlllioiigh I was never within S.ii.K) miles of I lie place No, father. America flint, say I." "Sol;en like a young American englo," laughed the elder 'mail, with a sparkle .in his eye that indicated the pride that every true son of the Stars and Strips fondles in his heart 's core. Mr. Mortiniure Wcllden Is a banker, and a verv wealthy one His word U his bond, ami Ims dicta u'uong moneyed men are regarded as law His wifu Is one of those bustling women who "toil, nnd spin, and scold the maids," us did her grandmother, a liandolph of Virginia, a hundred )cars ago , There arc two children, a daughter, Mildred, aged 17. who is to route out at the lirst Patriarch's hall of next season, and Jack, a partner In tho bank, aired S3 years. J uc It cradiiatcil at Harvard, and was stroke iu tho University race. He Is a j trillo over six feet, luiiit In proHirtlon, and the owner of a pair of laughing blue 1 eyes, ami thirty-two imiirinlieent teeth that flash beneath his tawny mustache. Instead of dreading tho "dreary drudir- ery of thedesk'sdead wond,"Juck plunged Into Imiiliing with tho ardor with which he took to boating, and Is now not only his father's secretary und partner, but his counselor us well. ' Jaelt has never eared fop fem.dnsnelotv lie. of course attended balls and ivceii lions, and every species of entertainment that fashionable society exults in, but ho prefers his book nuil his pio, his dog and his gnu, and his spoilt sister to all uio K"'i ou iii.s r-puiii piaici iu uu the giddy dissipations of the "madding crowd. U was a broiling July day of last venr that this conversation between father anil son took place, and two weeks later found Jack Welldeu at the I'lidile liousu in the White mountains, mi a tramp after the most approved fashion, llo worn a dust colored check knickerbockcr suit, with big gaiters and a deerstalker's cap. His Impedimenta, or baggage, consisted of a knapsack and alpenstock and a Held glass of great power. Ilo wus ulono, and least lonely when most ulono. A valise laden with conventional car- meats awaited him at such hotels along his mute as pleased his Impernd majesty to regard in the light of temporary head quarters, for his mother on kissing him au revoir uttered these solemn words: Jack, never, never bo without your evening dress suit." Jack had mado tho I'rolilo house his headquarters for a week, debouching from it to various romantic pusses and notches only accessible to those lithe of limb and brawny of musclu. Instead of joining in tho lawn tenuis or the hops bo used to sit tor hours on tno piazza, ins Mno in bis mouth, watching the, comers and goer.i, tho tourists of all sorts and conditions that passed merrily on their way. It must be tniii. but tu tho strictest confidence, that Jack meditated a book, and he hud even chuckled over the titlo, Jack Minus Jill," but fate willed that the book should remain unwritten. IL Jack Wcllden was no mero tyro as a walker. A member of tho Athletic club of Now York, he was a fancy mail in the gymnasium, and In the Westchester Po destrian club second to iiouo. For a wager ho walked from llighhridgo to Yonkers and back within a given and what seemed an impossible time, yet bo scored a victory wit n several minutes to tpnro. Alouutaiu climbing was his delight, and to bo out lu the early dawn, up in tho silver mists that crown I ho summit of In accessible crags, to tho youthful ban her was nearer heaven than anything that earth could give him. Iho notches uround tho ProCIo mount ain are as numerous us they lire Inaccessi ble. No uiero two weeks' holiday young man need uttcmpt them; they mean collur work from tho word "go," and tuko more out of a mun than an usceut of the Mat terhorn or Mont Blanc Jack found the hotel crowded from cellar to garret, but, having had his baggage sent on in ad vance, tho clerk, on account of the expen sive appearanco of tho solid leather, nickel plated valise, discovered that one room still remained open to tho owner, and young Welldeu wus comfortably stowed awuy. His appearance In tho dining room cre ated a tremor In tho heart of "tie young lady's mamma, a certain Mrs..Pumruy Do Smvtho. hail. Mir from tho classic regions of back Day lioston. Addio, bliu whispered to tier daugh ter, "sit up straight, love, bito your lips a little, put on au English Btaro, for I sen young Wcllden, tho banker, has arrived, ami he s eligible, you know. Jliss Dohuiythij most willingly rxertited the commands of the gcnerul, her mother, and as Jack was passing the old lady threw out her grappling irons. .Mr. v eltden, who would nave imagined that yuu would be found in this out of the way place? Addie, darling, don't you sec Mr. Velldun? That dear child is such dreamer." . I Jack bowed to Addie, and after a com- I monplaru remark was for passing down to an unoccupied table in a remote corner of the room, but Mrs. Poniroy Do Smytho insisted upon his taking a seat at the tublo fucing Addio, and as a ronsequeii'-u j pair of very dreamy eves and a general , Undefined expression of lore and undifiuud Lmcrnor. Wlshinsr both ladies In Jericho, I the unwilling Welldeu submitted to Lit fute. It will be only for a cntiplo of days, be sal 1 to himself; "and I need not be at all punctual." Mrs. Poniroy De Smytho was acquainted it h Jack's mot hnr Mrs Dh Smythe wus a Vane, ouo of the Mayflower Vaues, and gave no quarter to plebeian blood. there l an awlul mixture or people here, Mr. WeHdeii," she mild. "Your dear mother couldn't, wouldn't stand It. There aroonly two parties wa can know. one of them only in a hotel way Uow are all the rosebuds of New York? I pre- lume yon have committed sad havoc this I ' Not I." Mid Jack, honestly, "i am uoi' in Unit lino st all." "Did you not sdinlm soma onn of the di'hutuntcH? Conin now, Addie, why dou't yua cross examine Mr. Welldeli?" Addio gucd Into Ids eyes, and poor Jack, who was not seeiistoined to such DmnieiiverliiL', blushed up to and lusldo tlio root of his hair "I assure yon," he otiimmeml, "I really don't go In for Indies' society, and," he gillliilll'v scldcil, "I Mdllliiu Ihetu all so much tlmt emild not possibly muke a Selection." "I like that." I.iil'li"i Addle, her eves plunc'd into his "lie should s.- Miss wiuthrno. mamma, should lie iiutr" "Well, I dmi't T.iiie.v tliut slifl Is so very much." reiiidd Mrs H) Sniythe. ''Shu Is Immensely admired by tho gen tletiieti. nciuinui " ernionev. my dear child They sat she lets $100.01111 n'ye-ir." Win n Jack Welldcti was allowed to n tire Into s rumor of the pi.ia to smokn his beloved pis, be muttered, half nloild: "Mow dreadfully tiivsomii some people arc I can't stand them. I wi.l do I lie dl. mt's Toe to morrow, mid go out into the woods on Thursday l!L It w '.suffer tho biggest morning's work of lus life, hi the wuv of climbing, that Jack Welldeu found himself once more In the region of the wood Tho rond was scarcely worthy of tho name. It wns more a sheep track through a tree shaded line, tlio grass resembling green velvet. J "What would I elvo for a hunch of I lr,',1(l n1' K"" of Ix-cr?" he thought. he trudged along "Perhaps this oath will bring mo to a farm house where I run buy something to eat and drink." A turn In the lane showed him a quaint little wixideti gate, and beyond the gate tho rod roof of a home, a nest hidden swav in tufted foliage, away out of tho world just the corner of the earth for a man dead In love, or a writer of romantic fiction. As Jack pushed hack thegute the sound of a girl's voice singing came to him through the green leaves and scented blossoms, and summer day hum. It was a deliriously swst young voico a voice for a ballad, not for scene from ojiera. nnd ho Ktopjwd to listen. The song win ' Some Day." When she had concluded, he oU'ved an Imperative impulse, and crying "llrava" strode Into her presence. On a rude stone scat beneath overhanging oaken iHUighs, and close to an okii door revealing a kitchen such as Cinderella might huve prepared for the amorous prince, 'sat a girl with hair of the purest gold, with which a stray sun beam was mercilessly coquetting. She was petite, but exquisitely molded, and mis not beautiful by any means. Her bluish grtiv eyes were half concealed be neath black lushes that swept down her check, and In the glorious expression of those eyes lay the charm that recognizes no limit, tier lioso wus Inclined to what Tennvsou terms tip tilted, and if her teeth were dazzling whito, one or two I wcru deliriously irregular, while the rich red lips. If a trillit too full. Were abso- lately young, and fresh, and charming. Sho wus attired In a lilao and white strlK-d, short skirted muslin, crisp from the laundry, bile a snowy waist of white, with a roll i ,, , , j collur t.'"''"'" together by a lilac bow, completed a simple ret most becom llig toilette. Her little feet wero en shrined In low shoes, lilac and whito striped stockings showing over them. Instead of being shushed at the unex pected appearance of a stranger entering aftrr so brusque a fashion, and in such a remote corner, this rustle maiden, who was by tho way engaged in tlie very use ful if not romantic task of hulling peas, preserved nidi gullied a self possession as to thoroughly abash tho intruder, who blurted out: "I ah beg your pardon 1 ah that Is" then lie stopped short. Tho rustic lass, while continuing tho hulling of tlio peas, and who seemed amused at his embarrassment, demurely asked: "Are you looking for Mr. Stephen?" "No, no. Tho fact Is I have been to the top of tho Uiant's Too and" "To tho top of the tiiant's Toe?" ox claimed the girl, gazing up at the peak which towered above them In peerless majesty. "Why that bus uovur boon done but twico." "Thrleo." "Twice, they say hern." "Thrice, 1 now say," ho laughed. "1 make a bad third. I am Bliumcfully hungry and thirsty, and 1 thought 1 might get a crust and a glass of beer." Sho looked at him In a quiet, searching way. "Yon can hnvo both." "I am Intensely obliged; but pray, do not disturb yourself. I'V Sho had disappeared Into the kitchen ere ho bad finished what he wanted to say, reappearing with wondrous celerity, carrying a wooden platter containing bread and butter, und, rapture! a quaint earthen flagon, with a metal top, con taining a goodly measure of beer. Jack's thirst got tho better of Ids manners, and almost without thanking tlio fair wait ress, ho put the flagon to his mouth and fairly drained It. "You wero thirst v." laughod the girl. "Wasn't I, thouglil" , "Would you liko somo more?" "Not Just yet, thank you. May I alt down?" Sho motloued with her golden bond to a pllo of wood that lay close at hand against an upright wooden post, and Jack planted himself. "May I smoke?" The girl nodded. After ho had lighted up hIio gravely asked him: "What brought you hero to this place?" "Accident, pure und simple." "Did vou hear of it?" "Of what?" "Of this cottage?" "Not a word. I camo from Now York. I am a bank clerk out for a holiday." As lie afterward said, "I did not want to dazzle a girl in her position w ith my part ncrshlp and prospects!" "1 think you are. tolling mo tho truth," she said. "Very close to It," ho chimed In, with a hearty lau;;h, adding: "You livo burs all tho year?" "Nearly at least as much as I can." And as if wishing to chango the subject: "Do you get a long holiduy?" "Not very." "It seems a nice way of spending It, then. Ilettcr, 1 mean, than lounging on hotel piazzas. " "Oh, I detest them," and the young fellow, wit bout being aware of it, spreud out his idea to tho sun. . Tho girl listened with evident pleasure. "Can't 1 help you to hull those pens? I ought to do something for my bread," he laughed. There was so much of the genial courtesy and youthful frankness in tlie way he mads lb offer that the girl ex claimed: "I think you had better. I shall never have them done in time." Jack proved himself on expert, and was verv, very sorry when bis task was ended. "Good day to you," suid the girl, gath ering up ber dish of peas. IV. Upon the following noon, Jark Well den, with a very baudsomo photograph album, presented himself at the little gate, and, strange to relate, hisenraptured ear was greeted by the delicious voico of the hostess of tlie day before. On that occasion, however, she was not engaged In bulling peas, but in spinning at aqtiaint old sninnim: wheel, such as might have been the valued property of ber great- grauilmoliier. r-- (Mini" the lauehed. -'Tu, I thought you would like soma fhotosof the (Hunt's Toe, so I brought hem for you." 'They aro beautiful," she exclaimed, as shit gluuced over thorn, "but you did wrong." ' I mi) very sorry." "I ll take i lie." That's for the bread, and another for the Iss-r," laughed Jack. 'J'hesu two young s-op!e gut on SO well together, that the lime sliiied past, and tho spinning wheel was woefully ueg Its-ted . "Tills will never do," suddenly cried the girl, leaning to her feet. "Here I have been wasting my tlmu Mill) ml UukuowD gentleman, und'' llt j- "Hut me no but, sir, but go!" pointing dramatically tg tho giilo. "I'll lie hanged If I do!" said Jack, reso I lutely. "At least," he added, "until I suy what I have to say. and what I thought 1 i would never say.' And then, almost tin I consciously, und ols-y ing un emotion ho , was utterly unable tii control, Jack Well den laid his throbbing heart, witli ull its hols's und fears, at the dainty feet of this dainty little mai I. "You aro mad!" was nil that tdio said, as she rushed from hlui into the house. When Jack arrived at the gate upon the following day. a strange man asked bun his business. Stung to the quick -love is always sensitive Jack, crushing down all feeling, caliulv retilieil: "I have nono. As he wandered aimlessly through tho woods, his resolve shaiicd Itself tlius "That girl shall homy wife. What if she bo penniless, nnd lowly born, a violet is born verv close to the earth." Seated' upon the piazza of tho Profile house in a corner, out of tho tide, lie smoked his beloved piH, paling up at tlie moon, as is the wout of happy aud un happy lovers. ' A soft voice Mdtld hltn: "Mr. Welldeu?" Iln turned It is Mrs. Poniroy De Smvthe. "Where have you been hiding yourself ou the top notches or In tho depths of tho woods? I want vou to rome over to yonder group, Miss Winlhrop, our Bos ton beauty and great culrh, Is with lis. I wish to present you to her ou your dear mother's account." This was cruel. Jack loved to bo alone, and ulono he intended to remain. "1 unlawfully sorry." he said, "but"- and he placed his jaw lu tlie hollow of his hand. "A toothache?" "(ill, oh!" groaned the hypocritical youth. "1 am very sorry; get somo camphor ated oil; put" And the good lady, after prescribing for him, left bun to his reflections. An hour latf rho felt .that a five mile stroll would I w better than nothing; und as ho descended tho steps tho full glare of tho electric, light fell upon tho face and form of a young girl whom Mrs Pommy Do Smythe wus courteously as sisting luto a phaeton. Jark started as If he had lscn snot. Ills heart gave a wild leap backward. "If you had been here a second sooner," exclaimed Mrs. Do Smythe, "1 would huvo presented you to Muriel Winthron." Tho presentation took place lu duo form a day later. Miss Wlnthrop, preferring tlie seclusion of tlio perfumed woods to tho publicity of a hotel, had secluded her self with her chaperon at the Cory nest in which Jack Welldeu had surprised her Sick to the death of tho steel lined con. veutlonalities surrounding her and her enormous fortune, the girl lived her own life in this charming nook, aud was all tho healthier aud the happier. Of course, they aro engaged, now could it bo otherwise? Tin y aro to bo married next mouth, und the honeymoon is to lie Nicnt in that out of tho way spot where Jack Welldeu discovered Muriel VVintlirop occupied In hulling peas. Francis Ue lu Ouco a Week. Theodore Thomas Leader. Mr. Milward Adams, tho manager of the summer nights' concerts, knows a good deal about Mr. Thomas. "If you will call iihii him," said Mr. Adams, "us you would on any neighbor or rltizen, you would find bliu abreustof tho times on all that Interests tho public Ilo Is suave and consequently obliging. Ho is at home In literature and art and all that tends to finish a man in this generation, lint if you talk music to him lie will most likely withdraw In a manner which will cause a chango of tlie topic" Any one who has watched Mr. Thomas at ono of his concerts need not bo told that he is the master and that the mem bers of his orchestra know tliAt and act accordingly. The moment ho raises his baton that moment every man before 111 in has ono eye ou him and the other ou tho score. Everybody Is drawn at a preclso angle. Every Instrument is placed where tho master has Indicated that it should bo placed. Whou the programme Is finished the man who arranged It steps from his pedestal and disappears. Hu does not turn urouml and bow to his audience, lie has presumed upon their Intelligence to tho extent that they know when tho programme Is finished. They have listened to it. Ho has done his duty and he bus no moro to do. lie Is on his way homo before the lights havo been turned out. Ho ban not lingered to receive any encomiums. Ho has nothing to do with tlio claipio. Ills home Is not at the hotel where ho would appear to boon dress parade. It Is in the quiet retreat of a privuto residence and there he rests When Ids business affairs of tho day aro over ho may take a walk or a drive, Chicago Times. Without ttvt Miililiriiiau's Aid. Every morning there comes to the bona In which I live a flue, hale old man. with tbs fresh scent of country lanes about bun. who brings so abundant supply of vegetables, of a quality one can ouly find In the most expensive green groceries and fruit stores He makes a business of serving the products of his little market f;arden across the North river to a choice 1st of customer In certain apartment bouses of the better order lie tells til that be can deliver, and the prices he gets, while reasonable enough to satisfy hit patrons, are siilflcieiitly llberul to oompeusals him handsomely There are other uieu, I notice, who make a specialty of milk, eggs and other fresh table com moditles, which they deliver after the same fashion, directly from their farms or poultry yards. They pay no tribute to a middleman, nor are tbey under any ex pense for a city thop Tbey begin by drumming up custom In good bouses, and. as tliey serve the best of material, are not long In establishing a profitable connection. After this it is plain sailing with them The business of nutting up preserves and jellies seems also to bo extensively followed by rural housewives, who seek their Industry In much the same way Some of them advertise in the family pa pers The majority employ a drummer to beat up custom iu town. The fact that tbey can afford the expense of advertise ment or the salary of an agent, and still make a greater profit than if tbey sold their products to the shops, may serve as a slight bint of the proportions of gain that fall to tho middle man or ret&'lcr A man In Fordhain who has quite an ex tensive fruit farm, which, thanks to bis passion fiir Improving varieties, produces tome of the finest fruit In the country. Informs me that fie now gets nearly three times as much for the product of hit or chard, which he retails himself, than he did when be sold it to a fruiterer And ttill his customers get It cheaper than they did from the fntit shop. Alfred Trumble In New York News. I TIIE JEWS OF MCKOCU). A MOST INTERESTING AND MOST TRYING RACE OF PEOPLE. DmplMui bjr lli llouf and SuhJerUd U Every liuagliiHlilr iriNilalloa TbaTtr rllil ruiiiahuiruu Mni-iinif Intllctrd on 111 llrbrrnt Tti Jrr' Unarton. The Jews of Morocco are to my mind at once the most luteri-nting and the most trying race of pcoplo I ever met Subject to restrictions in their life and business which would exterminate un ordinary race of people- in two getierulions. they have grown, pnisinred and In many places are uiaaters ol their masters No one knows just where the Moorish Jews ciime from but of course they btve been connected with the lost tribes and til that The tins facts are. they are In Morocco without knowing themselves ust how they got there Among the anomalies connected iMltb them a that tbey are hated aud despised by the Moors, subject to every insult and degradation that can be Imagined, yet tbey are recognized u tuch necessary members of society that there is a law, which Is actively enforced. forbidding Jews to leave the country under any cirrumst anefs The Jews, out side of ono or two coast towns, are treated worscthan the meanest and loweslaclnials, and, lie! her lu the way of retaliation or the means which In the fl st place secured them this brutal treatment I am not com netcut to tsv, they In return treat the Misirswlth fairly devilish cruelty when they get them lu their power, as tbey often do through money transactions, for, as In other lands, the superior cunuing of the Jews makes them the bankers of the country, ami. with a debtors law which allows the imprisonment of t man until his debt Is discharged, there are ample opportunities fur the Jews lo act as Bends Incarnate. Kill. (NO A JtW. In return for this a Moor thinks no more of killing a Jew, If be can do It 3uietly. than ol killing a rat; and as for ishonoriug the family of a Jew, It Is looked Um.ii as tbo natural course of events, and truth compels me to say that the husband snd father looks on the trans action with a fair degree of complacency, provided ahvnys it helps along some end lio has In view The Jews are not allowed to carry arms of any kind, nor to ride upon a horse, mule, donkey or bullock, but must make all Journeys on foot; neither are they allowed tu wear any foot covering oiitsldo of their own quarter, where they are herded together like ani mals, their dress being regulated and re stricted so they may always be known from the believers at a glance, tnd they are forbidden to build any placesof worship or to hold religious services of any kind, which command is religiously disregarded, services being held regularly In their bouses, with. In some cities, a guard posted to Inform of the approach of strangers If there Is any nasty work to be done, as for Instance the embalming of the heads of executed rebels so that they may hang the longer at the traitor's gate, the Jews are pressed Into the service, If the sultan or one of bis oflicera wishes a few thousand dollars to meet a sudden demsnd, some wealthy Jew, who has paid the least for protection. Is seized without notice and thrown Into a dungeon until he has been si ins-zed out of t proper sum. If a Jew meets a Moor, no matter how low the position of the latter, he is obliged to step barefooted Into the filth of the middle of the street so as not to toucb the garments of a follower of the prophet, and he Is not allowed under any circumstances to enter tlie street upon which a mosque la situated. Tlie punishment for the dis regard of any of these laws Is simply ter rific, ranging from burning to death to bastinadoing. TUB BATH CKKNOWH. The use of the bath either for th fara or th body Is totally unknown among th Jews, except the band batb before eating, at other times the face being simply rubbed with a dry cloth when It becomes unpresentable. The Jews of Morocco look upon themselves as a persecuted race, but from my own observations I think I htd rather be a Jew than a Moor as far as persecution is concerned, for his deadly hatred of the Moor, coupled with his own superior cunning, gives him In the course oi bis lifetime a chance to return oppres sion for oppression, snd to my certain knowledge the dungeons of Morocco are filled with Moors rotting to death In pay ment of debts Owed lo this tame perse cuted rare. Of the Jews' quarter In Alcazar much cannot be said, except that It Is some thing dirtier than the rest of the city, and the Inhabitants decidedly hospitable. for some reason an wiute skinned people are looked upon ny the Jews as their friends, couscuucntly there la no limit to a Jew's hospitality, or to Ids requests for fioliliral favors alter you have received t. As the most Interestliifl event that could be shown, it was at one suggested that 1 attend a Jowisu wedding then tak ing place; and w hile I feared to offend tho proprieties by coming luto the pres ence of tho timid bride iu top boots and a flannel shirt, Jacob insisted that she would not mind If I had no boots at all on, or woro them around my neck. I wus a little afraid we would arrive late, until I learned that It was the playful custom of the Jews to keep th poor bridegroom in suspense by stringing the ceremony out for a week, aud that this wedding had already reached Its third day. .Morocco Cor. lioston Transcript. Methods of th I'lano Club. The latest thing la t piano club, which Is far better than the watch club. Two of them have been formed here lately, and It strikes me as the best way to get a piano, as the purchase Is taken out of tb dealers' bauds and an association some thing liknt building association Is formed. This is the Idea. A good piano costs $100. Now, If ii.it) persons will agree to purchase 3"0 planoa from a manufacturer be will give them t discount of fol) on each piano and time lo bout. Ileuc a club of UoO ryiple are formed, aud each contributes I a week, to that each week a piano la fiaid fur. A drawing takes place, th ucky number taking tb piano, but ttill contributing a dollar a week for ths In triiment until bis $3o0 Is paid. When everybody has m piano hi this way th club dissolves. Yon may say It Is bard on the on who draws lust, as be must wait SoO weeks for his piano. No. be would scarcely mist lb dollur a week, as anybody can a fiord tbst sum. Moreover, many pay tb total turn after contributins for a time, or an ar rangement Is made by which a piano can be bad Immediately by doubling tb weekly contribution. Thua the rent which would otherwise be paid for a piano It contributed toward Its purchase. A very large uuuiber of planus In tb city are rented, and such a system tends to sup plant renting. "U. B." In tilob Demo crat. The Sam Old Cone It Do Ah, Miss filbert, I have just com pleted another poem She Indeed. Mr Pen nut? tlowcuann lug! What Is the subject? HeYliopelesslyh-Th same old conceit, M'ss Filbert, the same old conceit. She (sweetly) Ah. an autobiography, Mr. Peanut 'Washim-ton Critic. Cutu Her a Chill. Madam (to servant) What Is Miss C-ra doing in her room, Marie! . Servant IShe is reading a love story by Ilowells, mum. Madam And wliat did she ring fort rJervant iShe wants more coal on th fire, mum. Nuw York rUn