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THE BURLINGTON FREE PRESS, THURSDAY. J UN HI 28, 1891 COPTER X. MR. DYE. T The tide flowed back and forth bcnea'S ho thickening ice unseen, and tho win ter wore on. Mnxey's new pupil was making much progress. Tho samo was true, in another sense, of Maxoy him self. Sometimes in the interest and pre occupation of their mutual labors their heads would got very closo together. This wns so cntiroly accidental and un premeditated an occurrence that tho fnct that a Midden interruption at such times started a blush into tho faces of each Bcems btrango and unaccountable. But it was unquestionably tho fact. A Imock at tho outer door ono afternoon was at tended by this result. They had been bending over a sketch by a window in tho rear room, and botli l.jcamo sudden ly conscious that they wero betraying unwonted confusion. Maxcy was so painfully awaro of his own betrayal of sentiment that ho was very glad of tho opportunity offered to conceal it by an fcwering the summons at tho door. Ho stcppeTl into the vestibulo and j partly closed the entrance to tho rear chamber beforo ho looked into tho outer I corridor. Two men stood by tho stair j 'railing. Whunjlio saw them, tho artist's , heart gnvo a grat bound. One man ho ' knew by night; tho other ho knew by in tuition. Tho foremost man was the sly landlord of 40 Flood street. The other, who remained a littlo in tho rear, was a curious specimen of humanity. He ap-1 peared to bo between '10 and CO years of ' age. His faco was smooth, his skin very ( pale and sallow. His cheeks sank into two cavernousXhollows. His hair was 1 long and of an tibstiunte straightness. It 'buried his ears and swept his coat collar, j In perfect keeping with tho rest of his appearance, his eyes looked as though they might have been of a definite color in his boyhood, but had faded out from 1 long usage. So did his hat, his coat and what was visible of the remainder of his habit. There wero a telltale glossiness and a woobegono thrcadbarencss about , them all. If thoro was a forlorn and lit- 1 terly cast down atmosphere surrounding his face, this was equally truo of his hat , and shoes. His ancient coat was button eel up about his neck with such an evi-1 dent attempt to conceal tho absenco of a collar or the dirtiness of his linen that tho only possible excuso for having tak- ' en so much pains about tho matter seemed to bo to allow tho observer a ' chanco to amuse himself with a specu-1 lation as to which of tho two was tho fact. And with all this there were hard lines in tho man's face which spoko of unhappiness, oven perhaps despair. Mr. Belfry bowed as soon as the door Was opened. With a placid wink, of which his companion was blissfully un conscious, ho said: "I bclievtJyou was tho man, sir, that wanted a man fo write lottery for your" "I believe I was, " returned tho artist. "And if you have found me tho person I want I shall bo greatly obliged to you. Let tho gentleman como in. Perhaps you wouldn't mind yourself talking a f-eat in tho vestibulo?" Tho hireling gavo Maxey a sly look and a profound bow. Ho motioned his companion forward, and when the door was closed immediately turned tho key in tho lock, drew a chair up against it and sat calmly down with his back to it. The faded and forlorn individual did not notico this action, as it was dono behind him. Ilo had come into the hall, had removed his hat and was bestowing oiii' or two smoothing touches upon his obstinate hair, eying Maxey rather steadily tho while "You did not mention tho gentle man's name," said tho artist. "His namo is Dye," returned tho sly Belfry. At this tho lips of tho stranger un closed to give slow and distinct utter ance, in a dull, somber voice, to tho cor roborative statement. "Mr. Lcander Dyo, sir." "Dye? Dye? Rather an odd namo, that. Hut. I think I have heard it before. I think I have. Como in, Mr. Dye, coino in I have recently taken it upon mvsolf to become tho protector and guardian oi u certain young person to whom I shall take great pleasuro in introducing you. " Maxey threw open tho door communi cating with tho rear room and stopped in. Tho noxt instant tho young woman and tho man confronted each other. Tho meeting affected them differently. Annetto was so overcome that she was obliged to cling to tho piano for support. Mr. Dye, even under tho shock of tilt first meeting, did not start, nor was anything added to tho natural pallor ol his countenance. Ho meroly turned his head, saw tho man who had brought him thoro bitting with his back against tin door, cast a faded glauco over tho gen Maxell threw open the door. tral situation, including tho resolute nrtist standing beforo him, folded his arms across his breast in a manner that would have been dignified but for tin inconvenient necessity of retaining his hold on tho forkirn hat and mado the remark as if no wero announcing the most casual thing in tho world: "You havo Bet a trap for inc. " Maxoy was somewhat astonished at his coolness, though ho thought his at titudo a little theatrical. However it might have been for Mr. Dye, tho meet ing was certainly a very painful ono foi tho poor girl who had been taught in her early years to call him father. Ilei bosom roso and foil. Sho became so white that Maxey began to regret hav ing subjected her to tho shock In his anxiety to overwhelm tho man ho had not considered tho possible effect on tho woman. Still tho worst was over, and ho could only proceed. "I supposo you won't deny that you know this lady?" ho said in avoico that was meant to bo very uncompromising and stern. "Sir, it would bo utterly useless fo: mo to deny anything. " Mr. Dye had not cast a second glauf e at his former daughter, nor did ho do so now. Ho made his answer in tho most grave, oven dignified tones. Ilepunctn' ated perfectly. Thcro was a littlo pause after tho "sir" and a full stop at tho "anything." This calmness, which might be either tho calmness of deter mination or of despair, rather discon certed tho artist. Ho had often imagined himself tho central figure in such an in terview, but he had never dreamed of a man liko Mr. Dyo. "Nevertheless I will break his guard yet," he thought. After a minute's silenco Mr. Dye went on in tho sumo measured tones in which self consciousness and hopeless ness wore strangely intermingled. "Touching tho lady now under your charge, whom I onco disgraced in per mitting to bo known by a namo by no means a synonym for integrity and up rightness, I do not hesitato to say that 1 am exceedingly well rejoiced at seeing her in such apparently excellent health. She is a good girl, sir; sho is everything tho term implies, and yet, sir, you must bo aware of tho almost painful relations that exist between us, and being aware of them and of tho fact that they are so strong that sho left my IhTim; volunta rily, for tho avowed reason that a longer life with so uncongenial a person as my self wag unbearable, you can scarcely be surprised that our meeting is not more mutually pleasurable and cordial." Mr. Dyo occasionally hesitated an in stant for a word, but generally his dull, somber voice flowed on, measurably and uninterruptedly, as if ho wero de livering himself of a speech that was quite familiar to hiin. His dignified bearing was in such marked contrast to the dominant air of faded gentility that pervaded him as to bo almost painfully ludicrous. Maxey gazed at him steadily and said: "You don't know whero sho went when she left your house?" "Sir, sho never made a confidant of me. Do not misunderstand me. I am not reproaching her. I was utterly unfit for am, unworthy of her confidence. I always avoided her, as tho bad instinc tively avoid tho good. She was right to go. I entered only a feeble protest. I am aware, sir, that it may seem incon gruous and artificial coming from me, but even at tho riik of seeming incon gruous and artificial I desiro to say in taking my farewell of tho young lady under your charge for you can scarcely wish to prolong an interview that is manifestly so painful to her that I am heartily, devoutly, sincerely sorry that fato ever threw her into tho way of such a worthless mortal as myself, and that I earnestly hopo tjiat her futuro may bo as bright and unclouded as her past was dark and unfortunate." Despite the theatrical ring of tho se pulchral voico thero was a tone of sin cerity and candor about the last few words that mado an impression, oven against his will, upon tho artist. Tho tears came into Annetto's eyes. Timidly and tremblingly sho approached Mr. Dyo and hold out her small white hand. "Mr. uo, father," sho faltered, "pleaso do not think I was ungrateful. You will forgive mo for what I said about my parentage when I was angry. If you havo dono right, it was cruol. If you havo not, it is a matter for your own soul. I 6hU never forget that it was your roof that sholtercd mo when I had no other. Believe mo, I did not run away from you. I met with a terriblo accident. " Mr. Dyo did not look at her, but ho unfolded his arms to tako her hand, which ho held as lightly as possiblo and dropped at tho first opportunity. Max oy, who Was watching him olosoly, was ftartled to pee in his faco a momentary betrayal of sentiment. Thero was no doubt about it. Mr. Dyo's dim oyos wa tered, and tho corners of his gloomy mouth witched. Tho tono in which ho at last roplied was vory different from tho ono iu w'hich ho had previously spoken.. "If I said God bless you, it would bo mummery. "ho blessing of a mau liko mo is a poor legacy, but 1 shoiftd liko to say something to nhow you that I am really sorry for tho part I havo played in your life. You ulwuys were a good girl and did your best to pleaso mo. I am not your father. I could not feel toward you as a fathor ought perhaps, but I was not inscnsiblo of your virtues. I novcr was moro pleased in my lifo than when I heard" Ho scorned to think himself in danger of committing himself horo, for ho hosUatod and finally substituted "when you just now told mo that you had escaped a terrible accident, Goodby, Annette." Annotto wont out, sobbing. When tho door had closed behind her, Maxoy men tally braced himsolf for a desporato'cou test. Unfortunately forjhim, at tho very outset of- tho battlo ho felt adistrust of himself and a dread of tho superior strength of his adversary. Acting upon tho theory that Mr. Dyo had somo knowledge of the crime on tho sea road, ho had prepared a terriblo sur prise for him. Ho had caused it to bo understood that tho victim of that crimo had died in conscqucnco and then sud denly confronted him with her. Ho had congratulated himself beforohand on tho effect of this trying situation, but Mr. Dyo had scarcely expressed moro surprise than if it had been the most ordinary oc currence of daily life. Maxoy spoko up sharply: "Now to tho business which I havo to transact with you. Thero is uo need of your standing, sir. Sit down. " "Sir, I was standing here," said Mr. Dye, thoroughly recovered from his re cent' momentary weakness, "utterly at a loss to determino what could bo the mar velous nature of tho circumstances that could influence, such a gentleman as yourself to take tho pains to enter into a not very roputablo subterfuge to in duce so humblo an individual as myself to como to your house, when a simplo written request left at my lodgings would havo been sufficient. Men do not tako such pains my long experienco with human naturo leads mo to say it men do not tako such pains without au adequate motive. " Mr. Dyo said all this not as though he had any real curiosity. In fact, thero was such a somber, graveyard atmos phere about his voice and manner that tho hearer was involuntarily impressed with the belief that ho had reached a stage of mehtal depression where it was no longer possible to harbor a lively in tcrcst in any affair of life. "Wowill not discuss that now, " said Maxcy. "Thoro aro somo matters which you must explain to my satisfaction be fore I shall feel overwhelmed with .' sense of my own meanness. If you will sit down, it will bo moro comfortablo for you, as it may prove to bo Dine what lengthy session." "Sir, it is immaterial to me." Having said this with a sign that seemed to leave no matter of doubt that ho spoko tho truth, Mr. Dyo accepted I tho proffered chair. He deposited his wocbegono hat upon tho center tablo with as much care as if it had been tho ' most valuable thing in the world, folded 1 his arms and fixed his faded glance upon tho ruffled fur surface beforo hiuu Max i ey seated himself opposite whero ho I could watch him narrowly. I "You understand me, I hope, sir? must be explained, if not to mo now, to ( the proper authorities at some other j time, I havo not employed tho police so far in this matter for reasons of my own. ' Tho polico unfortunately includes tho I press. My family affairs havo enjoyed all tho publicity I caro for of lato, but if necessary I havo fully mado up my mind to sacrifice my own feelings in this regard. I must inform you at onco that the polico would bo very glad to know whero to find you, and it remains for you to say whether you shall let them know it in person or go from hero a free mau. " Maxey had been awake nights plan ning his proceduro at this iuterviow. At this point in tho case he had always pictured tho trembling villain as turn ing palo and saying, "Oh, Mr. Maxey, do not deliver mo to tho police, and I will tell you everything!" but in reality the presumable villain opened his un blanehed lips to say in an entirely steady voice: "Sir, you sre here a man who for years and years has been struggling in tho fileo of great and insurmountable odds, and v ho has mado a failure of tho struggle. I do not know what you mean, but you evidently desiro to institute legal pro ceedings of borne naturo against mo. You havo my full and free permission so to do. If I am accused of anything, I caro not what in the category of crimes, from petty larceny to murder, I shall not tako tho troublo to deny it. When this man brought mo to your door, I was wonder ing if it wero possible for Providence so far to havo relented toward mo as to bo opening for mo a means of honest and manly employment. I came here as a last effort in that direction. With tho result of this experiment in mind, I shall never try it -again. No, sir. Do what you pleaso with mo. I will employ no counsel. I will maku no defense. Tho law may tako its course. Tho remainder i f my life, tho maimer of my death, is a matter of total indifference to me." Tho voico had still its theatrical ring, but underneath it all thero was a grim noss and a sincerity that carried with it tho conviction that ho meant what ho said. When the amazed Maxey could speak, ho exclaimed: "So you confoss your share in tho crimo without equivocation?" "Sir, I can only confess tho truth, but as I am not a man of veracity that would havo littlo weight. If you havo any evidence at all of any wrong dealing en my part, an ignorant and uncultivated jury would undoubtedly do your work and convict mo of anything. I look liko a villain. I havo nil tho suspicions and imoxplainablo habits if a villain. Twelve average men would say at onco: 'Ho is a villain. Let ns punish him.' " "And.you haven't a shadow of n sus picion of what you would bo accused?" "Sir, of whatuso is it to question me? If I say no, you will not bolievo me. If I say yes, I should only lay myself open to further questions, which it would bo iinpossiblo for mo to answer, and then you would not bolievo mo. In any case I should bo a liar and an equivocator in your eyos. Tho shortest way is to call the police at once. Sir, I havo used al cohol very freely of ldto yoars, and it lias partially succeeded in achieving tho result to secure which I learned to liko it in blunting my scutes and brutaliz ing my intellect, but I have yet remain ing to me, I think I may say without exaggeration, sufficient penetration and sagacity to understand tl.it a gentleman liko yourself does not tako such pains to becomo possessed of the person of a so cial outcast liko mysolf unless ho be lieves such a step of supremo impor tance. Doubtless you have your theo ries?" "Doubtless I have. You havo parried my question very ingeniously, Mr. Dye, Let me seo what you will say to tho next. You spoko of' tho truth in tho matter. What is the truth?" "Sir, I will answer you unreservedly. I connect my presenco hero, not without somo degreo of naturalness, you must admit, to tho interest you tako in tho young lady whom I havo reared as my daughter. Whilo I can havo no idea of what your suspicions aro or of what you would convict me, inasmuch as you speak of tho polico I infer that it must bo something of a criminal nature. Tho truth in relation to that matter is An netto is not my child, and I havo no claim or authority over her. I never oven legally adopted her. If sho has borno my name, it was beoauso my lato wife wished it for tho child's own sake. Sho bolicvcd that it would bo humiliat ing for tho child to be brought up in tho knowledgo that she had no TOrtnie; that sho was iu truth a waif whoso parent- ago was unknown. I would havo given much if tho namo wo gave her had been worth moro for her own sake, but it was tho best that wo could do under the cir cumstances. " "Who wero Annette's parcutb?" "God knows." "And you?" "Sir, I am not in his confidence." "You talk that way and expect me to believe youl" "Sir, on the contrary, I do not. Nei ther' 1o I wish to bo understood as in dulging in profane levity. I have tho ut most respect for tho Deity. lie has, ho can havo none for me." Maxoy was astounded. It was not alono tho coolness of tho man, but tho sincerity and despair with which ho seemed to speak. In spite of himself, tho artist began to believe him. For a mo ment he could not regain courage enough to return to the attack. Mr. Dyo lifted his faded oyes inquiringly from tho con templation of his hat. "You don't believo me?" he said. "It seems hardly possible." "Sir, it is the truth. For mysolf I would not tako tho trouble to speak. For her sake I will say to yout3at I take my oath beforo Almighty God, as I hopo for mercy in tho world to como, that I do not know who her patents were. " He said this solemnly and impressive ly. It produced a profound effect on Maxey, who had never drifted away from tlio religious teaehing of his youth. Tho namo of the Deity was a very solemn thing in his eyes. He could not under stand why it should not bo in the eyes of all men. Nevertheless ho mustered up courage to renew the battle. "If this bo true, why then did you appear so excited on tho night when you put this child into yjur wife's arms? Why did you plead with her so earnestly never to reveal that tho child was not your own? Why did you even say that if tho truth wero known it might brimg you to tho gallows?" Surprises liko this may startle tho calmness of effrontery, but there aro few surprises sufficiently strong to over come tho calmness of despair. Mr. Dyo was utterly unmoved. Ho replied in his somberest tones: "Sir, you must bo awaro that tho moribmid when approaching dissolution enters frequently into a stage of hallu cination. The mind wanders. If it were worth while to defend myse lf, I should say that my poor wife was not herself; that sho exaggerated." This was bimply unanswerable, and strangely enough it was the first timo it had occurred to Maxey. The artist felt tho groundwork of his hopes giving way beneath him, but he forced himself to assumo a skeptical air and to proceed. "You can tell me, I suppose, how you became possessed of this child'?' "Sir, I can assuredly." "In tho namo of goodness, vary your form of address a little," cried Maxey, exasperated by tho inevitable prefatory "sir." Mr. Dyo looked up with mild surprise in his faded eyes. "Since it annoys you, sir, I will," "It is unnatural, and you put it on for effect." "You aro a gentleman, sir. I cannot contradict you. " Maxcy bit his lip. "Be kind enough, then, to goon." "It was a dark night, sir," said Mr. Dye, looking as though ho wero drawing tho wholo scene out of tho ruflled stir faco of his forlorn hat. "I was coming homo from a low resort, I stumbled up my steps unsteadily -and fell over a bundlo that was lying outside my door. It was littlo Annette, stupefied by tho effects of somo drug which had been given her. I took her in to my wife, and that poor, unfortunate woman who wrecked he: lifo when. ? ho married me conceived an affection for her at once. Wo never had any children. Sho desired to keep her. I permitted her to do so. That is tho wholo story. Do not think I wish to bo bhort with you. I will nn swer any question you think it worth your whilo to address to mo. " "Did you leave tho city immediately after you found tho child?" "I did." "Why?" "My business, perhaps it would be franker to say my means of livelihood, necessitated it. " " What has been your means of live lihood?" "Swindling iu all itstvarious forms " Maxoy silt staring in bowildonuent for Bomo minutes. "By what methods--" "By tho meanest methods. Do you wish mo to give a catalogue of my crooked ways? It would no doubt bo iu ktructivo to you. " "Never mind that, " cried Maxey, with mddon energy. "Answer mo this: Wero you concerned iu tho attempt to murder this child Annette?" Mr. Dyo sprang to his feet with n force that overturned his chair and stood with a horrified look fixed full on tho artist's faco. His lip tromblcd and his voico fal tered when lie nsked: "Is that is that your suspicion?" "I am not hero to talk of suspicions. I am asking you a plain question, sus coptiblo of a plain answer. " Gradually' tho horrified look faded out of his face, "Tho lack luster oyes sought tho surface of the hat again. Ho turned and carefully restored tho chair to an up right position beforo ho replied: "I would rather, I would much rath er, sir, tho accusation should como in any other form, but go on, sir, go on even in this. If thero has been such an attempt, arrest me, try me, convict me, hang me. I am utterly unworthy of tho least respect, as you realize. A man who would steal would kill. Ho would shoot down oven the young and innocent girl who trusted him. Go on, sir. I shall not opposo you. " "I am half a mind to tako you at your word!" cried Maxey, rising and impa tiently pacing the floor. "I shall not rcsibt you, sir." "Do you mean to tell mo that you do not know of tho foul attempt on this poor girl's life on the Fea road tho very day you disappeared from town?" Mr. Dyo mado no reply at once, but a harsh, grating sound issued from be tween his lips. Maxey even thought ho heard him murmur through his clinched teeth: "Tho black heart 1 Tho black heart 1" But his faded glanco was scarcoly lift ed from tho forlorn hat ero he becamo passivo again. "I can only say to you, sir, that I never heard of this thing before. " "Don't you read tho newspapers?" "Not except by accident. I have no interest in the world whatever. " "Do you never hear peoplo talk?" "I havo heard nobody talk about this, but I havo been away whero I would bo ! littlo likolv to. " "Whv did'vou go away?" ' have money. I have been engaged in an attempt to raise money by dishonest moauji au attempt which failed as dis astrously as it deserved. It was my be lief until I came here that Annetto had indeed voluntarily absented herself from my abode, as sho had threatened to do. If yon will ask tho landlord at -10 Flood street, ho will tell you that I left money in his charge to bo given to her if sho returned during my absence. I had, I could have, no possible ill will for that unfortunate girl. Neither was her lifo such that she could havo acquired ene mies. You speak in riddles, sir. Would it bo asking too much that you should tell mo tho cireumjstance.s? Bnt, no; you will not do that, for I am tho mau sus pected. " "I think circumstances warrant asus picion that you know moro than you will admit. Nevertheless, lest I do an injustice, I will tell you what you ask. " Ho told it. Mr. Dyo listened motion less till the ond. When it was over, ho remained silent. "Havo you nothing to say to this?" asked Maxey. "Do you suspect nobody?" "I havo nothing to sav, sir." "Nothing?" "Not a word." "Well, then," cried Maxoy excitedly, "thero is only ono course open to me. " Ho was interrupted by a knock at tho door. Annette, whoso eyes wero not yet free from tears, implored his attention for a moment. He went into tho parlor with her. Miss Maxey, dressed for tho street, sat in one corner of the room, apparent- , ly preoccupied, though tho unusual color in her cheeks was evidenco enough that sho was disturbed by more than ordinary emotions. The artist barely noticed her. . He wns too much under tho power of tho new and contending feelings that filled his soul when Annetto spoko to him to heed anything else, for Annetto opened her heart to him and laid baro her sweet i and forgiving naturo as sho never had dono before. And she plcadeel for tho , token of his regard fr her which ho was j the least in the world desirous of grant- I ing. But what could ho do under the spell of her presence? How could ho say "No" , even when tho granting of her prayer would allow to slip through his fingers tho first real key to tho mystery of tho ' Ma road which ho felt he had ever held? . The beautiful face turned toward him so beseechingly, tho dark eyes emphasized her words so oloquently that ho had no . power to resist. j She could not forget that Mr. Dyo had brought her up, had given her a home; j that ho stood to her in place of a father. ' Sho could not bear to think of his being j persecuted or molested on her account. If ho would not speak, let him remain silent. The past was passed. Would not Mr. Maxey givo her his promise not to follow up that dark matter further? Mr. Maxov did not want to, but for her sake Mr. Maxey would, and he ditl. j "I promise you, " ho said at length. ' "I will detain him no longer. I will ; tell him that ho is at liberty to gowheie j ho pleases, and tuat I uo it lor ins daughter's sake. " j "Oh, no; pleaso don't tell him that. I It is not necessary that ho should know that I interceded for him. I would rath- er not." "Very well then," said Maxey. bo it." Ilo left tho room and dismissed 'So Mr. jjeury iroin nis dosi iu mo nun. ii.if , .. . a ... AS no was nowung ino noor open lor fho sly landlord to pass out, Miss Maxcy swopt by him on her way to tho street, i and as sho went sue Hashed into nor brother's face a look of mingled pity and contempt which made him feel decided ly uncomfortable. "Sho thinks I havo yielded to Annetto too readily," ho reflected, "nnd no doubt sho is right. No doubt I havo. " Still ho could not retract his promiso now. Ho wont into tho room whero tho somber man still sat. "Mr. Dyo, I liavo only ono moro ques tion to nsk you. Havo you told mo ev erything which you beliovo it is neces sary for mo as tho gnnrdian of Annetto to know?" "Sir, I havo nothing moro to say. " "I havo done, sir. " Mr. Dvo arose, calm and unmoved. uow as ho had been at first, smoothed off his hat with his glistiningsloovo, put it upon his head and madoftho fol lowing speech: "I desiro first, sir, towam you,,if youfl wish to retain me, to liavo mo rtrresteci. Necessity is a stern law. I must; eat If1 thcro is nothing for mo hereFeh'aUinot' .' 1 T i .1." remain noro. i io not muc-i uuuu, in view of tho manifold vicissitudes of lifo and thounccrtniutiesof tho appellations which control human events, that if you let mo go today it isut all probable you will ever see mo again. " "You nro at liberty to go.whcro yon will," said Maxey. "If yon havo told mo tho truth, thero is no reason why you should not. If you have, lied to me, bottle it with your conscicnco. " Ho opened tho door. Mr. Dye said not a word. He made a profound stago bow, settled his hat moro firmly on his 'head and stalked out. "And that is tho end," thought, tho artist, with somo bitterness, "of mv'cx DQrif;iico as a defective " TO EE CONTINUED. OUR KALEIDOSCOPE. Deceit. False rind hollow la tho heart that flutters in her breast. the tells tho audience she sings Her number by request. Detroit Tribune A rtxril Hnblt of IIIi. Maud You bettor bo on tho lookoutffor a proposal from Uhurlcy Uoouley. Ellen Why? Has ho expressed hla I affection for me? ' Maud No, but ho proposed to mo last I night, and I refused him. Chicago Bee I ord. A Great Need A Somervlllo bachelor Is going to take out n patent. He has discovered a brand now way to entertain a baby when ho la left nlono with It for tho afternoon, and 1' expects to bo richer than tho Astorbllts before the year is out. Somervlllo Jour- Tin. QuciMon. "I'm goinr- to leave you," tho actress said In a voice that was low and sad. "Is it," the husband dropped his head, "In earnest or just an ad.?" Chicago Tribune. Their Iirolt. Bubbsby I understand they're trying to pass a bill prohibiting baby carriages on tho streets. I bet the kids nro kicking. Gubbsby I should say they wero. Why, even tho youngest of thom aro up in arms. Buffalo Express. Snylnjj and Doinrr. Cora Why did sho leave tho room when sho was in the mfddlc of her argument about tho cruelty of killing song birds? Mcrritt Sho went to show tho servant how to drop a live lobster into boiling wa ter. New York Truth. Another SeaMiort' Kesnrt Boom. Soon summer giris from dry good3 clerks Of silks will be- a sample, And with it make their bathing skirts And line thu measure ample. Chicago Journal. ,, The On Thins Kequlrcd. You pay j ou d-j not love, me, dear. I knovr th! must bo true. But you need not ulvo back the heart that I once gave to. ou. No, not the heart, but I would like to get tho other tlu..g.-. I'd like to get that "liver back, also thoso dia mond rings, For I ran get idling without tho heart. Yes, dear, thnt's true. But, ch, fi'r nU the hard earned wealth that 1 blew in on youl New Yor : Sun. Assured. been engaged They had for several months, "My life," he whispered one eveninc, "have uot the qualities which make me ac ceptable to you beeu sufficiently tried to catisfy you of their cenuineneasf" bin- hesitated only a moment. "Yes," she answered firmly. "A fortune that can survive such a -fear as the past has been must be pretty solid. DarliuK, I am yours." The clock ticked noisily, and the flames crackled in the grate. Detroit Tribuue, The lllKgest l'art of It. "This," said the congressman to his visit ing friends as he picked up a slender pam phlet, "this is t lie bill which is creating such widespread interest throughout tho country." "And what nie those vast tomes I see beside it?" queried one of his nests. "Those?" said the congressman. "Oh, those are the amendments to the bill." Chicago Record. Lipsomanla In lloiton. A maiden In Boston he wanted to kiss. Although 'twere a kiss frappe. But when he attempted to osculate her The maiden had something to say To wit: "Exouso me, dear bir, if I seem to be rude. But bacteiiolozical bl'&s Is not what I want, and klf s mo you cawn't, For microbes exibt iu a kiss." Detroit Free Press. Wouldn't Itepeat. "I am going to spend a week up at tho Barker's in Rlvcrdnle," said Borely. "So Barker tohUine," said Cynicus. "What did ho say?" "Well, really, Borely, I don't like to env. I novcr uso profano language" Ll'to. Postponed. Perhaps tho best specimen of wit that has enlivened a county court in many a day was that emitted liko a flash by John Coffey, tho attorney, who has been guilty of a good many things that havo disturbed , , - - . . ,, B -.. - was counsel In a caso which had nlready beon postponud somo two orthroo times at his request. It was beforo Judge Outcalt. Again Mr. Coffey nsked for postponmeent. Thu court reminded him that it had al ready been postponed sovcral times at his request. "Havo you good grounds for wishing another posponcmcntr" aked tho court. "Yea, sir, I hnvo," replied Coffey. "What aro they?" asked tho court, "Coffey grounds, your honor." "Coffoy grounds?" repented tho judge ''Yes, sir," said John. Thru tho judge got on his dignity nnd reminded tho lawyer that ho wus trifling with tho court "Your honor," sold Mr. Coffey, "thero wns a small addition to my family, lust night, and I submit, your.honor, thift'tliU is good grounds for asking for u postpone ment." Did John get it? Well, rather. New York Sun. THE COLORED HANDKERCHIEF." It Is Still In Evidence, and Stationer; IB ' Now Itnlnlinw Illicit. Colored hnndkcrchinfjS bold their own In pojiuk)r favor, although thcro aro certain nrcludfctd mind's who cnusidor that thrsa articles belontr lu tho list of thoso which k'should ahvtty8.be pure white, njllst which (includes muslin underwear, nightdresses-,. mien Hinns, collars unu cuuu, ueuuiiigmiu. tatdo linen. The conservative class IsTrt tho minority, however, and somo of tjjo tinted handkerchiefs nro really dulnty ntuT pretty enough to convert tho most rlgfd conventionalist. Squares of solid colored 'linen lawn In blue, pink, lavoudor or ycl- TAHASOLS. low nro scalloped and embroidered with whilo. Others have a white middle, with a broad hemstitched colored border, and the name is Written across tho corner and embroidered In silk or linen to mutch. In. puro whlto hnndkerehiefs there Is an In finite vurlcty In sheer linen, with wide nr narrow hemstitched borders, worked edgis, lace frills npd flue insertion. Thoso sur rounded with delicate Valenciennes and embroidered with white llncu floss are al most tho prottlest ot any shown, ulthoucfl; there aro beautiful ones, made of plneapplf. cloth and worked elaborately with Silk, that look liko bits of frostwork. Tho fancy for color has gone furthc.r than handkerchiefs, unfortunately, and lias noticeably affected stationery, wl ich "may bo seen "in various strong tones of tnn, blue, green and brick red. It is ex tremely uoplcnsant to look at and rcquin s only the addition of somo sort of powerful scent to be in thoroughly consistent bad tusto. Among tho parasols there In nothing particularly new. Tho straight haudlo tcrmiuatcd by a ball is almost universal this season, and the canopy fop has gono quito out, but tho chiffon and luce puffs und ruffles of several years past aro still employed nnd are very delicate and lltrht. Puro white und black and white are much seen, as also aro sun umbrellas of changeable and lino checked silk. In more expensive poods thero are lovely par asols of whlto satin, In which ore set sev eral rows of whlto lace insertion, dimin ishing In width as thby approach the c li ter. Others havo u heavy fall of laco about the edte, headed by a puffing, tho fullnctsof which is gathered over the ribs. Judic Choli.kt. A PRETTY PARIS GOWN. It Is of Vhitn Law n nnd Green Velvet, l'ronch und Vanheo rashlous. Wo nro fond of affirming inn dissatisfied muuner that European fashion papers and fashion writers are superior to thoso in America, !i is everything elso abroad, ac cording to the critics. Their pictures aro certainly better and their articles are well expressed, but It Is a-tonUhlng to how largo an extent their professedly original text Is mado up of recommendations of i particular dressmakers, hairdressers, pcr I turners and cosmetic manufacturer!!. If i woman writes to a reputable -mrricti publication for advice concernins her com- iMMmmk - .a. A VELVET AND LAWN COMniJCATIOV. plcxlon or hnir, she is given several bits of practical advice, with perhaps a harmless prescription tacked on that she can havo mndo up at any chemist's shup. On tho contrary, tho correspondents' column of a French fashion paper is a mere string o addresses of business firms whose merchan dise is recommended by tho person having charge of that department of t)io journal over his signature Tho French aro a tjirif ty natiop, and it may be reek' med that a comfortable .tpcV,nio is netted from thU sort of journalism, which cuts both ways. It Is a very good sort of schemo from u flnunolal point ,of view, but tho American public is beftcr served, for dul- journal ists aro paid at only one pfllnt on tlio routo and havo nc emptation to fill tip their al lotted space with advertisements of par ticular articles. After all, it is n great thing to bo au American wo nil feel it even when we arc fotill-Ji onough not to ad mit it and it is bestjjf oil to be an Amfcr lcau woman, for sho has the advantage of living from infancy In an utmosphcie of mental freedom such as the women cf no other nation enjoy. No amount of Intel experienco counteracts tho early infiuencu of prejudice and narrow views, ondAmer ican women can count upon thenssflyes as their best guides in spite of the. superior educational advantages of their European Bisters. ( But we have wandered nwny from fash Ions, which purport to bo our main ob-, ject. Wo still lqpk to Paris for them, nndt tlio heart of Paris is tho stage. From thati standard authority is dorlved tho costumoi of which a sketch is given. The skirt of' whlto lawn is trhumud with bonds of em broldercll insc'rfion""nnd nn embroidered Oouncc. Thp bodice is,of malchitfi green velvet, wljh a short, (nil basque. It has a! fnll ,-ncf nt will-.. cllL- imicl'l-i Anrl vplopt;. levers covered with guipure. Tho sleevest reach to the oibow, and a black satin 'glrdlot encircles tho waist. .Tcnro Chollet. 1 London papers gravely announce tha "engaged mantle" asn New York riov$lty,'i worn, it seems, by young Uaucecs as a moro outward sign of their contcinplatlnn nf matviinonv thnn thn nnrrairflinpn't rinif. f Skirts arejust right at present, neither top f ull.nor foo skimpy, Somo are patfolod, urtfiift nm slJmhod. nnil 11 ftv n vf-rv few are draped. .,4 I