The Gay Adventure

t there is the consolation of having arrived at a workable philosophy. For some of us this philosophy may mean simple acquiescence; for others an attitude of pleased contemplation, like a yo

y of the metaphysicians, is of much more value to the world than abstract

d not been realized, though on more than one occasion he had made efforts to find his ideal. There had been, for instance, the daughter of a chimney-sweep, a virtuous and charming creature. There had been a policeman's niece, whose boast it was that she could "slip the bracelets"-her own exp

out" with him with pleasure. They would give him every encouragement until ... until the fatal truth became known. It was not that his immediate supply of cash was pitiable: it was because he had no "prospects." He had no trade, being merely the driver of a cab. Now it is possible for a cab-driver to marry and b

ty-five he fluttered after a lady who seemed a promising helpmeet. She was a milliner's assistant, and swore to wait till Hen

ut a strain of Scottish or Jewish blood, coupled with a human desire to show the world he could do something, compelled Mr. Brown to save. For something like thirteen years he lived carefully and put

experience. Gradually he extended his operations, and by the end of four years he had twenty taxicabs under his command. He still lived carefully, though in comfort, and when he arrived at his fortieth year he rubbed

tie. He also discarded pipes as being vulgar, and took to threepenny cigars instead. Thus habited, if the expression may be allowed

t looks. A man with little money, his way to make, and a sense of disappointment, is not anxious at first to extend his circle of friends. When he has made some progress, then it will be time enough, or so he thinks. But it is not always time enough, as Henry Brown found to his cost. His few friends were bachelors like himself, and when he beg

years is a fetter not lightly to be broken. But being, so to speak, on the alert for a possible mate, he now took more than a business interest in his customers. He noticed, therefore, that this young woman was certainly pretty, neat and decided, and he put her down as a lady's maid in a "superior" house. He made no

for a walk one day. Would it be proper-the Thing? Would she be pleased to look on him as a mature Don Juan, laying snares for her pretty feet? Would it be "rushing it" too much, and would she build extravagant hopes thereon? For Henry Brown was careful and, remembering his early love, did not intend to commit himself until he knew a little more about her.

as usual, a little distrait it may be, hoping occasionally that he would meet her again, and in idle moments revolving schemes to achieve this end. The difficulty was that he did not know where she lived, for on both occasions the

desperate diffidence Mr. Brown recalled himself to her. The young woman was very obliging and perfectly at her ease. Oh, but yes! She re

unday. If you really wish, I shall meet you at the steps of the National Gallery at half past two. You are discreet, nicht wahr?" Mr. Brown, who translated the concluding phrase as a term of endearment or at least friendliness, began to feel that life was well worth living

recipitate, he contented himself with making her presents of flowers, chocolates, or an occasional piece of jewelry of the Mizpah type. He trusted that his personality, generous handling of the case, and time ("Giving her rope enough to hang herself" was his well-meant but unfortunate metaphor) would dispose her to favor his suit. The lady appeared perfectly content with the situation; she accepted

ho restaurant. They had just finished supper, and both were smoking. To be honest, Mr. Brown did not altogether approve of the cigarette, but he had never dared to object. "Besides," he thought tolerantly, "these foreigners.... But what I w

t. On the steps of the restaurant they paused, for it was raining. "You must have a cab,"

lance

nce, just a

if it might be taken as a sign. With bounding pulses he thought, "Shall I risk it and ask her?" And then, with a return of sanity, "No; better wait and not spoil it." He

ndering what

rely, "You must think this strange-immodest, almost. But I have a r

rstood to murmur, "Not at a

beg a truthful answer. Why have you so befr

hianti, and fired by the graciousness of his divinity, he threw caution to the winds. Though in the privacy of his office he had more than once rehearsed the

s conventional enough to turn her head for a moment and appear to be thinking deeply. She also obeyed the rules by observing presently, "But t

foolish at all. I have loved you for a goodish time, and I want you to be my wife. I am not a boy, miss, as you know. I'm a serious man of fo

an expression that was kin

I thank you very much. I guessed that you li

ou not sure of? My income? (Excuse me for mentioning it, miss.) You can look a

her hand i

ly I am not sure th

sta

y. "What are the symptoms? I know I l

indeed. Sometimes I think I love you, but then a d

ought to know better than that. Why, that

itement-in a word, romance! To marry a man without romance would be insupportable;

exactly see what you mean. But I'd do anything to please you. T

" she asked, he

d stoutly. "Anyt

e true romance k

udgment, but compelled by her a

y and forbidding; but to him it was the antechamber of Paradise. At last he was by way of realizing his ideal: his frequent failures and persistent struggles were presently to be crowned with fulfilment. In a burst of noble emotion he resolved to

ou mus

gh not to drop the hand; "it was this romance idea

are not

se I must wait till I can say Paid For. You've bee

y. "I was wondering whether you are stron

in fair training," h

icul

laughed at mo

s ... p

ening. "My dear-beg pardon-miss, I me

in a false position. You might be accused and be obliged

cence, reinforced by pretty features, has an easy prey in besotted experience. She lowered her lashes in virgi

pped he

square. Really, I am a victim.... What I want you to d

etec

ve the guidance of your bus

his again, poss

, determined. "Y

watch a man. I may ask you to get back for me the documents. I may-I do not know. It may even be necessary for you to leave London for

Henry Brown liked, but he was a man of hi

wil

and returned the pressure, feeling like a knight of the middle ages. (Or a mid

me one excuse,"

it

. A shred of bashfulness still hung about him, but he was growing up fast-ex

certa

ry kis

ed with a new-found eloquence

mprinted a feathe

l!" she said happily. "I con

indeed it was not meant for