The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-11-07
smile from pretty face was too much for
him To resist.

could be behind the brown veil. Some
young lady who knew him by sight, he
was pretty sure, for there was something
in the trim little figure that seemed rather
familiar TO him.
The train started with jerk, and the
young lady was nearly twitched of the
seat. Tom helped her to become settled,
and in some way his hand got entangled
with hers, and he didn't try to disentangle
it. The young lady didn't seem to have
any very serious objections to the situa-
ton, for she permitted Toms fingers to
cling to her own daintily glovcd one under
the cover of her shawl.
Tom said something once or twice, but
the lady didn't seem inclined to talk much.
1t was perhaps half hours ride from
the city to the place where Tom got off,
A half hour doesn't seem very long, but it
was quite long enough for Tom to get up a
silent Irritation with his young lady com
panion. Once or twice he wondered what
his wife would say if she knew all about
it. But then it was just to pass away the
time, and there wasn't any harm in it.
Merely an innocent amusement.
just before reaching the station where
Tom lives, the train passed through tun-
mel.
Into this tunnel plunged the train on
this memorable evening. The lamps had
not been lighted in the car, and of course
everything was wrapped in midnight dark
nees.
"May l have kiss ?" whispered Tom,
leaning toward the brown veil. "Just
one he pleaded.
There wasn't any reply in words, but
Tom, whose arm had stolen about the
silent young lady's waist, felt curious
tremble shake her. He didn't know but
that she was laughing at him.
"Silencc gives consent" said Tom, aud
pulled away the brown veil and pumped
a whopping kiss somewhere in the vicinity
Of her ear
just then the train dashed out of the
tunnel, and Tom hoped to see the face of
his queer companion But the brown veil
was down.
The train stopped, and Tom got up to
get of.
So did his companion.
A cold shiver ran over him. What IL
the story should leak out
He hurried out Of the car, and looked
around at the door, to find the brown veil
close behind him.
| He made plunge for the platform, but
he couldn't escape his fate. The brown
veil followed him.
Who the dickens can it be 2" thought
Tom. "If it's any one who is going to
stay here awhile, Kitty will be sure to
hear of ii, and l don't know how l could
explain it to her satisfactorily. Women
are SO particular"
"Hello, Tom !" called out friend, COM
ing up just then. "Just from the city p
"Yes," said Tom, who was meditating
basty retreat, "Who is that woman in
the brown veil, Bernard? She came up
on the train with me"
That woman in the brown veil 2" said
Bernard, looking about among the crowd;
al don't see any"
Tom breathed froer.
81 don't see her now. I didn't know
who she was, but there was something
kind Of familiar in her appearance, l fan
cied. Good gracious u
Toms last remark was caused by the
appearance at his elbow of the identical
lady in the brown veil
"Pd like to walk home with you if you
have no objection" she said, with queer
little temble in her voice, as if laugh was
not far back Of it.
"With me !" cried Tom, aghast, "I--
that is"
! "Oh, it doesn't make any difference,
laughed the lady, and Toms eyes were
something worth seeing when he heard
that laugh. "Dear, dear It's too good
to keepl oh, Tom don't you know me2'
Up went the brown veil and there stood
Kitty, her face perfectly convulsed with
merriment.
"Ill be shot if it isn't my wife !" cried
Tom, looking as if he wanted to faint, OF
do something equally diverting.
Didn't know your own wife r. cried
Bernard. II declare if that isn't the
richest joke of the season. say, Tom,
must tell the boys about this must
really"
"Just one" whispered Kitty to Tom,
with her eyes full of mischief "Silenco
gives consent. Wouldn't you like another
one"
i "Tom's face was as red as the rose 10
Kitty's hat.
" Ifyou'll keep still about that"
you'll get me that lavender silk ?''
finished Kitty.
"Yes, II do it," cried Tom. "Jusi
say it's a bargain"
"And you'll never do so again ?" added
Kitty.
i Never us sure as my name is Tom
Vernon" said Tom, silently
"Well, on those terms, agree to say
nothing about it, butt was so rich T.
and Kitty couldn't help laughing till she
cried. "0h, Tom, to think of i'll"
l. fH..s. Il. a 4