Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1877-10-04

In little while was different beins
from the cross, dusty, hungry mortal VIII
had Sat in the hot waiting-room.
l found Mrs. Holly perfect little geii
Of woman. and. after the manner of OH
sex, we soon became as well acquainted n
if we had known each other for ysai's
And while was lying languidly upon he
comfortable sofa. and she, seated In a low
d rocking-clair, stitching away at her baby
dress. she told me the one romance of he
life, us follows;
II have lived in this little depot all III,
days. My father was agent here, and HI
r served the company so long and so well
that. when he died. they kindly allowed
, me to remain in his place, with the Same
wages. too. For. you see. Was seventeen
l and father had long before taught me tele.
graphy and all the other work: About a
!: year after fathers death. 1 ijecaifie ac.
quainted with Jack-.Jack Holly-my hus-
band" and Mrs. Holly looked up and
/ smiled.
Jack was one of the best err sineers on
the road land is now. tOO) and everybody
considered him an honest, likely young
fellow. He thought the world of me, and
we became engaged. But you know how
girls are! The weakest of them can make
a strong man treihble.
"A weak, white girl held all his heart
strings in her small, white hand,' l said to
myself.
Yes; and dare say l often pulled
Jacks heart-strings rather hard; but he
was gentle and patient when tlirted with
the country lads. and when was wild and
wayward he didn't demonstrate. But one
day there canie aloiS a city chap. who en-
house in the neighborhood.
This Clarence Devarges. as he was
called. was handsome. well-dressed. afid
had that polished. indescribable air that is
so fascinating to most silly girls. Jack
was kind and well-mannered, but he didn't
have bit of style about him. and style
was what dotted Oh in those days; so
snubbed Jack. and smiled en- Mr.: Devarges
when he offered his attentions. l flirted
most dreadtully with him, till even gener-
ous Jack was displeased
lone morning. looking Somewhat grave
ard sad he came into the ticket-otfice.
The last passenger had gone, and the train
was moving out. Jacks train had stepped
to take freight.
"'Well. how long is this thing going to
last ? said Jack.
"'What thingy I snapped ott.
"'Why, this affair with Devarges. see
it is going beyond mere flirtation.'
"'Pry. what of it?'
"'Only that l do not wish my future
wife's name joined with that of a.
Jack pausee. then added earnestly: We'll,
warn you against this fellow. Who
knows what he isy
''Mr. DevarSes is perfect gentleman,
and that is more than one can say of some
Others said hotly; and then some de-
mon prompted me to add: sAnd, Mr.. Hol-
ly, in regard to your future wife, believe
l do not aspire to that honor-and-an
here is your ring drew off the little
golden band and handed it to him.
''Nell, do you mean this ? he said, with
white lips.
'..Yes. l do. I'm fired of your carping
and criticising. The affair tiiat end now,
and forever
$50 be it, theii. Good-by.' said Jack,
and without another word he left the
room.
''To tell the truth. hadn't meant half
that said. and every minute expected that
Jack would kiss me, and we'd make up
But now he had gone forever 4 mist
came over my eyes as l watched his fast
disappearing train, and l would have in
dulged in good cry, but just then the
special came putting up, and the president
of the road came in. He was kind old
gentleman, whom 1 had known since was
wee girl.
'Good-day, Miss Nellie. Everything
prospers, hope. Will you do a favor for
me-?
"'Certainly. sir, if cam
"'Well, you see, when we were coming
down l met gentleman who owed me
some money. Paid me six hundred dol
lars, and now don't know what to do
with it, as we are going up into the woods
to see about laying out new railroad.
We shall be gone two days. Don't want
to take the money With me-will you take
charge of it while I'm gone?
"'If you'll trust me-
"'Bless /" my soul yes, of course. Here's
the morley. Must hurry away. Good
morning.
Scarcely had portly Mr. Sayre trotted
away before Mr.. Devarges came sauftering
iii.
"'Got quite little sum there, haven't
you, Mrs Nellie?' eyeing the bills in my
hand.
"'Yes,' | replied, laughing. cMr. Sayre
has made me his banker. Look! Six
hundred dollars! How rich / should be
if it were mine.'
"'You deserve to have much more, and
doubtless that pretty face will win it, Z
''SOmehOw his bold complement failed
to please, and so it was with cOldness that
said, Take chair, Mr.. DevargesY
".No, thank you, Miss Nellie. have
an appointment. But, will you allow me
to call on you this etening?'
"'Well, l scarcely think l shall be at
home. You know mother and sister Lulu
are away, and little while ago I got
word from grandma, saying that perhaps
had better come and stay all night with
her. ...-.7 --....-
''It was true that had received such
word from grandma, but had no thought
Of accepting it. l had hoped that Jack
would come and make up. and Of course
iidn't care to have Mr.. Devarges cah at ,
he same time. |;
"'What will you do with your noney, /,
Mss NeAr earelessly inquired Mr.. Devar- I
ger. .... .......
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