Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1878-09-14
Ny First Trip to the City.
BY gENA HOFFMAN.

Come, Jessie, there il no use in being
go foolish. You Can gu 10y yourself just
IS well as not, and get through shopping
in time for the 4 20 train. Your father
is sick, and cannot leave him; so you
must 60 by yourself -
But. mother, | do not know where
any Of the streets are. aud how can find
my way in the city,
You are old enough, Jessie, to begin
to take care of yourself, and am sure
you can easily find the stores if you will
inquire. 1t is daylight, and you can see
where you are going. Go and get ready
for the train, child. Here! take my
watch, and you can be sure to start for
the depot in time"
My mothers word was always law in
our house, and I left the table with a
very rueful face to obey her commands.
She had no sympathy for the trembling
and fear which l felt at the thought of
going to the city-only fifteen miles dis
tant; but had never been there, and my
timid nature made me dread going
among strangers with no one to whom I
could look for protection.
At ten minutes of eight I ives at the
depot, with my mothers last words ring.
ing in my ears
snow do not lose your purse or miss
the train. Ishall expect you on the 30.
Good-by, dear, take care of yourself and
don't look so frightened"
felt such presentimen: of coming
evil that could not enjoy the ride as |
should have done under other circum-
stances. The morning was delightful,
the air pure and balmy, the sunshine
warm aud bright, giving promise of a
beautiful day.
At last made up my mind to dismiss
all gloomy thoughts, and leaning back
against the cushion, l let nay mind wan
der off to Jack Hale.
u. Jack was not my lover; he did not
seem TO have any preference among the
many girls of his acquaintance. Kind and
attentive to all, he did not appear to care
for any one in particular, but that did not
prevent me from liking him. His sister
married my cousin, VIII Davis, and
often met him there, and had come to
think him the only man in all the world
whom could love; but had tried to
conceal my feelings, and was certain
that no one-much less Jack-suspected
it.
1t had been nearly year since he left
our town, and had heard nothing from
him in all that time, except at first from
Will, who received letters from him &C.
casionally, but even that source of in
formation had failed, for Will had moved
away.
was, as have said, thinking of Jack,
when the conductor sang out the name of
the station, and there was I, stranger
in strange depot, jostled along until at
last 1 succeeded in finding where
wished to 60. had very little trouble
in doing my shopping; everyone was very
kind and obliging. 1t was Saturday,
however, and the shops were crowded
with country people who kept the trades.
men so busily employed that progressed
but slowly.
took no refreshment except a cup G.
hot coffee, and in the afternoon, tired,
hungry, and feeling that I was losing
time, hurried through the remainder Of
my shopping. Such was my haste that
did not notice big black cloud which
was coming up in the west; and soon the
rain descended in torrents, the wind blew
gale; my umbrella became worthless in
such q storm, but I kept my way, de-
termined to get on that afternoon train il
human efforts could avail.
When the train was due was still two
: blocks away, but l hurried on, hoping
against hope that it might be delayed.
Vain delusion! When l Was almost
there, without . moments warning il
went whining past, leaving me almos,
paralyzed with horror at my situation
Alone in . strange city, late Saturday
evening, the last train gone, and com
Pelied TO 60 to hotel. Oh dear, il was
too dreadful
should have INDUCED in q hearty err
thea and there. bu. some self-respeef Vas
sill left ne, and the eGFiO0> giancez Il
the p2ssess-by aroused ne u aeisoa- /
rushed 10 the railroad snd CARED xfter
the train, but san nothiny. for IL had
vAzissed-the smoke that sssally foIlsxs
in the wake OF = locomotive hai eaiirely
disappeared. wez; 60 the depot In
hopes there mighf te ssGe nexcs Il sxs
tag ko@e-
VERY sorry, Ml.s. DC; the las, tr.sa
has bser goee eser sse minSses. sad
fh< 6ep-st-masse--
sss cry tkes- wsz: x.aGla naearr
fhisk II me. after she hal eHzsios~a ms
sssss Eissisx the TRASH Ths sad .
ksaisea sxk<s fss&g4fs ers.~deA tArsgxA
NJ sxerbgraeseS mini- Bx, pr~-rnrls.
uiPang mt eyes, rs-.ls-a to s< a ~sm&a.
shss ss-~gks II ny sssdAes. ~hssh Asa
tkss fss esrisely fressssa-
ny n9swelis-sss six szsaie-ss@,
shsss sa&ll oess-se vry small ese In