The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1879-08-07
A Runaway Wife.

Few men will take the trouble to pur-
sue runaway wife. It is true that won,-
en- sometimes leave their husbands from
perfectly legitimate cause, but it is very
rarely that they do so in company with
another person. But an accident of this
description is related by Il conductor of
the Kansas Pacific as occurring on his
train, during Il recent run in the dircc-
ton Of Denver A couple were occupy
ing middle scat in a ladies' Car, having
got on ut way station. Possibly at
tractcd by that invisible fascination
which never fails to bring about Il con-
trctcmps, Il gentleman in Il rear Car came
in and took Il scat Immediately behind
the amorous couple. There was u shock
of surprise as his eyes first fell upon them,
and deathly pallor oversprcad his coun-
tenancc. But this was for an instant
only. Then Il flush succeeded, and a
queer smile began to play around the
corners of his set, determined lips. An
hour passed. The billing and cooling
went on, and the man was patient and
| evidently an interested listner. The
people in the Car began to perceive that
something unusual was going on. Per-
haps that subtle sympathy which makes
us interested i'll strange incidents had
taken hold of them, and had evoked its
influence. Anyway, they looked like
people who were expecting something
unusual to happen, and they were not
disappointed. The man leaned forward
with that strange, peculiar smile still
lowering on his lips, and said
ii beg pardon, but you do seem to be
enjoying yourselves immensely"
The lady rose with stitlcd scream,
and wheeling around, confronted the
stranger with a pallid face and great
staring, scared-like eyes. Her companion
was no less disconnected. Hc, too, had
risen to his feet, and stood uncaslly look
sng at the intruder, flushing and paling
by turns.
"Ny God, it has come at last" walled
the woman.
The stranger was cool and imperturba-
ble
"You did not expect to see me, did
you?' and his face took on a sheer that
was bitter in its scorn and contempt.
"Hcaven knows did mott" exclaimed
the lady, from whose eyes the tears had
begun to trickle.
"Wcll, it's not unusual. People often
meet under peculiar circumstances
suppose you are on your bridal tour?"
The lady covered her face with her
| hands, and sank back into her scat. She
had already begun to sob Historically.
The scene had already become as thrill
ing as tragedy to the spectators in the
cars. Some had begun to view the spec
tacle with scared faces Others, and they
were the worst part of them, appeared to
enjoy the humiliating episode.
II happened along this way by mere
chance continued the stranger. II am
going west to Leadville. l thought l
would try and do something for the chill
dren inasmuch as you have left us. But
trust you will not let this accidental
meeting disturb your enjoyment
The woman was moaning in her abjcct
misery
The gentleman rose urbanc and polite
4 wish you all sorts of happiness, and
will no longer intrude upon you. This,
ladies and gentleman" facing around to
the spectators with sweeping wave OF
his hand, "is my runaway wife and hc1
lover. They arc very nice people, and
turning away, he stalkcd back, leaving
the guilty couple alone in their humilia.
ton and shame. At the next station the
clipping pair left the train.