The Worthington advance., 1880-10-21

Il nope 90 not crowd you, tile
stranger said apologetically, and in such
a pleasant voice that Jennie turned and
looked forgivingly on him.
The gentleman's face was full and
ruddy, and a pai air of black eyes smiled
in rivalry with the frank lips. He was
dressed in light summer suit, very be-
coming to the breezy nature that he
showed. Jennie had never seen such a
captivating man, and she was ashamed
of herself for showing so much petu-
lance. She thought that perhaps she
was mistaken, and that he had not asked
if she was engaged. OF course lie
wouldn't, such a Incorporating man
Something about him entranced her, and
it seemed precisely rs it did when she
and George Harrison sat OH the parlor
sofa Of nm evening.
"No, sir, you do not crowd me-" she
answered, hesitatingly.
'It is tiresome to ride, is it not?" the
gentleman remarked.
eyes, sir, was the demure answer.
'You are from the West, perhaps ?"
II am from Perryville, sir"
"That is in this State p
"Ycs, sir.
II beg your pardon, but you have
eyes like a Western lady gentle, dove
like and calm"
Jennie felt flatterel.
"The Western lailies are very pret-
ty," the gentleman said Il have trav-
elcl extensively III the West, and have
yet to see lady in New England so
fresh and fair as the Western flowers. 7
always feel so cold here in Massachu-
setts, where fair ladies are so rare You
may doubt me, but no fairer face than
yo:lrs have seen here"
Thank you," Jennie gullelessly an
swtrcd.
The stranger sighed, and continued ::
Now, [ am going to Boston, and ex-
pect to die Of c',nui, for fair women are
at q discount there"
II am aAso on my way to Boston.
sir,' the girl said.
"Indeed! Are you going quite
through on this train ?"
Yes, sir"
That is too bad. I stop over in
Worcester one train. You are travelling
alone ?"
Yes, SIR
''lf were only going through, now,
I hatter myself / could be of service to
you."
You might, sir. I am stranger to
Boston, and should like to be directed.
Pa told me perhaps might fall in with
some kind person who would help mo
along"
"Too bad, madam. that duty is duty.
[ should be pleased to help you. It is
no pleasure to travel alone and know no
one"
II think so, sir. And it is 'speciallv
for lady. There are pic]Spockets, you
know"
The last words were uttered in q
whisper, and Jennie looked harder than
ever on the gentleman in the seat be.
fore her.
Eyes, there are pickpockcts," her
volnhle companion answered, "but I
hardly think there are any in this car"
80, sir" Jennie whispered. IT am
sure that that gentleman ahead Of us is
nothing else."
He has a very Indifferent look, Ger
tainly," the affable man said. s'But of
course you do not carry money with you
to any amount?
II have 500. SIR
"Ah Let me advise you not to
carry it in your pocket. Thieves are
too adept, and would not fail to find it
there
$50 pa said, sir, and I put it here in
my BOSOM"
"A good place to carry it, madam"
do You think he could find it
there?
"No, I presume not. My sister de-
clares that her purse is safe there. but
mother carries hers in her hat. Either
place is safe. My sister would agree
with YOU, Miss"
"My name is Jones, SIR
"A very poetic name! Mine is Law
rence-Alexander Lawrence. have no
cards with me; but I am commercial
traveller from D. & Co., New York. +"
Conversation continued. Mr.. Law
renee showed himself more and more
agreeable, and Jennie was completely
won by the charming address of the
stranger: Although she was blusI,ing
and sensitive girl, she had some of her
fathers common sense, and she saw in
the tone and style of her new acquain-
tance a man altogether different from
any one she had ever before met. His
refined ease and Difference made an i'm
mediate impression on her. She was
fascinated, and felt that she had found
an atmosphere where her lightest words
might safely float. There are men who
may we'll be styled male fiirts, who trifle
with an artless maiden till they read her
soul, and then leave its book unclosed.
The drummer was such q man. Before
the train reached Worcester, Jennie felt
that she had known him for a lifetime.
She told him of her own history, of
Perryville, of her fathers wealth, Of her
purpose in visiting Boston. With rapt
attention Mr.. Lawrence listened, per-
fectIy satisfied to find that he had opened
the girls heart, and encouraging her
confidence by attentive fattery.
You must favor me with your ad-
dress while you are in Boston," he said,
Tor l shall do myself the honor of call
ing on you."
Jennie promised that she would, and
tondly imagined her pride ut having
such q gentlemanly admirer. In her
heart she determined upon writing to
George Harrison the next day, and ask
ing to be released from her engagement.
Wouldn't it be nice to astonish Perry
vile by announcing her engagement to
such nice gentleman as Mr. Lawrence
In her mind she married the words.
"Mrs. Alexander Lawrence. What
would Ellen White say? Wouldn't all
the good people of Perryville be aston
ished?
All too soon Worcester was reached.
Jennie's foolish little heart beat rapidly
when Mr. Lawrence took her hand and
bade her good-by, with tender ex.
preston Of the hope that he might meet
her again in Boston.
Then he went out, and Jennie felt
very lonely. She caught one last
glimpse of him from the car window,
and then the cars went on, and the
dream was over.
80 agreeable had been the companion.
ship with Mr.. Lawrence that Jennie had
tor whole hour forgotten all about her