The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-12-01
THE RED NECKTIE.
Exchange.

]. feSsie sutton. naQ been SpenOlps year with my aunt in the west. As Twas t3 return home sister-in-law of aunts had suggested that cousin of hers who was also going east was jolly company d splendid fellow and just the one for travelling companion. could travel to Chicago alone, and he would meet me .heFe. ana men we eou'a .,.nnlete the .turney together.
 50 aunt had her sister-in-law write to h.m, and il was all arranged. As had never seen him. there was spice Of romance about the matter which suited ne exactly.
 Bat as we were total strangers to each ether, how could he recognize me or him among the thousands of people in Chicago. My aunt, good woman, in- s,antly suggested the way. l must wear a gray acket and he red neck,ie.
 Take care of yourself, my child, :" were auntie's last words; after sundry T unciions as to doing this or leav- ins iha, undone, all of which hints she eeemed desirable for my safety and com for, And be sure to look out for Mir.
 - Here the shriek of passing en- zine and the starting of the train cut short the sentence.
 Then as sank back on the seat, after waving my handkerchief in farewell, it suddenly flashed upon me ,ha, had not heard the name, and for the life of me could not remember il. Had ever heard |: asked myself Yes, il had most certainly been mentioned Tn the tirst let ter that was sure of: whether again did no, reoollec,. Aun; and had always spoken of the red neoktle, and what "..h hurried preparations and farewell ..sts, the las; days had been very busy ones.
 could noi help feeling somewha, bank after this discovery, un;li the laugh. ..a.e part of !, struck me.
 After al. sad to myself, "ii Is only tarrying out the romance of the adven- '...e. Besides, the gray lacket and red ile are ee6ain signs of recognition, and TO doubt he knows my name.
 So munched my sandwiches. and at tempted 10 read by the misty light ,ha, g.eamed through the windows. for it was a dismal. ra,ny afternoon.
 \, last it grew dark. Perhaps had exhausted my store of wonderings as 10 what my unknown escort would be like. C: l was ,ired ot speculatng about kim :; er.ainly he did not occupy my thoughts men. l, was the pas, .ha, stood so clearly ;hen before me. the old short-llved TO- nance of nearly eigh, years ago. Why should Il crop up then: l. had been so long past and buried. What has con yared 1t into life again
 " Chicago. Chicago"' shouted the brakeman, waking me up from the rev ere that had ended in an hours sound sieep.
 !: was . o'clock. had 10 wal, an hour for the train from the south l ordered tea from the depo, restaurant. There were few occupants in the room, and ether the waiter had little to do or I looked helpless and forlorn. He was cer- ;ain.y polite and attentive; and when he sen,ured upon saying. Leave by the next train. miss :''i conlided 10 him the state otthe case. and begged him ,imidly Ahen the mex, train came Tn. to look ou, tor gentleman wearing q red tie.
 My heart did begin 10 beat a iit- ;e faster as the time drew near. Would he come, or had he missed the train :: should have 10 make tha; long tourney alone. after all for now iha, was so far.
 should 50 on, of course. What was he Ike:
 am afraid that however. quiet and said my outward self may have been, in- wardly felt like any lo-year old school g.rl. Indeed. am ashamed to say that did walk across once or twice 10 the mirror. giving pull here ,o my hair and d twitch ttere 10 my veil. and cauch, myself wishing had put on more be- coming hat. l suppose al even tive-and- twenty one likes 10 look ones bes, a, meeting a stranger.
 The bell announced the trains ap. proaoh. then l heard the engines shrill whistle. and the hustle and confusion as ,he passengers aligh,ed. The train seemed very'iull.
 had drawn near the door leading into ,he general waiting room, so that could watch the passengers.
 My polite waiter had disappeared. seeking my red necktie on the platform.
 In few minutes l espied him a, the far,hes, door. and-yes, actually there was an individual in flaming red tie at his side. The waiter was gesticulating and talking most volubly, but his com panion was silen, had only time to see tall, foreign-looking man before they came up to where was standing.
 There he is, miss" exclaimed the waiter, eagerly; then turned on his heel and Jeff us. Exactly what felt that moment l cannot describe. It was a mixture of satisfaction that the stranger had come, and very distinct sort oftim- idi,y and uncomfor,ableness together a, ;he presence of that silent, long-bearded man.
 glanced at him furtively and remark ed that it was very chilly.
 Yes he assented, drawing up his fur cloak closer about his throat. and stopped as if waiting for me to proceed.
 Surely he ought 10 say something thought l, .'if i, were only to introduce himself.s
 began to wish myself anywhere but there. looked around i've were still standing in the doorway); the little room was empty, the large one much less f,l1