Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-02-26
Gales z1ro Skftfkes.


YlB RED yHCKfII.
I. Jessie Sutton, had been spending .
wear with nv aunt in the west. As was
/ to return home a sister-in law OF aunt's
had suggested that q cousin of hers who
was also going east was jolly company
a splendid fellow and just the one for
travelling companion. / could travel to
Chicago alone. and he would meet me
there. and then we would complete the
journey together.
So aunt had her sister-in-law write to
him and it was all arranged As / had
never seen him. there was spice OF ro-
nance about the matter that suited me
exactly.
But as we were total strangers to each
other, how could he recognize me or |
him among the thousands of people in
Chicago? Nv aunt. good woman. instant
w suggested the way. 4 must wear a
gray Jacket and he red necktie.
Take care of yourself. my child" were
auntie's last words; after sundry injunc-
tons as to doing this or leaving that I'M
done, all of which hints she deemed desir-
able for nv safety and comfort. And to
be sure to look out for Mr.. -" Here
the shrek of a passing engine and the
starting of the train cut short the sentence.
Then as sank back on the seat. after
waving nv handkerchief in farewell. it
suddenly flashed upon me that had not
heard the name, and for the life of me
could not remember it? | asked myself.
Yes, it had certainly been mentioned in
the first letter; that was sure OF ; wheth-
er again | did not recollect. Aunt and
had always spoken of the red necktie, and
what with hurried preparations and fare
we'll visits. the last days had been busy
ones.
could not help feeling somewhat blank
after this discovery, until the laughable
part Of it struck me.
..After all" said to myself, sit is only
carrying out the romance of the adven-
ture Besides. the gray jacket aud the
red tie are certain signs OF recognition,
and no doubt he knows my name"
So munched nv sandwiches and at
tempted to read by the misty light that
cleaned through the windows. for it was
dismal rainy afternoon.
At last it grew dark. Perhaps l had
exhausted my store of wonderings as to
what nv unknown escort would be like :;
or was tired of specializing about him !;
certainly he did not occupy my thoughts
then. 1t was the past that stood so clearly
then before me, the old short lived rO-
nance OF nearly eight years ago. Why
should it crop up then? 1t had been so
long past and buried. What has conjured
it into life again?
Chicago Chicago ~ shouted the brake
man. waking me up from the reverie that
had ended in an hours sound sleep.
1t was O'Clock. had to wait an hour
for the train from the south. | ordered
tea from the depot restaurant. There
were few occupants in the room. and
either the waiter had little to do or look
ed helpless and forlorn. He was certain
ly polite and attentive; and when he ven-
tured upon saving, "Leave by the next
train, miss ?" | confided to him the state
the next train came in. to look out for a
gentleman wearing red tie.
My heart did begin to beat little faster
as the time drew near. Would he come,
or had he missed the trainp Should l
have to make that long journey alone after
all, for now that was so far. should 60
on. of course. What was he like?
| am afraid that. however, quiet and
staid my outward self may have been. in
wardly felt like any 16-year-old school
girl. Indeed. am ashamed to say that
did walk across once or twice to the
mirror. giving pull here to my hair and
twitch there to my veil. and | caught
myself wishing had put on more be-
coming hat. | suppose at even five and
twenty one likes to look ones best at meet
ing stranger.
The bell announced the trains approach,
then heard the engines shrill whistle,
and the hustle and confusion as the pas
sengers alighted. Then the train seemed
very full.
! had drawn near the door leading into
the general waiting room, so that could
watch the passengers.
My polite waiter had disappeared. seek
ing nv red necktie on the platform
In a few minutes espied him at the
| farthest door, and-yes, actually there
was an individual with flaming red tie
at his side. The waiter was gesticulating
and talking most volubly. but his compan-
ion was silent. had only time to see a
tall .foreign-loeking man before they came
up to where | was standing.
There he is, miss" exclaimed the
waiter. eagerly; then turned on his heel
and LETT US. Exactly what felt like that
moment cannot describe. 1t was mix
ture of Satisfaction that the stranger had
come. and very distinct sort of timidity
and uncomfortableness together at the
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 to say something ~
thought |, ''if it were only to introduce
himself
began to wish myself anywhere but
there. | looked around 1--WE were still
standing in the doorway;) the little room
was empty, the large one much less full
Our evident constraint was for the mo-
ment. ended by the polite waiter.
Wont you have something to eat ?" he
asked confidentially. coming up to us
1.-The train starts very soon for the east. y
! "Shall bring it in here9' he inquired,
when the stranger assented and ordered
something; there is a nice little table