The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-06-03
AN OLD MAID.

AN OLD MAID
A lowering morning which made
one wish for the Sunny South or foi
Italy, or any place which would
make one feel happier than could
this dismal morning in Wisconsin
And then to think that this train
could not make connection with the
eastward bound train 1t is bard
enough to stop at such miserable
little junction at any time, but to
spend three hours nere this dark
morning must prove the very refine
ment of torture. There are q dozen
passengers who must wait and who
prepare TO make the best of their
stay Sere. One couple, evidently
lust married, ind the clouds of a
very rosy color, and they walk out
of the smoky old depot to make a
tour of the town, talking eagerly the
while. Two young fellows wander
uneasily about reading all the old
tattered posters. glowing induce
ments to go West, and ancient time
tables. which invariably decorate the
stained walls of country depot.
These young fellows finally utter ex-
carnations of impatience at the
dreary monotony, and go across the
street to the hotel, hoping to find
something there more congenial to
them. Two ladies' At once took their
departure for the hotel, and other
people stroll out about the depot,
and there are left two persons. a
man and woman, who, after little
time settle themselves to reading to
pass away the weary moments. He
reads his paper, she her book, and,
occasionally, woman-like, she casts
look at her silent companion, won-
dering what loved ones are awaiting
his arrival and whether be is impa-
tient TO greet them, or if be feels a
mans stoicism IN regard to 1t; won-
dering, 200, how it Is that each wo-
man thinks the masculine lives con-
nected with hers SO full of manly
graces and beauty in those rugged
features Then sheeurned her gen.
tie eyes toward the window and
looked out at the dreary landscape,
looked with eyes which saw not out
waru objects, but were introspective
solely. An old maid, commonly
supposed to be the type OF discon-
tent and unrest but here, evidently
the type failed, but this face express
ed the utmost of content. Life had
been filed with much of sorrow for
her; all her bright plans had failed
of fruition: one after another she
had hidden good-by to them and had
turned braveiy again to face the
coming of a new future, future to
be peopled again by her bright fan
cies-the old fancies all dead and
gone from her existence except as
they fingered in memory. An old
maid she is. so far as years go, but
no home is happier than her little
ideal home. She has filed Its rooms
with bright little faces eagerly cali
ing 20 mother and the dream-father
is strong, earnest, helpful and low
ing. Her dream home is happier
for many a fine ladys real hcme
although she has not pictured any
grandeur about it. Oh, 10, she
dreams that the carpets are fading
from. much sunlight and worn from
the tread of many little feet, that
there is much planning to make
both ends meet. but she has imagin-
ed unselfshness can make all trials
in regard to ways and means seem
very slight indeed
Her companion in this depot is al
elderly person, a stout large man,
with keen eyes, and mouth at COM
plete odds with his ewes, not belong
ing to them apparently Often eyes
do not harmepizs In eoioring with
the rest of the face, but generally ex-
pressions are strongly akin. This
man has a sensitive mouth, one with
a mournful droop to it. Those who
looked at him caught themselves
wondering which would conquer
keen. hard eyes. or sensitive mouth.
He gave q quick look at the thought
full face near him, and said abruptly:
Not a very pleasant arrangement,
this
A quick flush passed over thegen-
tie face before him-dush which
his keen eyes noted instantly and
understood-a Hush which told of
The giriishness yet left to this lonely
Not that it matters much to me
where / am" he continued Life
,an't give me anything harder than
Eve had
That is q hard thing to say" she
,aid, in her timid way.
a true thing, though he re-
sponded, and the corners of his sem
siiive mouth dropped a little more.
y feel as if I had nothing left to live
or. My vile died year ago and
- here the voice broke
Distress ever calls some souls out
rom their reserve, and hers was
.uch a one, and she said quickly:
-Ah, but you have all those wan
shed days and months and yeArs 10