Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-11-05

Hau aL IdSJ CrlV6n MS long SufferI0 O
wife to publicity and protection of the
courts.
Dora looked away impatiantly; it
was not pleasant to think that another
woman could endure so much. and so
long, while she, who had suffered
nothing, had thrown her happiness
aside for naught.
''Her happiness" Yes, ithad come
to that now, after a brief period of
solitary reflection and qaiet, during
which the miles between her and her
husband were increasing rapidly. OF
course her husband had been wrong
about Charlie, but time would have
proved that, while her ill-iudged
action had proved nothing, save that
she was foolish, and childish, and I'M
grateful, and selfish.
A few seats from her sat man and
his wife. The wife was delicate. fra
looking wo man, evidently an in
valid, while her husband was big,
broad~shouldered burly man, common
in his look and dress, but as gentle,
and tender, and lovingly thoughtful
Of his companions wants and comfort,
as the most devoted of mothers could
be with an ailing infant.
Dora watched them for awhile until
the dull homesick ache in her heart
grew almost unbearable, and then turn
ed away restlessly.
What woald be the next stopping
place. She consulted her timetable,
and then threw it down impatiently.
Just half her journey was accomplish
ed in little time now she would be
with her own people, welcome pet
ted guest. but semeway the prospect did
not seem SO inviting as it had when
she had previously planned a visit
home. Perhaps after all
She had reached this point in her
self communings, when something
most unexpected and startling happen
ed. The train was going at high
rate Of speed, when suddenly q strange
thrill and tremble ran through the
cars, followed by a shock,,which threw
many of the passengers from their
seats and struck terror into some OF
the bravest hearts there.
A moment later one Of the brake
men put his pale face in upon the
scene Of confusion, and shouted loud
enough to be heard above the tumult
that there was no damage and no one
seriously hurt. a part Of the engine
had given way, but nothing more ser
ious than any annoying detention had
resulted. It would be two hours. at
least, before another engine could be
procured. and the journey resumed,
meanwhile, if an OF the passengers
wished, there was a small station very
near, where they could find rest and
refreshment.
Most of the passen gsrs took adyant-
age of this information. and alighted
without delay, while Dora thinking
that change of almost any kind was
preferable to two hours communion to
herself gathered her wraps about her
and followed.
How forlorn and helpless she felt,
alone, and self-dependent, among the
crowd of careless, selfish, Indifferent
people. Heretofore Rogers strong arm
and protecting love had shielded her
felt hapless and miserable, as she real
lied that that love and protection was
no longer hers.
She looked about her with shiver
as she stepped from the car, and then
suddenly a voice sounded in her ears,
which made her blush holly and quiet
ly under Ger thick veil. Yes, it was
Charlie Andover standing beside her,
bis slender hand clasping hers; smil~
ing, handsome Charlie Andover, with
the daredevil look in his dark eyes
little more pronounced than usual, and
hint Of triumph IN the smile which
he bent upon her.
To tell the truth Dora would rather
have seen any one else of her acquaint~
ance at this particular time than this
particular person, but if she was lit
tie cold and formal in her greeting,
her GOODNESS and formality were, APP
parently unnoticed by him, and he
walked along beside her quit as though
the meeting was expected, and planned
beforehand.
Dora felt awkward and angry-an-
cry at him for appearing at this inop-
perfume time, angry at herself that she
had made it possible for SO unpleasant
a c07stTe temps to occur. but her cons
panion seemed unconscious of all ex-
cept his own wish to be agreeable, and
chatted and laughed with an abandon
which contrested oddly with Dora's
reserve.
She was faint and tired, but refused
his proffer of refreshments almost
sharply, and, wishing to ayoid
the curious eyes and cars of the crowd
ed station-hou>e, walked up and down
the track in the sunshine, wishing,
with all her heart, that Charlie Andov.
er was a thousand miles away, while
he talked and talked to almost unheed~
ing ears, until she awoke to the fact
that he was no longer TESTING, but
was speaking low and earnestly and
saying-What?
DO you mean to say" she asked,
trembling with a sudden, sickening
fear, ''that you are here at this mos
ment simply because you saw me take
the cars this morning, and you wished
to follow me?"
He laughed quietly, low, but hard
little laugh, which made Dora shud~
der.
ttT mean To saw inst that Doro he