The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-01-24
THAT BRIDAL COUPLE.

made the acquaintance of the bridal couple about whom l am going to write. l made their acquaintance under very amusing circumstances. was travelling from Berlin to Paris to visit some friends in the latter city. had to change cars at Cologne. There was the usual hustle and confusion at the station. Not being able to find the through train to Paris, applied to a corpulent railroad official for information. He turned out to be the conductor of my train. He directed me to the train, and, pointing to the open door of a coupe instructed me to enter and take seat. followed his direc- tions. Standing in the coupe was a young lady with pretty figure, dark ing over my head into the crowd, evil dently seeking somebody. She made no movement to permit me to enter the car, but on the contrary, she said, blocking up the door, that all the seats were taken. begged her pardon, and once more applied to the conductor. He was Somewhat impatient. He told me, angrily, to go right in and pay no atten- ton to what any other passenger said. did SO, much to the annoyance of the young lady, who said that there would be gentleman passenger in the coupe
 understood the situation at once The lady was bride, and the gentleman was probably her husband. Hence her prevarication, and the unwillingness that anybody else should occupy seat in the compartment. It is very unpleasant to force yourself upon people, and if there had been room in any other coupe should have allowed the young couple all the privacy they desired. As it was, determined to withdraw into the most distant corner and be blind and deaf to whatever might occur. The young bride lived in Cologne, to which replied that l did not
 Are you going very far~ she asked hesitatingly.
 "All the way to Paris"
 She heaved little sigh, and then asked me rather abruptly:
 "Can you stand tobacco smoker"
 q replied that l rather liked tobacco
 "The gentleman smokes very strong cigars" was her next remark.
 responded that if the smoke was dis agreeable to me, presumed the gentle man would give up his cigar.
 She shook her head doubtingly, but 3 just at that moment the signal for start ing was given, and "the gentleman |" sprang into the coupe. He was sturdy, we'll built man. somewhat older than his young wife. He had rather coarse fea- lures, was not particularly refined in his manners, and he made no attempt whatever to conceal bis chagrin at seeing another passenger in the coupe.
 The conversation between myself and the bride had been carried on in Ger man, hence was somewhat surprised to fish, with which language they imagined was not familiar. Said the bride, look ing straight at me:
 "l tried my best to keep her out, but she would come in."
 The young husband grunted something in reply.
 told her all the seats were taken, but she would not believe me-"
 The man smiled.
 "l told her that you smoked, but she said that she liked it."
 The man laughed, and threw his cigar stump through the window, remarking |:
 Maybe she is not going very far"
 70, yes, she is. She told me she was going to Paris. asked her."
 "Well, guess we will have to stand it the best we can, but it is pretty tough, l" he replied, with resignation, taking seat alongside of her and gently squeezing her hand.
 It was not aattering to me to hear them sigh alternately. was not accustomed to be looked upon as an altogether re- pulsive object. Moreover, their conver- sation annoyed me little. For the first time in my life my mother tongue ap- peared to be in the way. Pretty soon they began again.
 Is she young or old p
 The gentleman glanced over at me, and replied carelessly:
 "She is not any too young"
 Rather pretty, isn't she"
 Not pretty to hurt"
 wonder if she is married?"
 Possibly she is" he remarked, plac- ing his arm carelessly around her waist.
 It was time for me to say something, so spoke up and said in English:
 am very sorry, but am compelled to tell you that am an American"
 They were both somewhat startled. The little woman said 70, beg your pardon" And for about ten minutes there was an impressive silence in the car, during which time they fondled each others hands and exchanged loving glances. Presently the said in rather im- perfect French:
 "EHs est Ens 4kkemasds." [She is a German. '-'-' "Com< ei2t des ysXx MI1x 7" [What blue eyes she has got], replied the hus- band.
 remarked placidly in French:
 "C est stvrusast Iakal, de payyoie Fyas- eais." Tit is unfortunate, madame, but speak French.
 The situation was really painful The young bride was not without tact. Once more she begged pardon, and during the conversation which ensued she informed me that they had culy been married c