Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1885-11-05


was not pleasant to think that another
woman could endure so much, and so
long, while she, VINO had suffered
nothing, had thrown her happiness
aside for naught.
"Her happiness" Yes, itaad 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-judged
action had proved nothing, save that
she was foolish, and childish, and IN
grateful, and selfish.
A few seats from her sat a man and
his wife The wife was delicate, fra
gile-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
BIS with an ailing infant.
Dora watched them for awhile antil
the dull homesick ache in her heart
grew almost unbearable, and then turn
ed away restlessly.
What woald be the next stopping
placer 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, 2 welcome pet
ted guest, but s0meway the prospect did
not seem 50 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 3 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 brayest 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 6nd rest and
retreshment.
Most of the passen gsrs took advant-
age of this information, and alghted
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 ferlorn 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
from everything unpleasant, and she
felt hapless and miserable, as she real
lied that that love and protection was
no longer hers.
She looked about her with a shiver
as she stepped from the car, and then
suddenly a voice sounded in her ears,
which made her blush holly and quiet
/ " under uer thick veil. Yes, it was
Charlie Andover standing beside her,
his slender hand clasping hers; smil~
ing, handsome Charlie An9over, with
| the daredevil look in his dark eyes a
little more pronounced than usual, and
a hint Of triumph in the smile which
he bent upon her
To tell the truth Dora would rather
4 have seen any one else of her acquaint~
ance at this particular time than this
| particular person, but il she was a lit
tie cold and formal in her greeting,
ber GOODNESS and formalitv were, app
parently unnoticsd 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 mop
perfume time, angry at herself that she
had made it possible torso unpleasant
a cOHtre temps 10 occur. but her cons
Banion seemed unconscious of all ex-
cept his own wish 10 be agreeable, and
chatted and laughed with an abandon
which contrasted oddly with Doras
reserve.
/ CUe was lElul anu llFtu, DuL Tel uSCQ
his protfer of refreshments almost
sharply, and, wishing to avoid
the curious eyes and cars of the crowd
ed station house, walked up and down
the track in the sunshine, wishing,
with all her heart, that Charlie Andov.
er was thousand miles away, while
he talked and talked to almost unheed>
ing ears, until she awoke to the fact
that he was no longer jesting, 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
mert simply because you saw me take
the cars this morning, and you wished
to follow met
He laughed quietly, low, but hard
little laugh, which made Dora shud~
der.
II mean to say just that, Dora, he
answered, and little more. l knew
L. j L