The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1888-02-11
side me. Being fond of children,

a little fun with the ticker. Procuring
| it of the little one, | asked:
"Do you know how to tciesraph''
NO, SIR"
"Would you like TO take lcsson?
YES, sir. Sister has tried to teach
me, but can't learn, somehow"
Nevertheless, | began the lesson. ]
fist made a, then b. then C, then spelt
"C-a-r-r-ic, telling her as l went along
what letters | was making. SO en-
crossed was l that ! did not notice
pair of lustrous gray eyes and flaming
checks over in the seat in front, until |
heard voice of silvery sweetness say;
Excuse me, please, sir. but do you
understand the telegraph"
81 believe l am sufficiently acquainted
to enable me to understand it in ordi-
nary use"
Blushing profusely, she again said:
81 hope you will excuse my unman-
ncrlv way of addressing stranger, but
will you tell me-did you-doyou know
what passed between u.s.
81 could not help but hear l replied,
''but | assure you it is safe with me-"
Size looked at me searchiagly and did
not seem at ease.
Presently she turned herself back and
seemed ior tim, absorbed in thought,
while l continued playing with Carrie,
althou- | ceased from the further ma
nipu!ation Of the ticker. Carrie, after a
while, LEFT my side and left me alone
with my thoughts.
II wonder" l cogitatcl, ''what's in the
wind! She seems very nervous and dis
pleased that | overheard their conyersa-
ton. Such pretty girl, too, wonder
if---no, Tlla.!, her" AID leaning for
ward SAID, as gently as con'd,
Il nope, miss, that my unintcntional
and unavoidable listening causes you no
dispIcasurc, Ii l, a stranger, may DC per-
mitied so to speak"
Shc turned abruptly.
inlay ask your namc?" she quericd.
"With the greatest pleasure" and l
handed her my card.
She looked at the card for some sec
onds, evidently bringing her mind TO a
conclusion regarding something, then
turning to me, said:
Mr.. Williams, somehow l feel well
acquainted already with you. There is
something which prompts me to think
you are my fric"d and that shall need
your services. | fully appreciate how
widely depart from the customs of So
cicty in thus talking with one whom
never met before, but the ice is broken,
, and am about to seek great favor al
your hands. Are you going to Chicago.
Il am, ;" replied, growing interested
each moment, land shall be delighted tC
be OF service to YOU"
81 should &c much pleased to have
you call at my fathers house at your
carlics; convenience.
; | va, bcwidcrcl, but rs the train
was nearing the cad of the route phil
, osophicaly accepted the situation
l thanked my good luck ald agreed t.
: call at three the next day. SO thu
adieus were spoken at the station anC
we separated.
Promptly at the appointed time wa
, at the house of the young lady, and dur
| ing the few moments had to wait 70
her appearance, as she had just come il
, from a drive l was specuating as tt
l what the "great favor she had men
toned was. SO absorbed was in build
ing situations in which was the her
rcscuing prosecuted girl that did mo-
see her enter the room, nor was | awar
; of her presence till ligh. hand on m
| shoulder caused me to look upon a
5 sweet a face As it ever had been my 10
r to see. stood spel!-bound and coul'
0 not even utter the conventional civil
: ties necessary to the occasion.
= Pcrcciyine my confusion she merrill
c remarked, "Wcil, Ial surprised, real
~. always thought reporters wcr
q never cm3arras ell.
e ~ sincerely beg yoIr pardon" l ri
= piled, "iut | must comics, that you
If presence is so complete q surprise an
Y the GRAND for which an summoned i
/. so new an experience that must reall
h plead a lack OF that control of myse