The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1888-01-11

QS.-aS
nothing, and further conversation was pre-
vented by the carriage stopping at the
depot
we a6shted and entered the great Va
ing room which was crowded ws
II had SsSer hos1-asnong stran
and this hurrying, sursing crowd falrlSs-:sSssz
vildered me. But over all hung the con-
yiction that Twas going away among strange
people, with these two silent and unloving
women, who both seemed to owe me deep
and ong-standing grudge. My heart was
resdy to burst with grief, and unable to re-
strain my tears I hid my face in my hands
and wept bitterly. Several people noticed
nv grief, and remarks were being made as
20 the cause, when Miss Armund made her
way to me and, sitting down by me, endeav-
ssersizSo pacify me by promises OF tine pres
ents, eEcs, and seeing that all were regard
ing me cufM.sly hushed my sobs and be-
came quiet
The next morent shriu cry Of "Au
Aboar6n sounded through the room, and
there was rush for the outgoing train.
Mrs. CLAYTON and Miss Armund, with me
between them, hastily scrambled IN, getting
barely inside ere the train started. The
coach we had entered was already full OF
passen gers, but the ladies were given seats
somehow, and in my haste and bewltder-
ment stumbled and pitched head hrst into
tat old gentleman who was squeezing
himself into seat near by.
"Gracious new he exclaimed, rather
Grossly, while Mrs Clayton gave me with
eringlook from her dark eyes, which did
not add to my composure.
s'See here, Sis,'' said kind, lovial voice
at my elbow, "there don't seem to be any
place in particular for you; suppose you
take seat on my knee"
"And, almost before could comprehend
what was being done, found myself
rerched upon the knee OF a handsome
young fellow Of perhaps one and twenty,
who, seeing my confusion, had taken It up
on himself to come to my assistance.
Mrs. CLAYTON thanked him graciouslr, and
Miss A-mund seemed satisfied, so con-
clu6ed it was nothing improper to. take the
profered seat, and, finally gaining cour-
age, dared to glance into my companions
face. It was handsome debonair face, but
vet kind and manly, and his eyes won my
heart at once, they were so bright and kind
~ in their expression He did not ply me
with questions, but after his first remark
continued his conversation with his com
panions, quite number OF young men who
occupied the seats near, and guessed they
were: evidently from some school or college.
for they were dressed exactly alike in
brown suits with white gloves and hats. I
learned afterwards they were the eoueglans
from B. going home Tor their vacation.
gave the others only a glance. could
not bear their rather bold looks, and then,
toe, some Of them had laughed at NY awk-
wardness, and, child though I was, Gid
not relish being laughed at.
GWeu, little one" said my friend, kindly,
shaye you gotten over your fright yet:
You were rather mixed up, wern't YOU!
Never Travelled much, eh!" and ne laughed,
pleasantly.
t'r was never on the cars before but once,
said, meesly. sand I don't like it-they
make such a terrible noise"
Here the other gentleman laughed loudly,
as if the idea OF the cars making q noise was
very &unny, indeed
.'Is that lady your mammal: asked one,
pointing to where Mrs. Clayton was sitting
engaged in conversation with another lady.
;INo, sir" answered. ] did not like be-
ing questioned by this strange fellow with
his bold black eyes and ready tongue.
The other one, then! directing his g!ancc
to Miss Arsnund, who, when she heard h!s
remark, scowled savagely.
(, $40. SIR I replied again. ] have no