Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-01-17
No. 80

| Inc WOu'an ooeulentPy aTOSc, Uut
cramped and worn out by the long
days ride, had to be assisted to the
/ ground. She succeeded in walking
over to the water trough, and, sitting
down on its edge, silently took be, ba-
by. The lieutenant brought her = ba.
sin and towel, and left her to her toilet.
Presently be returned aud said, Supper
is ready.
"Thank you, don't want any sup
per-" was the reply.
AS he heard her speak for the first
time the lieutenant looked at the
shrouded form in surprise. The voice
was low and trained, the voice of
gentlewoman. 1t startled him with
swift suggestion Of perfumed lace and
six. button kid gloves, Of waltz music,
yachting ali ! low, murmured words in
dim conservatives. The recollection Of
the fried pork and beams awaiting them
in the station, however, brought his
mind back to the subject
81 beg your pardon" he said, "but
you must eat something. You can't
stage all day without eating.
Her back was turned towari him as
she sat dsbbhng her hand in the water
for the Amusement Of the baby, and he
went around and stood in front of her
to emphasize his remark. Her veil WAS
still down, and she did not raise her
head as she replied, in the even tones
Of Il superior addressing an over Jealous
inferior, You are very kind, but I do
not want anything
The lieutenant was rather nettled at
this, but nevertheless persisted. His
interest was awakened. Besides, it
would be very inconvenient to have
her faint on the road. II hope you
won't think me obstrusiye,'' he said,
modulating his tone respectfully, 'but
you must have something. If you
would prefer it, will bring it out here.
Then she looked up halfresentfully.
half curiously, evidently thinking that
this was very odd stage.driver. At
last she said You are giving yoursel +
needless trouble, but as You Insist upon
it. l will take cup Of tea and Ia little
milk for the baby
If her purpose WAS to rid herself Of
his opportunities, her request was very
effective. Tea! Milk! The lieutenant t
returned to the station. house, thought
fully pulling his moustache. Nov, :"
he sand to h,nself, that is like wom-
an Why couldn't she asked for oysters
and champagne, or something reasona.
ble-hut tea ! milk
Nate he sud, doubtfully, to the
hostler, you don't happen to have such
a thing as-as taa about the house, do
you p
why not ? replied the station keep
er, promptly.
oh, / don't mean any sage-brush
wash, rejoiae'l the lieutenant, impa-
tiently, I'm talking about store tea.'
Well, that's what am talking about
said Nate a Chinaman gave some to
Frank the other day.
Nate, said the Lieutenant, drawing
out his flask, stake drink !
In q few minutes he was carrying
out large cup of tea and some crackers
to, the water-trough, unconscious of the
elaborate wink with which Nate, re-.
stored somewhat to good hamor by the
unexpected drink, favored the elderly
passenger. He's hell = said Nate, ad-
miringly.
The lieutenant found the object Of
his solici.ude as he had left her. ,dur.
ing the discomfort Of her condition
with silent patience.
You are very good. she said more
gently, but in tlls same even tone Of
superior. Evidently this woman WAS
accustomed to being waited on.
I suppose that condensed milk will
do for the baby said the lieutenant.
have you anything to put it in"
Yes, certainly, the baby had bottle.
But, alas. search for the bottle re-
vealed the fact that it must have been
iolted out of The stage while the mother
was unconscious.
what shall l dor she exclaimed,
her fortitude suddenly forsaking her.
He won't drink out Of cup, and / am
afraid be is hungry now Evidently
tears we're gathering behind the veil.
tears that she never would have shed
herself.
oh, I can fix that easy enough
said the stage driving lieutenant con-
solingjy.
Quickly entering the house once
more, for time was getting precious and