River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1890-08-21

not satisfactory.
On one thing he was resolved, and
that was not TO cast another glance at
this intruding, perverse specimen of
femininity.
At that moment the conductor stopped
and told the lady that Elm Junction
was six minutes away.
Elm Junction! Why, he was to stop
there. What a coincidence! And he re-
mem bered with positive glee the loneli-
ness OF the station.
The train slowed mp, the conductor
possessed himself Of the lady's shawl
straps and she and they we're both on
the platform in a twinkling, very near
an odd, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS indi-
vidual who carried his hands in his
pockets.
The train moved on. and feeling her
loneliness, she was half inclined to jump
on and take her chances, when, turning.
she beheld VIII.
She looked the other way, only to see
the end of the train disappearing
around curve and the odd man pass
across the tracks into a corn-field. then
back at the station, with a wooden bench
before.
She went inside, but instantly resp
peared, as nobody was there. She gazed
up and and down the road that crossed
the tracks near by, and not a soul was in
sight
After moment she sat down on the
bench, but soon walked to the edge of
the platform.
Still no one in sight save the gentle
man who had arrived with her, and she
again established herself on the berch.
rs there any thing l can do for you?"
he asked, kindly, having relented a
little.
Nothing that l know of" she an
swered, glancing apprehensively over
her shoulder. 1T is rather deserted
place, is it not? Are you certain it is
Elm Junction."
Yes, there is the name, you see
And, besides. know, as I've been here
| before" answered VIII, slightly enjoy
ing her dependence.
''Oh. Pm so gladr' said she.
That l have been here befOreP''
How absurd!'
And they both laughed heartily, after
which she felt quite at ease, and moved
70 one end of the bench, while he took
the proffered seat.
If may assist you in any way, pray
command me" he said.
Il expected an uncle to meet me
here, she explained; ''but he is late,
or has forgotten me-"
i am waiting over one train. 4 bust
L NJ int IN NJ "a - IN mn
for few moments, and l have plenty
of time in which TO serve you"
Il see nothing to do but wait. Oh.
there is a man over in that lot-the one
that was here when We came"
Will looked, then crossed the tracks.
and, standing on a fence-rail, hallooed
TO the man. who was busily hOeing corn.
After the second shout the man looked
leisurely around, and having located
him, leaned cOmpOsedly on his hoe-han-
die. II was the man who had disap-
I peared.
rs the station agent about?" asked
Will
'-Ya-as," was answered, compOsedly
Can you tell me where he is?'
'.Ya-as. I'm him.
''There is lady here. Has any one
been here for her?''
'.Ya-as- The milk boy said she was
TO wait, and her uncle would be along, -
and he resumed his hoeing.
Il don't see but that you will have to
wait, said Will, on returning.
The lady raised her vail and proceed
ed TO make herself as comfortable as
7 : 9 !.
were really awake.
Was il a dream? No, there was no
mistake. It was Miss Elton in the flesh
What would happen if she knew that he
had her picture?
viii was looking into her face as
often and as long as he dared, and hop
ing that her uncle might be detained
indefinitely.
What delight il was to trace every
feature he knew so we'll,
Have l not seen your picture in Mr.
Benton's studio?" he asked, at last.
You may have. | had some taken
there lately Isabel said, cycling him
from under her lashes. and looking a
little guilty as she added: IF | mistake
not, have seen yours there, too"
You are very kind" said VIII, men
tally cOngratulating himself on the
phenomenally delightful turn matters
had taken, and gazing approvingly on
the station agent, who continued to
hoe.
But his luck turned. Wheels were
heard advancing rapidly from behind
the station. and in an incredibly short
space of time a country road wagon
halted beside the platform. and large e,
middle-aged man jumped out
rs that YOU, Isabel? Why, how
you've grown
And by this time he had imprinted a
hearty, almost boisterous, kiss on her
plump cheek.
The soulless dog thought Will
what a proxy 1 might have been!'
s.GoCd-bye.7 said Isabel. smiling, as
her rncle gathered up the reins, and in
another moment they were disappearing
before a cloud Of dust
viii stared after them. and soon dis
covered another vehicle. It contained
his business acquaintance; and when
that person had transacted his business
il was about train time
The agent had deserted his hoe. and
stood. flag in hand. awaiting the train.
Is there any hotel about here?7
asked Will
No
DO you know the gentleman's name
who took the lady away?"
No
The train stopped, and as there was
apparently nothing else to do, VIII
boarded il.
Three weeks passed, during which
time he grew steadily wearier of his
travels. and at the end of which he
turned homeward in disgust
Isabel Elton. in the meantime, had
been enjoying rural pleasures; but
through some undehnable process there
was no zest in them. Country life
seemed 70 have changed in few years;
and SO it happened one morning after