The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1891-09-01
A PULLMAN CAR WOO1NC,

INV OAoOAAS SN1CAC4lICJ1s CCbI1 L1S
small valise and large hamper. Fol
lowing him two ladies, evidently
mother and daughter. Daughter in
dark blue travelling costume, with
large bunch Of violets pinned to front
of her jacket; is a pretty, slender girl
Of about IS. Both laden with flowers,
books, and numerous small parcels,
which they deposit in a section nearest
middle Of car. The following converse
ton ensues:
"Gladys, dear, I am really worried
over your taking this trip alone. Had
you not better wait a day or so, to see
if we can hunt some one up to accom-
pany you?'
"Oh, no, indeed, papa. 1t was I'M
fortunate that Mr.. Wilson was taken
i'll so suddenly this morning, so that
Mrs. Wilson could not go with me this
afternoon, but you see I'll have to start
to day to reach Omaha in time for
Clara's wedding, especially as I'm to
be bridesmaid. You and mamma must
not worry, for Ishall get along all right
alone"
In the meanwhile other passengers
come in and find their respective sec
tions. The engine toots warningly.
\ few more kisses and hurried in
structions, and papa and mamma are
gone. The train moves off, slowly at
first, then with increasing speed carries
her farther and farther away from the
two worried souls she had just left.
Gladys felt a little frightened at the
prospect of this, her first long jurney
alone, and kept her face turned toward
the fast flying but unnoticed landscape,
for the blue eyes behind the long veil
were blurred with tears.
Her thoughts flew back to her
parents, now on the way to their
home in San Francisco. She knew
how much they would miss hcr-the
only child though she was going to
stay only a few weeks with her Omaha
friends. She thought, too, of some
one else who-well, some one who was
also left in San Francisco.
Finally, turning to inspect her fellow
travellers, she thought the few men
and fussy old ladies looked very
u~ninteresting, Thrown carelessly in
the section opposite was a valise and
q mans ulster, but the owner was not
visible. She then turned her attention
to the books, candy, and flowers piled
up in front Of her. She read, smiled
over, and tucked away in her bag the
cards and tiny scaled notes hidden in
the candy boxes or attached to the
bouquets.
Time passed, and with a reckless
little yawn Gladys glanced at her
watch and found it after 6. The porter
just then announced that a stop will be
made now at Sacramento ordinner.
Gladys thought of the bother of I'M
packing the neatly strapped hamper
for just one meaI-disliked the idea of
going out at the station alone-wished
Mrs. Wilson had come, then decided
to dine on candy, as she was not very
hungry.
At the moment a familiar form came
up the aisle, and in a second a tall
handsome young man was standing
near with outstretched hand. A CLEAN
Of amusement was in his dark eyes as
he quietly said, "How do you do,
Gladys!"
4 delicate pink cOlored her cheeks
as she shook hands, and answered him
with a surprised and rather cool,
"Why, Jack, where did you come
frOmIH
From the smoking room, where
I've been for the last three hours, ever
since I came in, and found you so
wrapped up in the scenery you did
not see me" he replied, moving some
books away and sitting beside her in
the most matter of course way.
"Where are you going Jack?"
ITO Omaha, Gladys"
"What for?" asked she suspiciously.
PARTLY business-partly pleasure.
Business, to take care of you; pleasure,
to be with you, he answered con-
cisely.
"Now, Jack, you know that is very
foolish AFTER
Last night, when you refused me
again. Yes. I know; but you see 1
can't help being foolish. Was born
so, I guess" said Jack resignedly.
Dead silence followed this for ebout
two minutes. She looked steadily out
of the window, while he gazed absently
at the bald head of a man q few seats