Middletown transcript., 1891-04-09
A PULLMAN CAR WOOING.

scene EaSLer0eOOunu ullm8
car at the Oakland mole.
Time: 3.30P.M.
Enter elderly gentleman, carryin
small valise and large hamper. Fol
lowing him two ladies, evidentl
mother and daughter. Daughter j
dark blue travelling costume, wit
large bunch Of violets pinned to from
of her jacket lis pretty, slender CIR
of about nineteen. Both laden wit
flowers, books, and numerous smal
parcels, which they deposit in section
nearest middle of car. The followin,
conversation ensues -
Gladys, dear, am really worried
over your taking this trip alone. Hat
you not better wait day or so, to Sc,
if we can hunt some one up to accom-
pany your"
90, no indeed, papa It was un.
fortunate that Mr.. Wilson was taker
i'll SO suddenly this morning, SO thai
Mrs. Wilson could not go with me-
this afternoon, but you see I'll haze tc
start to-day to reach Omaha in time
for Clara's wedding, especially as I'm
to be bridesmaid. You and mamma
must OF worry, for / shall get along
all right alone"
Iu the meanwhile other passengers
come in. and find their respective Sec
tions. The engine toots warningly.
A few more kisses and hurried instrHc
lions, and papa and mamma are gone
The train moves of, slowly at first.
then with increasing speed carries her
farther and farther away from the
Two worried souls she had just left.
Gladys felt little frightened at
the prospect of this, her first long
journey alone, and kept her face turn
ed toward the fast-fying but unnotic-
ed landscape, for the blue eyes be-
hind the long veil were blurred with
tears.
Her thoughts few back to her par
ents, now on the way to their home in
San Francisco. She knew how much
they would miss her,-the only child,
though she was going to stay only .
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 fell
low-travelers, she thought the few
men and tive fussey old ladies looked
very uninteresting. Thrown careless
ly in the section opposite was a valise
and mans ulster, but the owner was
not visible. She then turned her at
tention to the books, candy and flow
ers, piled upin front Of her. She
read, smiled over, and tucked away
in her hand bags, the cards and tiny
sealed notes hidden in the candy
boxes or attached to the bouquets.
Time passed, and with restless
little yawn Gladys looked at her watch
and found it after six. The porter just
then announced that stop will be
made now at Sacramento for dinner.
Gladys thought OF the bother of
unpacking the neatly.strapped ham.
per for just one meal,-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 q familiar form
came up the aisle, and in second
tall, handsome young man was stand
ing near with outstretched hand. A
CLEAN of amusement was ia his dark
eyes as be quietly said, 4" How do you
do, GladysY"
A delicate pink colored her cheek
as she shook hands, and answered
him with surprised and rather cool,
" Why. Jack, where did you come
from 2"
From the smoking room, where
I've been for the last three hours,
ever since l 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 manner-of-course way.
" Where are you going, Jack ?"
" To Omaha, Gladys"
" What for?" asked she, suspicious |
y.
Partly business, ss,-partly pleasure. |
Business, to take ecare Of you I; pleasure,
to be with you" he answered concisely.
Now, Jack. you know that is very
foolish, after"
+" Last night, when you refused me
again. Yes, know but you see
can't help being foolish. Was born
20, | guess" said Jack resignedly.
Dead silence followed this for about
,Wo minutes. She looked steadily out
If the window, while he gazed absent
y at the bald head of man a few
Ieats in front.
Then he broke the silence by lean
ng towards her and saying in a very
oft and persuasive tone, +" Gladys,
Won't you reconsider what you said
asst night p
Looking around nervously to see if
my one could hear, she answered,
No, Jack,-please don't 90 over that
gain, for it won't do one bit of good"
He looked disappointed then pick.
ng up her jacket said, " Well, we are
lmost at Sacramento. Come, let us
o out to dinner"
Gladys rose quickly, glad that she
id not have 10 dine on candy after
II and while helping her with her
oat Jack casually remarked :- li