The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-29
A PULLMAN CAR WOOING.

Scene EaStern-DOunu fulnuu cur NJ tHe
Oakland mole.
Enter elderly gentleman, carving small va
liee md large hamper. Following him two
ladies. evidently mother and daughter. Daugh-
ter in dark blue travelling costume, with large
bunch of yiolets pinned 10 front of her jacket;
is a pretty. slender girl Of about eighteen.
Both laden with flowers, books. and numerous
small parcels, which they deposit IN section
nearest middle of car The following CONVEX
satiOn ensues.
"Gladys. dear, L am really worried over your
taking this trip alone Had you not better
wait day OF so, to see if we can hunt some
one up TO accompany your"
20, no, indeed, papa. II was fortunate that
Mr. Wilson was taken Ill 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
Claras wedding. especially as / am TO be
bridesmaid You and mamma must not wor-
~, for shall get along all right alone"
In the meantime other passengers come in,
and find their respective sections. The engine
tOots warningly. few more kisses and hur-
RED instructions, and papa and mamma are
gone The train moves off, slowly at first,
then with increasing speed carries her further
and further away from the two worried souls
she had Just left
Glsdysfelt little frightened at the pros
pect Of this, her first long journey alone, and
kept her face turned toward the fast-fying
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 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 fellow-trav-
elers she thought the few men and two fussy
al lon ad
carelessly in the section opposite was valiso
and mans ulster. but the owner was not
visible She then turned her attention TO tho
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
10 the bouquets.
Time passed. and with a reckless little ynwn
Gladys glanced at her watch and found it
aftor6 The porter Just then announced that
q stop will be made now at Sacramento for
dinner.
Gladys thought of the bother Of unpackng
the neatly strapped hamper 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, rs she was not very
hungry.
At the moment familiar form came up the
aisle, and in a second 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,
Gladys2"
A delicate pink colored her cheeks as she
shook hands, and answered him with a sur
prised and rather cool, Why, Jack. where did
you come from?n
From the smoking-room. where I've been
for the last three hours, ever since | 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
vatter-of-course way.
Where are you going, Jack?"
ITO Omaha, Gladys"
What for?" asked she, suspiciously.
Partly business partly pleasure. Bust
ness, 70 take care of you; pleasure. to be with
you" he answered concisey.
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 50, guess" said Jack re-
signedly.
Dead silence followed this for about two
minutes. She looked steadily out of the win
dow, while he gased absently at the bald head
of q man few seats in front.
Then he broke the silence by leaning toward
her and saying in soft and persuasive tone:
GLADYS won't you reconsider what you said
last night?"
Looking around nervously TO see if any ono
could hear she answered. NO, Jack-please
don't go over that again, for It won't do one
bit of good"
He looked disappointed; then picking up
her jacket, said: Well we're almost to Sacra-
mento Come. let US go out to dinner"
Gladys rose quickly, glad that she did not
have TO dine on candy after all; and while
helping her with her coat. Jack casually re-
marked
you have lots of flowers"
Eyes, and these lovely violets-they came
this morning with no card attached; but
think l can thank you for them" she said,
looking up brightly at him.
A tender look came into his eyes as he said,
Yes, l sent them, and I'm much obliged to
you for wearing them"
90" said Gladys rather coolly, II had no
preference: They matched my dress so well
that is why / wore them"
Yes, see" assented he, as coolly "Those
cream roses would not look well with il at all
for instance"
Poor little violets-that last remark caused
hastily and angnly detached them saying
Come to think of II, the roses would be far
more effective" and pinned a few of the long
stemmed beauties in their place.
Just as quickly Jack replaced the few vio-
let's he had worn III his coat with O rosebud
too"
Gladys looked annoyed, but said nothing.
and In five minutes they were hurriedly eating
dinner at the station restaurant
voNN otAdScO entertained npr
I'll the early bedtime, and she slept soundly
that night, feeling safe with a friend so near.
Carefully looking from behind her curtains
next morning. Gladys saw that the opposite
section had been changed from two beds 10
Two seats again. bu, Jack was not visible
haf an hour found her dressed. waiting for
him 20 appear, ms she intended asking him 10
breakfast ont Of the well-stockcd hamper.
Presently he came in. and after very slight
hesitation snilingly accepted her invitation
ne helped her unpack the hamper and set the
table IN her section, and in perfect gale of
run they began their morning meal, sitting
opposite;
This Is fun, isn't it'' said Gladys, spearine
for sardine with a corkscrew, FOR Jack az
company, was honored with the only fork.
Immense " he assented so emphaticallv
that she laughed gleefully.
embroidered by this. Jack, in the act OF
CARRYING piece, Of cold chicken 10 his mouth
iesnsa over; and lowering his voice and fork
breakfast together always shall we, GIsdys;"
She smiled in spite Of herself at his tone and
manner, even while dainty frown slightly
narred her pretty forehead. and abe snsxerS