The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1891-09-09

N#AffN9k fro on my sou
as;T: SNSNN cushions; al
W n though h or
oughly fatigued could not sleep.
/ reopened my eyes unwillingly,
looked out into the impenetrable dark
ness, then at the flickering light Of the
lamp and finally at my fellow-travelers.
1t was a strange company.
Opposite me sat deeply -bronzed,
martial-loolSing corporal He had drawn
the hood of his black cloak over his
head and was snoring with enviable
comfort, Between his legs, which were
incased in scarlet hose and light gait
ers, stood a large, heavy box. Upon
entering he had pointed 1t out as being
filed "du liquide," and handled it with
loving care. Our strict officials had
never allowed such large article to
pass as hand-baggage, but in this in
stance they only smiled, and drew up
my feet on the seat resignedly.
Farther on, as near as possible to the
miserable lamp, sat young, slender
man. His pale, worn face was bent
over a book he read all through the
night. II was newly-cut pamphlets
late production of the Partisan book
market. Was It political pamphlet or
Zola's latest novel? could not make
out. On the seat next me son OF
the Celestial empire had settled himself
"a veritable Chinese. l could see hts
modest little pigtail, ornamented with
ribbons, moving back and forth, as he
turned his back on me TO converse In
fluent French with his vis-a-vis, who
was q robust, pleasant-looking woman
OF about forty years Of age, the wife Of
o soldier. whom she was going 10 meet,
as concluded from her conversation.
In these surroundings /, northern
or, attired in an elegant travelling cos
stume, must have looked odd. But on
that train there were no differences Of
class. II was the lightning express
which rushcs on to Marseilles with very
few stoppages and carries only first
class passengers
Most Of my companions had tickets
TO Algiers, and tomorrow would steam
out into the Mediterranean. was
sent 10 Nice by the doctors and an over
anxious mother, 70 spend the winter
and to recover from the effects Of a
serious attack of Inflammation Of the
lungs.
l was 10th 10 leave my home associa-
tions and my calling, and Indignantly
questioned II travelling In such q mood
could be Of any benefit TO an invalid.
The long December night was not at
an end when we reached Marseilles.
The coupe was soon emptied.
The student closed his book and
stepped out first. The rest followed
him; the corporal, swearing and still
half-asleep, knocked about everywhere
with his case, and only the lady had a
word OF farewell for she remaining
traveller.
drew deep breath, sprinkled some
eau de cologne on my handkerchief and
stretched myself out. ! really sue
ceeded in sleeping soundly, for the
train had taken the pleasant, slumber-
producing jog of an express. How long
slept, do not know. Suddenly felt
the cool morning air, and the rustling
of skirts together with a wonder
fully sweet perfume, pass close by me,
but was so full of sleep that I could
notrouse myself Immediately.
When finally opened my eyes they
rested on the corner where a short
whIie since the blaciS-beardcd corporal
had -snored.
There now sat in his place slender
female form in a long, clinging silk
mantle. A thick, gray veil covered her
travelling hat and face, about which
some very light golden curls fell.
Those curls' looked so natural they re-
minded me of little cousin at home.
The lady bent her head, seemingly as
IL she wished TO sleep, and l, being
ashamed Of my lounging posture, tried
to-raise myself quickly and quietly.
AS did 80 glanced out Of the win
dow and could hardly restrain an excla-
nation OF delight.
There lay before me, at no very great
distance, half envelopcd in the morning
mist, the magnificent Mediterranean;
the. sun rose from the water, throwing a
bright CLEAN Of light through the mist,
and covering mist, clouds and water
with rosy hue. High up along tho
rociV coast ran the train in and out Of
dangerous windings Southern vegeta,
ton everywhere; evergreens, oaks, oil
ives, oranges, everything glistened with
thedew In glorious freshness.
Could IL be December? We're the
folks at home sitting shivering nrohnd
the stove, while our feeble, wintry sun
sbone coldly and family through the
frozen window panes? ! felt as II
vert under magic spell, and as ]
turned TO the other side, driven by ar
impulse, beheld lovely girls face
suflpsed with the tints Of the morning
su1< xFor one short moment our eyes
mefHhen the train ran into one of the
numerous tunnels The lady sat bacll
In her.seat, drew her veil over her face,
and by the dim light Of the lamp now
sawtpext me a mans form, her com.
panipn's awaited the reappearancc
Of dftlight and examined the gentle
rnadfnrtively.