The great West. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1889-18??, 1891-05-15
A PULLMAN CAR WOOING.

Scene: Eastern-bound Pullman car
at the Oakland mole. Enter elderly
gentleman, carrying small valise and
large hamper. Following 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 10. Both
laden with flowers, books and numer-
Gus small parcels, which they deposit
in section nearest middle of car. The
following conversation ensues:
GLADYS, dear, I am really worried
over your taking this trip alone. Had
you not better wait day or so, to see
If we can hunt some one up to accom-
pany you?"
30, no, indeed, papa. It 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 I shall get along
all right alone"
In the meanwhile other passengers
come in, and find their respective
sections. The engine toots warningly.
A few more kisses and hurried instruc-
tions, and papa and mamma are gone.
The train moves off.
Turning to inspect her fellow travel
lers, she thought the few men and two
fussy old ladies looked very uninterest-
ing. Thrown carelessly in the section
opposite was valise and a mans ul-
ster, but the owner was not visible.
She then turned her attention to the
books, candy and flowers piled up in
front of her.
Time passed, and with a reckless lit
tie yawn Gladys glanced at her watch
and found it after 6. The porter an
nounced that stop will be made now
at Sacramento for dinner.
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,
Gladys?"
A delicate pink colored her cheeks
as she shook hands, and answered him
with a surprised and rather cool,
why, Jack, wEere did you come
from?''
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, suspi-
ciously.
Partly business-partly pleasure.
Business, to take care of you; pleas
ure to be with YOU" he answered con-
cisely.
Nov, Jack, you know that is very
foolish, after"
Last night when you refused ne
again. Yes, I know; but you see
can't help being foolish. Was born
SO, guess" said Jack resignedly.
Dead silence followed this for about
two minutes. Then he broke the ST.
lence by leaning toward her and say
ing in soft persuasive tone, ''Gladys,
won't you reconsider what you said
last night?"
Looking around nervously, she an
swered: mo, Jack-Please don't go
over that again, for it won't do one
bit of good"
He looked disappointed; then he
said, well, we're almost 10 Sacra-
mento. Come, let US 90 out to din
ner."
Gladys rose quickly, glad that she
did not have to dine on candy after
all: and helping her with her coat
Jack casually remarked:
''You have lots of flowers"
''Yes, 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: Eyes, sent them, and I'm
much obliged to you for wearing
them
Gladys looked annoyed but said
nothing, and in five minutes they were
hurriedly eating dinner at the station
restaurant
In the morning he helped her I'M
pack the hamper and set the table in
her section, and in a perfect gale of
fun they began their. morning meal,
sitting opposite.
This is fun, isn't it?" said GLADYS,
spearing for sardine with cork
screw, for Jack, as company, was
honored with the only fork.
'1mmense!" he assented so emphat.
'cally that she laughed gleefully.
Emboldened by this, Jack, in the
act OF carrying a piece of cold chicken
to his mouth, leaned over, and, lower
ing his voice and his fork at the same
time said coaxingly, Lets breakfast
together always we, Gladys?''