Middletown transcript., 1891-04-09

expected, SO she decided he mus
haye eaten at the the STATEN which hal
been passed early, before she was up.
After lonely little breakfast . b,
herself, she settled down comfortabl,
with book to read, and wait fer hin
to come and make up.
The hours passed, however, ant
still no Jack. His traps were still
opposite. SO he must be on the train
probably in the smoking room, wher,
the other men spent most of theil
time. She began to grow very in
dignant at his neglect.
''To be sure, I told him never tt
speak to me again, but he knew
did not mean it." soliloquized Gladys
then she tossed her head and vowed
she didn't care what he did.
At lunch time she saw him disap.
pear in the eating room without &c
much as look even in her direction
Shortly after the train moved b,
sauntered carelessly into his sec ton
Meeting her wondering eyes be
gravely bowed, then taking a book
was to all intents soon absorbed in its
contents.
Her heart seemed to sink a few
inches as she fully realized that be
had taken her hasty words literally
and did not intend speaking to her
But pride came to her rescue, and she
was apparently as much interested
in her work as he was In his,
The afternoon rolled on and still
they read. never glancing at each
other. As the train drew up at the
dinner station he threw down his
book, and without word to the girl
across the aisle, went out talking and
laughing with one Of the men.
Gladys, who had not left the car
that day, timidly asked the old ladies
if she could 60 out to dinner with
them, and was promptly taken under
their wing. After dinner, Jack stay.
ed in the smoking room playing
cards.
Then, as the ehadows darkened so
that she could not see to read,
Gladys's spirits fell to lowest ebb.
Turning to the window, but seeing
nothing of the fast-darkening land
scape, she gazed steadily out with
fast-flling eyes. She realized and
confessed then to herself how much
she had missed Jack all day.
On the train few into the darkness.
The car lamps were lit, and berths
we're being made up all around her.
More and more lonely and low-spirit.
ed she grew. Tomorrow morning
would bring them to Omaha, where
her friends would meet her. She
would go one way, Jack another
and he would never speak to her
again. The last thought was too
much for her, and by this time she
vas crying softly but bitterly in the
corner, with her face still turned to
the window.
All, Jack, deliberately staying
away all day from willful little
Gladys was a diplomatic stroke of
yours!
Suddenly some one leaned over her
md said softly, "Why, Gladys, home
lick already I"
Startled, she turned quickly, and
With a joyful little catch Of her
breath dashed her handkerchief over
Ter eyes, and answered shyly, mo,
lack, only lonesome, and I'm sorry
was SO rude yesterday"
He sat down, screening her from
my prying eyes, and said very low,
GLADYS, darling,> were you crying be-
;ause I've been such an unmanly
,east to-day?
The pretty head dropped lower,-
,ut no answer. Jack glanced around
10 one was looking. Taking her
land, he said Gladys, once more
ask you to be my wife. If you soy
10, shall never trouble you again,
nut shall take the first train home
rom Omaha Tomorrow, a disappoint-
d man. Which is it, dear, yes or nor"
Still no answer.
Say yes, dearest" pleaded Jack,
nth his lips dangerously near the
luffy bang.
An almost imperceptible nod was
il the answer he got, but it seemed
o satisfy him. Gently raising her
cad he stole a kiss, just in time to
scape the porter's inquisitive eyes as
e came up blandly asking tn young
ady if she was ready to have her
erth made up.
Blusbing furiously, the young lady
aid yes, she was ready; SO pressing
er hand warmly, Jack whispered,
Good night, love" and left her, we'll |
ltisfed with the result of his
'urney.-Jessie Howell Hull, in
'verland.