The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1892-07-20

OF about nineteen. Both laden with flow
ers, books, and numerous small parcels,
which they deposit in section nearest
middle of car. The following conversa-
tion ensues:
"Gladys, dear, 1 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 accompany
youl"
"ob, no indeed, papa. 1t was unfor-
tunate that Mr.. Wilson was taken ill so
suddenly this morning, so that Mrs. Will
son 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 we'd
ding, especially as Pm to be bridesmaid. l..
You and mamma must not worry, for
shall get along all right alone"
In the meantime other passengers come
in and find their respective sections. The
engine toots warningly. A few more
kisses and hurried instructions, and papa
and mamma are gone. The train moves
off slowly at first, then with increased
speed carries her further and further
from the two worried souls she had just
left.
Gladys felt little bit frightened atthe
prospect of this, her first long journey
alone, and kept her face turned toward
the fast-hying but unnoticed landscape,
for the blue eyes behind tie 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 onlya 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
travellers, she thought the few men aud
two fussy old ladies looked very unin-
teresting. Thrown carelessly in the Sec
tion opposite was valise and a mans
ulster, but the owner was net visible.
She then turned her attention to the
books, candy and flowers packed up in
front of her. She read, smiled over, and
tucked away in her handbag the cards
and tiny sealed notes hidden in the candy
boxes or attached to the bouquets.
Time passed, and with restless little
yawn. Gladys glanced at her watch and
found it after 6. The porter just then
announced that stop will be made now
at Sacramento for dinner.
Gladys thought of the bother of un-
packing the neatly-strapped hamper for
Just one meal, disliked the idea of going
out at the station alone, then decided to
dine on candy, as she was not very
hungry.
At the moment familiar form came
up the aisle, and in a second a tall, hand
some young man was standing near with
outstretched hand. A CLEAN of amuse-
ment was IN his dark eyes as he quietly
said. "How do you do, GladysG"
A delicate pink colored her cheeks as
she shook hands and answered him with
a surprised aud rather cool. "Why,
Jack, where did you come FRONT"
"From the smokiDg.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 matter-of-
course way.
"WheIe are you going, Jackl"
"To Omaha, Gladys"
"What forl" asked she, suspiciously.
''Partly business-partly pleasure.
Business, to take care of you; pleasure,
to be with you," he answered, concisely.
SNOW, Jack, you know that is very
foolish, after"
"Last night, when you refused Inc
again. Yes, know; but you see can't
help being foolish. Was horn So, /
guess" said Jack, resignedly.
Dead silence followed this for about
two minutes. She looked steadily out
of the window. while he gazel absently
at the bald head of man few seats in
from.