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

momDcred her rudeness to the man who
had always been so kind to her. She
recalled the panied, set look as he had
turned away the evening before, and re-
solved to ask his pardon the first thing
in the morning, when, of course, he
would forgive her, and they would be
good friends again.
Morning found Gladys herself again,
sweet and pretty as ever; but no Jack to
be seen. He had not come in to take
breakfast with her, as she expected, so
she decided he must have eaten at the
station which had been passed early, be-
fore she was up.
After lonely little breakfast by her.
self, she settled down comfortably with
a book to read and wait for him to come
and make up.
The hours passed however, and still
no Jack. His traps were still opposite,
so he must still be on the train, probably
in the smoking room, where the other
men spent most of their time. She be.
gan to grow very indignant at his ne
glect.
'To be sure, " told him never to speak
to me again, but he knew l did not mean
it," soliloquized Gladys; then tossed
her head and vowed she didn't care what
he did.
At lunch time she saw him disappear
in the eating room without so much as
look even in her direction. Shortly
after the train moved he sauntered care
lessly into his section. Meeting her
wondering eyes, he gravely bowed, then
taking book he was to all intents soon
absorbed in in its contents.
Her heart seemed to sink few inches
as she fully realized that he had taken
her hasty words literally and did not in
tend 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 q
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 go out to dinner with them, and
was promptly taken under their wing.
After dinner Jack stayed in the smoking
room playing cards.
Then, as the shadows 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 landscape, she gazed
steadily out with fast filling eyes. She
realized and confessed then to herself
how much she had missed Jack all day.
On the train flew into the darkness.
The car lamps were lit and berths were
being made up all around her. More
and more lonely and low-spirited 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, aud by this time
she was crying softly but bitterly in the
corner, with her face still turned to the
window.
All, Jack, deliberately staying away all
day from wilful little Gladys was dip
lomatic stroke of yoursl
Suddenly some one leaned over her
and said softly: ''Why, Gladys, home
sick already2"
Startled, she turned quickly, and with
a joyful little catch of her breath dashed
her handkerchief over her eyes and an
swered shyly, "No, Jack, only lonesome,
and I-I'm sorry was so rude yester-
day."
He sat down, screening her from any
prying eyes, and said very low, "Gladys,
darling, were you crying because
I've been such an unmanly beast to-dayp
The pretty head dropped lower-but
no answer. Jack glanced around; no
one was looking. Taking her hand, he
said: "Gladys, once more 1 ask you to
be my wife. If you say no l shall
never trouble you again, but shall take
the first train home from Omaha to-mor-
row, disappointed man. Which is it,
dear, yes or no."
Still no answer.
"Say yes, dearest" pleaded Jack, with
his lips dangerously near the fluffy bang.
An almost imperceptible nod was all
the answer he got, but it seemed to sat
isfy him. Gently raising her head, he
stole kiss, just in time to escape the
porter's inquistive eyes as he came up,
blandly asking the young lady if she was
ready to have her berth made up.
Blushing furiously, the young lady
said she was ready; so pressing her hand
warmly, Jack whispered, "Good night,
love-" and left her, well satisfied with
the result of his journey. ey.-Overland
Monthly.