The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-01-07

one can see me.
.sAm | no one ?"
II mean no one but you
~ think one-that one being myself
is quite sufficient.
"But Mr.. Allen you do not happen to
be the only one, exclaimed merry voice,
and turning, they found themselves face to
face with Miss Smith 'sPlease don't make
love now, but sit down and talk of sensible
and interesting things. have heard that
lovers never find anything to speak about
but themselves Is it true p
"You must find out Must she not Mr..
Allen ?"
II think so, at least am afraid | can
not enlighten her and, turning to that
lady 'sYou know experience is the best
teacher.
Il believe it is in most things, but | fear
l will never have any experience in that.
I have decided not to fall in love.
"a very sensible decision, if it is kept,
said Mr. Allen, smiling.
at will be- | never say a thing do
not mean, and never make a promise that
do not keep, and when | decide to do a
thing l generally do it. !"
every good and very proper Miss Smith, :
said Mr. Allen, smiling more than ever.
"But considerine the loss that must be
endured by my sex, if that resolution is
kept, must say-begging your pardon
that I hope you will relent this time and
change your decision.
mo wonder you won Bella's soft, little
heart. Such fattery as that is almost
enough to turn sensible persons head"
"Do you mean to insinuate that am
not sensible person p asked Bella, max
ing a great show of being angry.
"My dear, meant nothing of the kind >
answered the stern Miss Smith, witha pleas
ant smile. 'But enough of this chaf.
Bella sit down and give us one of those
pretty songs that you play so well do
not ask you anything about it Mr.. Allen
turning to that gentleman) because [
know that you are as fond of musie-Bel-
la s music-as I am !"
ayes, play something, you have plenty
of time" said Mr. Allen looking at his
watch.
Bella needed no second invitation, and,
seating herself before the instrumentplayed
until Mr.. Allen informed her that it was
time to get ready for the train. "The con-
sequences would be terrible if l missed it .
Il will be ready in minute, said Bella,
leaving the room only to return again, clad
in a long, warm ulster that reached to her
feet. On her head she wore fur cap.
sThe carriage is at the door, said Bella.
"Give Miss Smith goodbye and come on.
Mamma is waiting at the door"
"a safe journey and speedy return, !"
said Miss Smith, extending her hand, which
was warmly clasped by Mr.. Allen.
When they reached the station-house,
Mr.. Allen, after looking at his watch,
quietly informed Bella that they had three
minutes to wait.
"Wish you were safe back said Bella,
wandering around the room in an aimless
way. "What would do if anything should
happen to you?"
"My dear, / am perfectly safe. The
system is so perfect that accidents seldom
occur"
@But they do occur sometimes and if you
should be killed, believe would die.
"Why Bella, said he looking at her in
surprise. ''What morbid fancies are
these?"
Il don't know but | cannot help it. =
Just then the whistle sounded. He
turned to her saying, 81 will be gone just
one week. Next Tuesday will come on
the four o clock train,
Bella had time to say goodbye and that
was all. He was gone Feeling very low
spirited She after smiling at him through
the window, made her way to the carriage
and was about to enter when the little
pale.faced lad of the handkerchief, came
/
timidly up to her and asked, "Does yel
like.him very much y
Bella, who had recognized the child asked
in some surprise, awho 2
aHim that went OFF,"
@Why do you ask that ~
eyer look so down in the jaw"
aChild, you worry me, said Bella, divid-
ed between a desire to laugh and desire
to cry.
4Did yer mean wot yer sed in that
hows?n
aWere you there?' asked Bella, more
astopished than every.
"Yep."
sWell | meant all that | said and l ike
him very much, said Bella, wisely deem
ing this the best way to get rid of him.
The boy seemed satisfied and crept
away, murmuring to himself, livery kind,
very kind =
He was familiar figure at the little
station-house and was well acquainted with
all the engineers, brakemen, and newsboys
along the road.
The little ragmuffn was going to the
country. One of the engineers had prom
ised to take him FIVE miles from the city,
on his train and then, at little house, at
the end of his ride, he was to have all the