The Olneyville tribune. (Providence, R.I.) 1893-189?, 1894-03-17

thunderclouds at me whenever h'
calls. But once I'm married, it.
A ch orus OF well-bred giggling in
terrupted Carries words. Mrs. Is
terhall rose hurriedly from her seat
grasped her gloves and eyeglasse-
and made all haste out Of the res
taurant. When the waiter came
with the chicken-salad and the tea.
he found his customer gone. The
unconscious Miss Chippendale and
her friends enjoyed their Vienna
chocolate and oyster frtters very
much indeed.
Mrs. Esterhall decided TO return ia
| the manor at once. Carrie Chippen-
dales graceful treachcry had affected
her more than she had deemed pos
sible; and, leaving II hastily written
note TO explain TO Guion that she had
altered her plans, she took the late
express, which reached Clevedon
Junction at nine, there connecting
with branch train for Esterhall
Station. She was travelling alone, as
her maid remained 10 pack up the
last things and follow her the next
day.
There had been heavy snowfall,
the night had settled down dark and
tempcstuOus, and the train was run
ming behind time. At last II came
to "A full stop. Mrs. Esterhall start
ed from dozc and looked anXiously
around her.
Ten o'clock some one said,
consulting a watch. Why, con
ductor, we are due at Clevedon at
five minutes before nine !"
Yes, know, SIR" spoke the Off
cial, "but the road is all blocked,
and the Western express is overdue
at this point. We're waiting here
for the signal to move on.
And what's TO keep us from wait
ing all night?" petulantly inquired
the old gentleman.
Nothing sir--unlcss the Western
Express is heard from.
Mrs. Esterhall began to be little
frightened.
Conductor" said she, lis there
any danger OF collison?"
mo, ma am-not as long as we're
on this side Of the switch"
"Tsn't there dining car attached
to this train?'
mo, ma am-this ism the through
express, but | hope we shall not be
detained here much longer" the
conductor chccrfully added
Slowly the minutes dragged them
selves by gradually lcngthcning into
hours The passengers gathered in
knots and whispered. One or two Of
the more adventurous spirits got out,
peered into the darkness, iIccked
only by the driving snow, and then
got in again, with the customary
uncomplimentary comments on the
railway management. Mrs. Ester
hall was nervous and unaccustOmed
to travel alone. She began to cry
softly behind her veil.
"Ah, she thought, "if ever | live
to get safe home again, I'll stay
there. Pll never tempt Providence
more, on these night roads.
Across the aisle two young girls
were seatcd-the one palc-faccd and
rather plain, as Mrs. Estcrhall had
already noticed by the light Of the
cluster OF lamps under which they
were seated; the other Al brilliant
young brunette with soft hazel eyes,
peachy checks and wavy dark-brown
hair, brushed carclessly back from
low, broad forehead. Presently the
latter rose, and coming to Mrs. Ester
hall side, asked i'm soft, sympath-
etic voice:
Are you ill, madam"
"N-no, stammcred the old lady,
quite forgetful Of her society dignity.
"Only | nm SO faint and weary. |
expected TO dine at home long before
this hour, and took almost nothing
to eat--bcforc started.
81 have some nice, home made
chicken sandwiches in my bag sug-
gcstcd the pretty girl. My aunt in
sisted on my taking them, although
| dined heartily before leaving home,
and have little alcohol lamp with
every convenience for making II cup
of good, strong tea as well. II you
will allow me TO prepare it for you-'
maniac. A new brightness came into
her eyes at this suggestion.
You are very kind, ~ said she.
But you will want it yourself?'
NO, " smiled the girl. II don't
care for tea. But my kind old aunt
would put the things in. Now am
glad that she did SO.
In five minutes, Mrs. Esterhall
had eaten and drunk, and felt i'm
fnitcly refreshed. How it happened,
she did not pause TO question herself,
but she presently found herself re-
clining comfortably, with her head on
n pillow improviscd out Of the folded
blanket shawl that belonged to the
young girl; and, mingled with her
drowsy reflections, came the soft,
low murmdrs Of the swoet-faced
brunette who had changed her seat
and that OF her companion to the one
directly back OF Mrs. Esterhall, and