The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-07-02
TALE OF A WHEEL.
Philadelphia Item.

Philadelphia Item
1t had been thorn in the flesh OF Tom
Fairbanks's mother that his pretty fiancee
was a deyotee of the wheel" At first,
upon their summer flight into the country,
she had smiled upon the girls little fad"
but as the season wore away ana Marie
grew "fonder and more fond" of her two
wheeled friend, the lady grew to look with
dissatisfaction on the girlish figure in white
aannels. skimming like a swallow over the
country roads. Little "squids" Of her
growing disfavor she vented on Toms de-
voted head, which he duly resented, feeling
a wondering sort of anger that his mother
should consider any act Of Marie in aught
but a favorable light.
Still her fervor was quite beyond him at
times and of late she had neglected him
trife, he imagined, for her new fancy. And
so, bit by bit. he grew into bis mother
way of thinking. though he never APP
peared to agree with her.
The families had met abroad journeying
homeward in company, and before the
steamer reached New York the young
folks were acknowledged lovers, with the
consent of both parties. The announce
ment Of their engagement had been an
event which the Fairbanks had followed
up by several of their own inimitable social
affairs
Marie was barely twenty, sweet. fresh
and altogether as charming a little person
as one could meet in days journey.
Fourth of July in this mountain town was
a much celebrated day. Tom accompanied
Marie on a whiri through the country
would ask her for his sake to abandon
her new love" and trust to him Tor en-
tertainment. 60. ar
will wait until evening"
The evening found gay company on the
Fairbanks's piazza Chinese Se lanterns ies-
The evening passed, and again the de.
sired opportunity was gone. Tom bade
Carriage aris s fun OF girls whom he was driving
home preventing him from taking his
usual tender farewell.
she called out in. her. clear young. voice:
Tom. / am coming to. luncheon to-mor-
hh sugh alTp5ss .s the H
bi MSsi A" commented Miss Gym.
.s0uite So said Tom tersely-
a pity. should say" went on Miss
GYM. sweetly. otherwise she is cry In
Tono clutched the reins Hereby ~
How dare she speak of Marie as In
Tomorrow I'll have It out with her"
.sTo-morrow'' dawned fair and bright
Tom was in a ferment between his incli-
nation to go after her as was his custom
and an overwhelming desire to retain his
anger long enough to settle the question
when she should arrive. Luncheon was
served on the broad veranda.
Mrs. Fairbanks had picked up Miss Gym
on her morning drive, and together they
sat in dainty summer trapping in the cool
shade OF the trees awaiting Marie's ar
rival.
vay swung Marie on her favorite steed,
this time clad in silver gray costume.
Her sweet flushed face broke into smiles
as she jumped lightly down and stood be-
fore trsm dainty. girlish figure above
the waist, but horror Of horrors below.
something was very much the matter.
Two dainty tan-booted feet stepped out
boldly from the very smartest pair OF
trousers girl ever saw.
Mrs. Fairbanks gave a gasp OF horror.
Miss Gym smiled quietly. and said: How
very eccentricr'
Tom CRASHED his teeth. never removing
his gaze from the offending trousers The
girl looked from one to another In surprise.
No word Of welcome. no coming to meet
her. no word Of endearment.
Just horrid, painful pause
The sweet face grew white. and little
| culver came about. the lips, while into the
| eyes crept ded4nt CLEAN quite foreign
Then hen With : disnined little bow she
! said In voice which trembled -perceptihly:
| Hvung onto her silent friend. and VA
out Of sight Ike . shot. Tom called eftel