The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1896-10-17

he uHu luHuo h1A hAS0uOAS0 W v4SAs
some Of the Northern resorts, and he
had already overstayed his time in
Chicago. So one morning he took his
seat in the sleeper OF q through ez-
| press, feeling, bitterly, that he had
lost the happiness OF his life, perhaps,
through his own carelessness. Just as
[ the train pulled out, two ladies entered
! and took the section next to his.
| Strong man as he was, the blood rushed
| to his face and his heart leaped with
Joy as be recognized Neva Hildreta
| and her sister. He would lose no
| more opportunities He went to them
| at once, and was cordially received by
! both ladies. He soon learned thai
| their destination was the same as bis
own, and could hardly conceal his e.
! ultatien as he thought of the long day
before him, which he resolved to make
the most OF. Like wise man, he first
tried to converse with Mrs. Ward,
| but she seemed so surprised at his
ignorance OF many exhibits which in
terested her, and so overpowered him
with her knowledge, that he was most
thankful when she buried herself in
magazine and let him at liberty to
talk to her sister. He found Miss
Neva q most charming travelling COM
panion, and managed to spend most Of
the day by her side. He found that
their plans for the week conceded
with his own-strango to say-and as
they drew near their destination he
boldly asked permission to accompany
them on their excursion to Mime.
tonka. Mrs. Ward looked her sur
prise, but she could only murmur
something about Every kind, which
the Californian coolly took for con-
sent and proceeded to arrange for
their meeting and to make suggestions
as to ways and neaus in the most mat
ter.of-fact way possible.
That night Mrs. Ward subjected her
younger sister to c cross-examination,
which she closed By declaring emphat'
ically:
"Well, I should think you would
want to know something about that
young man before you gave him any
more encouragement
II encourage him." asked Miss
Neva, inuocently; "why, you told him
he might 60"
It was perfect summer day that
they spent upon ia: beautiful sheet Of
water with its musicnl Indian name.
Maxon had fully determined to put
his fate to the test, brief as had been
their acquaintance, but the day passed
and no favorable opportunity came.
Mrs. Ward seemed to have awakened
to her duties as chaperone, and Miss
Hildreth's own frank, friendly manner
discouraged him even more.
They stopped OF the same hotel, and
Maxon spent much OF his time with
them for several days; still his courage
failed him, and he resolved more than
once to go away, for Miss Neya would
never look upon him as anything more
than friend, at best. His time was
limited and the last day Of his stay
arrived.
They spent the day in making a
longer excursion than usual, and
Maxon had decided that he must put
q question and receive an answer that
day, come what would. But Mrs.
Ward seemed to divine hi: attention.
There was no escaping her vigilance,
and it was not until they entered the
crowded car to return to the city that
he managed to place her in one seat
while he found another for Neva and
himself. Even then he found it
hard to begin. and the precious mo.
ments slipped by. At last he asked
abruptly:
''Do you remember our first meet.
ing, Miss Hildreth?"
"Of course" she answered, with q
smile.
"And did you think mo rude to
stare at you so? To tell the truth, I
thought yon we're 'winsome wee las.
sie' indeed"
"Ah, did you?" she murmurel just
glancing up at him.
'My love is but u lassie,
A winsome wee lassie, she,"
he repeated, softly; "and-" desper.
ately, "you are the lassie, Neva.
baggage, sir? Checked to all parts
OF the CITY," And q bunch of checks
we're jingled in his face. Before he
could recover himself Mrs. Ward came
to asked a question-and then they
were rolling into the city depot.
! Miss Neva, he spoke hurriedly, II
must leave for home in tho morning,
unless you soy stay"
"Why," was the response. Unjust
you go? We shall miss you!"
II must go" he answered; II have
overstnyed my time already"
They were in the aisle now, and as
they struggled along, pushed and
jostled by the impatient throug, he
spoke once more:
''Shnll I go-or stay, Neva?"
! fN,oro 1vnc M !,:a