The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1896-09-29

tea. and yet she preferred her thirst
and her WEAKNESS to accepting another
favor at the hands of this stranger.
He was looking at her intently, rath-
er more intently than he would have
looked, perhaps had he found her in
less humber circumstances. He had
decided that she was governesS-a
young, much-to- be-pitied dependent on
her way to her work, where she would
waste her beauty in dull School-room
among lesson books and naughty chill
uren. He was intensely compassionate
over her fate. Unfortunately, she was
slightly uncouth and abrupt, but no
doubt she was shy aud a little over
Whelmed by the interest he had shown
in her misfortunes.
Mr.. Jones, young, good-looking, pop
ular among his fellow men, and heir to
prOdigiOuS income, was not likely to
be humble nor blind to his own adj
vantages. The kind maidens, and
their still kinder mothers, with whom
| he came in contact at every stage of
his life, had flattered and cajoled him
into the belief that his personal at
fractions were irresistible.
He would like to see her smile; her
smile ought to be very sweet; there
was a suspicion Of dimple indenting
her pale cheek. How white, how tray
el-Soiled, how grave she looked! He
was so sorry for her. But her conduct
was disappointing; for she, with frigid
politeneSS, refused his offer Of tea, and
turned to re-enter the ladies' waiting
room.
''Why not wait here?" he inquired
earnestly.
Il should like to rest until the train
is in" with what he called her I'M
fortunate governess manner.
you can rest out here" pointing to
an adjacent bench; "there is more air
out here 1t is much better for you
than being stifled among all those
women. Do come, you are looking so
awfully done up, and will bring you
cup of tea down here"
But the waiting room door had
closed behind her before his sentence
was ended 1t was evident that she
was very gauche, but it was also evil
dent to her observant and gOod-na-
tured companion that She was tired
out; he was convinced that she had re-
fused his offer from some other mo-
tive than Discrimination for the prof
fered refreshment
ut is an awful thing for ashy girl to
accept anything from strange fell
low" he reflected. II was clumsy; L
must manage it better. She shall have
her tea, I swear, for I know she is
diving for it, and he walked off to the
refreshment room.
A few minutes later maid, accom-
panied by Smithers, and carrying tea,
cake, biscuits and a plate filled with
white-heart cherries, entered the ladies'
Of C1ooft 1nt,c, ~
rection the tray was placed on the ia
BILE by Helen's side, with the words:
1.-THE gentleman desired me to bring
these, ma'am.
The retreating figure showed no con-
seriousness of Helens quick disclaimer.
cit is a mistake. I ordered nothing
I want nothing"
That tea and those seductive cher
ries stood untasted at this foolish girls
elbow. She looked at them wistfully,
but she touched them not. When her
train came into the station she felt
that she was turning her back on
terrible temptation, as she hustled out
upon the crowded platform, where she
was Immediately joined by Mr.. Jones.
''This way, if you please. I've got
you a carriage. My man will see to
your luggage; it is with mine."
And he hustled her on till they had
reached an empty compartment, the
door Of which was held open by Smith
ers.
81 am travelling third she said,
glancing within the carriage. ''This is
first"
'"The mantle who-do-you-call-it at
the ticket office" stamering over the
prevarication. gave me a frSt-class
ticket for you
AS indeed he had done, ard had paid
for it, too.
''Thank you, but like third best; it
it is coolest"
'.As you please" The girl was less
shy than disagreeable, after all. II
am going in there" indicating the
smoking carriage next door, $50 you
would get this place yourself. The rest
of the train is very much crowded"
Helen hesitated. She believed that
the white ticket which she held had
been provided by the generosity of the
railway company; she also believed
that by fortunate coincidence-not by
bribery and corruption-the selected
compartment happened to be empty
the only empty compartment in the
full train.
Smithers. with respectful mien, pa
tiently held the door open. Take your
seats" shouted a porter at her elbow.
An eager crowd of excited excursion
lists surged past; a drunken man stag
pered close to her. Mr.. Jones said
nothing, but preserved an Indifferent
mir. The drunken man settled the
question. Helen shrunk away in dis
gust from him, and saying, Il really