The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-01-30
A MISTAKE.

IONA Sheldon was making the European
tour. Her education was finished, and she
and her mother had spent the last two
years In travel. Zona's mother was o
wealthy widow, and zona was an only
child.
The important subject under discussion
on the October morning which brings
them to our notice is an invitation to be
present at the wedding in the north of
England.
But here was dilemma. Mrs. Sheldon
was so indisposed as to be unfit for the
Journey, yet she did not wish Zona to stay
ct home. Mrs. Sheldon had firm belief
that 1t was perilous undertaking to
travel in compartment car unless there
were so many passengers that there was
no possible danger Of assault.
Morning saw our heroine at the Kings
Cross station anxiously scanning tho car
riages to make sure Of one well filed and
at least one or two ladies in It, At last
she saw one that met her requirements,
and, slipping O coin into the hand Of the
guard, she entered.
The train steamed out of the station,
and IONA took survey Of her fellow tray
elers. There was family-father, mother
and three children, an elderly lady, two
business men, and in one corner o man
whom she did not particularly notice.
For awhile she looked out of the window,
admiring the flying landscape. Then she
produced book and began to read Anon
q new sensation stirred within her. She
drew out her dainty little watch and looked
at 1t. Twelve O'Clock and 20 minutes.
Two hours since she had started.
She laid down the book and opened the
little lunch basket; then she drew off her
gloves, tucked them in the pocket of her
Jacket and began to eat. The man in the
corner took this opportunity to read the
title of her book.
Biglow Papers, know she's an
American. can sec it from the tip of
her nose to the toe of her little boot. I
didn't know before that eating was one of
the fine arts"
Zona, all unconscious Of his scrutiny,
finished her dinner, returned to her book
and fell asleep for awhile She did not
know when some Of the other occupants
Of the compartment got out, and about 4
o'clock She was reused by hearing the
mother of the family say: wake up now,
Tile! Wake upl We get out at the next
station"
iona looked about with q start to see
the October day darkening down and real
lie that when the family party should
leave the train she and the man in the
corner would be the only occupants of the
compartment.
For moment iona was possessed with
an insane desire to scream, and only by q
strong effort controlled herself The man
In the corner, who up to this time had not
moved from his seat all day, now rose and
walked to the other end Of the car.
He reached under the scat and took out
a small hand satchel, which he opened.
Was he going to get a revOlverP No, IL
would be knife. A revolver would make
too much noise. She watched him with
fascinated eyes.
He took out something small and slipped |
it into the pocket of his coat. Soon he |
rose again and sauntered to the far end Of |
the car. He lit taper, bent down and |
was engaged with something. What was
ItP
iona put her hand to the window and
made desperate effort to open it, that she
might be ready to call the guard. The
man heard and turned. He came quickly
Onward. "Allow me, " he said.
"Oh, no, thank you," said IONA hastily.
She felt sure he had discerned her pur-
,ose, and that there was covert menace
n his tone,
What powerfully built fellow he isp'
vent her thoughts. what villainous
One can see he is a desper-
ito fellow. am sure he is looking ct my
ing" f.
Now, the ring was very beautiful dia-
nond, given to IONA by her mother, and
iona, with disregard of conventionality,
wore it on the finger which Is usually set
part to carry the signal Of engagement.
Therefore his thoughts were: "Engag-
dl Well, don't wonder. She surely is
he loyeliest girl I ever saw. Iwonder
7ho the happy fellow isp What can be the
natter with her, thought She doesn't look
bit like she did the first part of the day.
We notion to speak to her An Ameri-
an girl isn't likely to be go squeamish as
native. Here goes"
II beg your pardon" he said aloud
'ou look wearied. Do you go much far
herr"
An Englishman wouldn't speak with
ut an introduction, thought IONA, If he
admit some design.
1t was some little time before the ques-
on was answered, for she was making
.lculation whether II she told him that
or journeys end was near he would be
kelly to make the best Of his time and at
Ick her Immediately, or whether he might
'rhaps abandon his purpose altogether.
D some time had elapsed In the uncertain