Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1899-05-03
ON THE BUS.

Indeed proved himself to be so. She was
incumbered by large bundle, and as she
stepped OH the footboard he took it from
her, saying:
"How far?''
"Bircham road" she replied gently.
DO you go as far as that?"
~ wish we didn't go no further" he
said as he glanced at the slight girlish
figure and sweetly pretty face. In few
moments the conductor came to take the
fare.
Five cents, miss, please, he said
SIS there anything extra for the parcel?''
"No, miss" Then after pause he
asked, DO you often come this way?''
about twice q week. Mother and do
washing, and we've just got two new Gus.
toners in BRIGHAM road "
Events move rapidly in humble life,
and it was not long before the washing
had again to be taken to BRIGHAM road,
not only because it was needed there, but
because mother had been poorly and not
able to do much lately. Stephen Bates
saw the girl waiting for hiIn~ this time,
and he greeted her with smile of undis-
guised pleasure.
YOU'RE in luck for once" he said
1.-THE old inspectors off duty for today, so
don't you say nothing, and can manage
it first rate" Then he motioned her to
take seat on the top, remarking aloud
that it was fine day, and then, following
close behind her, he told her to take a seat
on the back bench of all.
81 shall often be able to pop up and
have word with you" he explained.
And SO he did. In fact, the young fell
low contrived to get in very fair spell OF
conversation before Bircham road was
again reached.
"Tm afraid So" replied the girl, with a
soft tremor in her voice.
"Have you got a doctor to her?''
"No, we can't afford a doctor; but I'm
nursing her all I cam
"She don't want for nothing, hope"
The girls eyes welled full of tears, but
she said nothing; nor did the conductor
for quite long time. Then he was called
down stairs to take a fare from a gentle
man whom he at once recognized as the
doctor of club he belonged to. Without
exactly thinking of what he was saying
or how earnestly he said 1t, he exclaimed:
"Don't go yet, sir! I've got something
particular to ask you"
The kindly man of medicine babe him
be quick, and he went on:
where about here, and want you to look
in and see her. You win, sir, won't youg"
"If you II only tell me where she lives"
replied the doctor - Somewhere about
here is rather vague, am afraid"
In a moment Stephen had bounded on
to the roof. Where's your homer" he
gasped.
II will take the next car back" said
the doctor and after Stephen had hastily
expressed his thanks he was again on the
roof telling the girl the good news.
"Are you coming this way tomorrow"
he asked
"No, cont come up here again until
Tuesday, and perhaps not then if mother
isn't better; but III come as soon as I
can
"You must come tomorrow, insisted
the young man, land let me know how
she is getting ON. L shall be very anxious
till i see you"
BRIGHAM road was reached by now and
the girl had to alight. AS she was doing
so the conductor whispered to her eagerly,
whats your name, dear?"
Startled at the last word, which seemed
to have escaped involuntarily from the
young mans lips, but still feeling that
perhaps it was not i'll meant considering
all the Kindness he had shown her, she re-
Piled
Dora Boosey."
He burst into laugh. "The first names
all right he said gayly, ''but the second
wouldn't be much worse for changing"
Dora ran Off with all speed, while Steve
muttered to himself: what a blooming
shame it is they don't give us chaps more n
81 week! What can fellow do on a
thing like that with,a matter like this9"
Mothers better, thank you'll"
That was all she said 1t was night and
she had no parcel this time. The car was
moving off when Steve inquired with a
trace of disappointment in his voice.
Aren't you coming for rider
The girl hesitated for u moment, and
the next instant felt herself whisked bodily
ON to the footboard, from whence she was
forthwith dispatched to her old seat on the
summit. Steve followed her, with bell
punch in hand, exclaiming gayly, "All
fares, pleased"
Dora laughed and pretended to search
her pockets. Steve drew ticket from the
packet, punched it, and then drew out an
other and repeated the operation
"What are you doingf" asked Dora in
astonishment
All tne way there anu Ddck again,
he replied, with professional brevity II
amt going to let You get off, neither.
You've never had an evening trip before,
have you? Well, you shall have good
long one tonight just for luck.
The car sped on all along the quiet and
thickly foliaged suburban road, right into
what Dora declared must be that wonder
full country" which she had often heard
about, but never seen. Steve WAS ever
lastingly skipping up and down stairs,
snatching a word or two when he could,
and waxing every moment more confiden-
tial and comradely
1t seemed to Dora as If they had known
each other for years. Then, snatching
an instant when there happened to be only
their two selves on the tram, Steve bent
low down to her, SO low that she could feel
the warm breath Of him as 1t beat upon
her cheek, and almost Missed into her ear:
"Dora, do you love mep Will you marry
me, darlingf"
"Yes, dear, willl' The car stopped
suddenly. "What Is thisy" she asked
"This." said Steve. "is tho terminusr
London News.