The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1899-02-24
THE ROSY BABY.
uav the Innocent PrattIer Played the
Part o. Peacemaker ON
street Car.

Through the car widow he saw her
standing on the corner. She would take
that car. He meant TO catch her eye m
she entered.
They had not met since that silly
quarrel; and he wanted 10 see how she
would greet him. She saw him and
nodded unsmilingly.
At his right was the only empty space
In the car-about two yards Of IL. She
sat on the extreme edge OF the vacancy;
and a tired woman with a very rosy
baby took the place between them.
He read the advertisements opposite;
she looked at the rosy baby.
1t was meditatiyely licking a yellow
transfer. 1t had very pink shoes. and
its toes turned in. II wore brown cap
trimmed in fur. A break in the fur.
just over one temple gave il coquet-
tish expression. 1t had very black
lashes. and it rolled its blue eyes in,
sideIong glances under them.
She caught one of the gIances and
smiled at the baby. The baby lowered
the transfer and gazed at her with
wide stare of candid. calm indiffer-
ence.
Then il cast sidelong glance Al him.
He was automatically tapping his knee
with folded newspaper. The rosy
ba by was attracted by the motion
watched and craved. then grabbed.
He started and drew away the PAPER.
The baby's lower lip curved outward.
A series OF Threatening chokes began.
and the baby grabbed again.
He moved the paper an infni,esimal
distance further; the upper slope Of a
vail arose.
He held the paper quickly toward the
baby. The rosy baby took full posses
sion, chuckled. held the paper in one
hand. and with the other on hi, >houl-
der obtained an upright position n the
seat.
1t put one pudgy hand in his face and
gurgled. He winched. She forced
down the corners of her mouth ard
held her breath. The car jolted. The
baby dropped the paper.
He was immovable until u iucipient
wall gave the signal. Then he picked
up the paper The baby took it. laughed
and then threw it down again. At the
usual signal he stopped and returned
it, The baby jumped ecstatically.
Papa, papa." it cried The tired
woman pulled the baby down into her
lap.
He took out his handkerchief and
mopped his brow, The rosy baby
watched the handkerchief. When the
hand holding ii rested on his knee, the
baby caught corner and pulled it
through his unresisting fingers II
held the handkerchief above i.s nose
and looked at him. Peep, Boo," it
said.
Then she took pity. Peep. Boo,
baby" she whispered The baby liked.
her better with the mirth in her eyes.
Peep, Boot" it responded.
The ear had stopped and gave jerk
before starting. The tired woman
jumped up nervously. snatcheI the
handkerchief and paper from the ably.
dropped them at random, ran 10 the
conductor, crying: wait. waii-my
corner," and left the car with a COM
pleted wall in her wake.
The handkerchief and paper had
fallen in her lap. She looked al ii em in,
dismay. She had but two blocks more
TO travel.
She looked at him. He was studious-
ly informing himself where 10 bny the
best skirt binding. She moved over the
intervening space.
Please, sir" she said when she was
at his elbow, "are these yours? They
were left with me-
Then she laughed. And the feud was
over.-Boston Globe.