The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-11-25
&c At y
SatchawaY
-Stati

SChTCely village, anu NOT even culmuey
Of it could be seen from the railroad. 1t
was pretty place, nestled among the hills
that kept the track well away from it, but
the girl had not looked at them as she
hurried towards this little station in the
woods.
She was seventeen and pretty. Her
gown was of plain material, but was
fashioned with a careful imitation OF the
latest mode, and it became her. In her
hand she carried 4 valse, worn and hat
tered, and OF Anticipated pattern. This
she quickly dropped behind her when she
discovered another person at the station
This was woman looking to be twenty
five. She was dressed in rather a con-
spicuous gown, the skirt dotted with large
figures Of arabesque design and the waist
standing out lurdly red in the landscape
of green. She wore IA picture hat OF pro-
nounced type, and was sitting on the edge
Of the platform, tanning herself with her
handkerchief.
The girl and the woman looked at each
other for a minute before speaking. 1t
was inevitable that they should speak. So
far as l could see they were the only
human creatures about. Birds were CAROL
ing all around Them q brook gurgled
happily on its way just at the foot OF the
railroad embankment, the sunshine was
brilliant against the blue OF the autumn
sky. With nature 30 harmonious an en-
vironment, man never waits for an intro.
ducton to his fellow
''It's mite warm, isn't it?'
The girl began the conversation.
eyes, l've found it so in walking"
answered the woman.
There was a resonant quality to her voice
that caused the girl to take another sharp
look at her, but the note of hoplessness
that was also apparent quite eluded her at
tenton.
Odd you come faI?' she inquired, add
ing with an apoogetical little laugh: IFS
queer to meet anybody here that don't be-
long in Satchaway''
The woman glazed up at the name
painted on board set up at the back Of
the platform, and then asked
'How far is the town from here?'
about q mile and half But it amt
much OF a town There's nobody there
but old people and babies That's what
l always say, Eyerybody's glad to got
away. Some folks say it's bound to be
lively in summers, nov the railroads
opened up but then there'll be the winters
just the same. I'm not a scrap sorry I'm
going away"
You are leaving for good, then?'
Il hope it amt for bad. Are you going
to the city?' with sudden burst OF IN
terest.
II seemed as though the other was
obliged TO moisten her lips before she re-
piled in a voice that was scarcely audible:
eyes,
"And do you belong thert?'
Yes, that's my home;' and as she
spoke the woman stopped tanning for an
instant, in order to wipe her eyes with a
quick movement of her handkerchief.
The girl seemed to forget all about the
homely bag. She went over to seat her
self on the rough planks beside the other
womaD.
You can tell me lots I want to know
then" she began excitedly. Sim going
there for the first time, and OF course I'm
green. But don's see why can't get on
just as other girls have who've come from
the country. There's Mana Watts, right
at the very top now, and she started out
just the way | mean to. OH" and the
girl checked herself suddenly. "I've as
good as told you, haven't I? And not
going right along on the train, 50 it
doesn't matter"
''No. Pm nos going on she train. [
cant very well. Pm only resting here"
The girl opened her eyes TO their widest.
''Not congo die train" she exclaimed.
"But you said you were going TO the oity.'
Il am, hut I'm Obliged to walk. | sup.
pose ought 10 ba moving on now"
"Bat don's unde,stsnd!'
The girls gaze was fixed on the CON
spicuous gown, the befeatherei hat, and
the high hesled French boots and she was
incredu:ou9
Suppose / tell you the whole story"
said the woman.
oh, l wish you would! I'm sure it
must be ma awiully interest story"
OTIS awful, eau vouch for that part OF
it, reioned the othcr with sad sort Of
smile Then she went on with a gesture
oomprehendin% her attire: "I'm wearing
these because | happened to have them On
in the play When the trunks were seized. !"
Then you are an actressn exclaimed
the girl. Her eyes gIowcd with admira-
tion. Snr scarcely breathed, 80 great was