The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1900-11-02
Elsie's Ocean Voyage.

United StateS-more than 5000 miles,
and six days on one of the immense
ocean steamers is considered quick
trip from Liverpool to New York.
Some fortunate people have taken this
ocean trip so often. that it has be-
come quite an old story to them: but
to others it is an important event in
their lives So it was with Elsie
Thornton. She was a little English
girl, just past her thirteenth birthday,
and had lived in a little town near
Liverpool all her life.
Elsie's mother had been dead since
she was a wee girl-she could scarcely
remember her-end six weeks before
this story opens her father was laid
In his grave. leaving this forlorn lit
tie girl almost alone in the world.
Not quite alone. however, though the
Atlantic ocean was between them. for
In New York city lived the dear Aunt
Elsie for whom she was named. and
who, every Christmas, had sent her
such pretty presents. There were
some little cousins. too. and Elsie's
curiosity was very great concerning
them. When Aunt Elsie had learned of
her only brothers. death she wrote
several letters to Elsie and to her
guardian, Mr.. Benson, expressing her
wish to have her niece come and live
with her. This had been partly ar
ranged before Mr.. Thornton died. so
it was not an entirely new idea to
Elsie. But America! What a dis
taree it seemed!
The train whirled along toward Liv-
erpool. and Elsie looked up rather
frightened at the man beside her as
she thought of it. He was an old
friend of her fathers. and had been
very good to her; indeed she had been
staying several weeks in his family,
where her little black gown and big
sad eyes made everyone most kind 10
her
You're not getting frightened. are
you. little GIRL" said her guardian,
kindly.
"No-oo. but was wishing I might
60 right to bed on the steamer and
be there when wake up. the way we
do when we cross the channel to
Calais. you know"
Nov l lay wager you'll dread to
see land. and when the trip is ended
you'll be awfully sorry. l hope it
will put some color into those cheeks,
anyway. Have you everything you
need for the journey?" asked Mr..
Benson, laying aside his papers and
putting away his glasses. for they were
nearing the big city of Liverpool.
Eyes, think so,'' said the girl, "only
] would be so happy if might have
'Yorick with me Just little while ev-
cry day. He'll die. away off among the
luggage. He will, indeed. with his
heart most broken anyway for poor
papa"
At the sound Of his name beauti-
full Irish setter lifted his head from the
opposite seat in the compartment and
looked wistfuly at his young mistress.
1T can't be permitted, DEAR" an
swered Mr.. Benson. land don't you
worry about him. have made ar
engagements for him to be we'll cared
flor. and the stewardess will take you
down below every day to see him.
After that. every moment was occu-
pied in getting their traps together and
in attending to some final business.
Elsie kept up very bravely, until she
espied her governess among some 9TH
or friends on the wharf. Then she
broke down and sobbed in the woman's
arms.
why can't you come, too, Barnes?"
Ishe asked. you would If you loved
me-
But can't. Miss Elsie. Your aunt
thinks your too big for me now. and
fought to go into school, though, good
ness knows. that isn't the way our
little gentry is brought up.'
The parting with everyone was f.
i0ally over. and Mr.. Benson, Elsie and
lYorick were watching the crowd on the
wharf grow smaller as the important
nttle tender steamed away. There
wasn't much time for tears. though.
for they were soon alongside the big
ocean steamship, 'Lucania," and as
Elsie looked from one end of It to the
other it seemed half a mile long.
sit grieves me very much that I am
unable to make this trip with you,
Elsie" said Mr.. Benson, as they went
up the little ladder. at the side Of the
steamer. But you will be brave and 4
tcontented. will you not? Mrs. Elton.
under whose care ! am putting you.
Is q very sweet woman. and you can
remember that she was a friend Of
your mothers. It Is most fortunate