Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1900-05-04
SWITCHED OFF.
By Kilbourns CowIss.

Louise Blakely was sitting in the din.
Ing car, preparing to enjoy her supper,
when the brakeman came in and an
nounced that the car would have to be
vacated, as, owing to some accident, 1t
could not be carried farther.
Notwithstanding the fact that Louise
was deeply i'm love and even now on her
way to- visit the family of her fiance, she
was possessed Of healthy young appe-
tite and she looked longingly at the
tempting array of dishes which had been
set before her just previous TO the stern
edict of the brakeman. 1t was cruel to
be torn away from such a good supper,
still untouched, she thought, and, yield
ing to sudden impulse, she hastily
wrapped a chop, some rolls and a gem
erous supply of olives in a napkin and
carried them with her into the sleeping
car.
She was conscious of the amused
glances of one or two of her fellow pas
sengers, particularly a white bearded,
benevolent looking old gentleman, whose
eyes twinkled as she marched into the
car with head held haughtily erect and
the napkin safely clasped in her hands,
but she reflected that she had paid for
her supper and she had perfect right
to stay the pangs Of hunger, even if she
did appear a little ridiculous. Louise
was very independent young woman;
IL she had not been she would never
have won her fathers and mothers con-
sent to take this trip. They had not been
able to see the tragedy in the separation
OF two loving hearts for a period of some
60 days.
Just think Of It, mamma, dear" she
had said; ''if you don't allow me to ac-
cept Jacks mothers invitation it will be
two whole months before we are togeth-
er, for Jack says he can't possibly leave
his business again until after the spring
trade"
But dent like the idea OF your going
out TO Chicago alone" her father argued.
and you don't know his people" sup
plemented Mrs. Blakely. 1T might be
most awkward for you, Louise"
you will put me on the train, papa,
and | certainly know enough to take care
Of myself until Jack meets me. so you
see there is no objection to my going
alone. And. mamma, one OF my reasons
for wishing to make this visit is TO get
acquainted with Jacks people. think
every girl ought TO make it her Christian
| duty to become acquainted with her pro
spectiye relatives. so she will go into the
tamily with her eyes open" she said
with a fine assumption OF wisdom. OF
course she triumphed in the end. Mr.. and
Mrs. Blakey had not spoiled her sys.
tematically for % years for nothing.
Just as Louise was settling down to eat
she was Mortified to discover that her
| pOcketbook was missing. She beckoned
wildly to the porter. who was leisurely
| pacing the platform.
1 pla rttO xrha he
dining car is and get my pocketbook?
left it on the table. / will be so much
obliged to you"
| "I'ze sorry, miss. but it's 'gainst the
| rules to leave the car" he answered with
Importance.
| Louise turned in desperation TO the con
ductor who seemed just about as ada
| mantine.
Cant he go. really?" she pleaded
"My ticket. checks and money are in nIy
| pockethook. Oh. what can l do" Hel
voice broke into a sob, and the white
bearded old gentleman, who had beer
| listening TO the conversation, said as h
laid his hand kindly on her shoulder:
There. there; I'll go for you"
"Oh. thank youi How good of you!
hate to have you go, and yet l want ny
pocketbook
1.-The train may start at any moment
You may take great chances. sir of get
ting left" remarked the conductor, no
attempting to conceal his disapproval.
81 will risk it for this little woman.
said Louise's new friend as he started
en- his uncertain errand.
Going back to her seat, she tried not (,
worry. She philosophically decided I,
eat her lunch, and. opening the napkin
was startled TO see. side by side with tn,
chops, rolls and olives. her lost pocket
book
Instead OF rejoicing, she gazed upon
with loathing almost and sat perfect,
still with il and the untasted food in he
lap, sadly awaiting the return OF he
knight
Every sound Of whistle or engine bel
sent terror to her heart. and she did no
draw a peaceful breath until at last. jus
before the train started. the old gentle
man appeared, looking weary and dis
heartened. He stopped before her, abou
to inform her of his fruitless search. bu
she tragically pointed to her pocketboo
and burst into tears, which seemed I
soften any wrath he might have justl
felt at her carelessness, for, TO her relief
he passed on and disappeared into tn
smoking compartment. She did not sc
him again during the remainder of tn
Journey.
The next morning, when Jack took he
hand to greet her as she stepped smiling
ly off the train, he reached his other han
over her shoulder.
"Why, hello. fatherw he said. 81 wis
: l had known you were coming home o
this train. You might have met Louis
and taken care of her."
, She turned and blushed as she recoI
nized her benefactor OF the evening b,
. fore.
r "Well, we'll: so this is your swee
/ heart" he said, smiling reassuringly {
t the much disconnected Louise. "Wel
I Jack, my son, she needs a protector"
| What to Eat.