The Press., 1901-12-05

Daughters. They needed no introduc. tion after that. Mrs. Johnnie moved into the seat with her. and they were soon the best of friends. 1t did not take Mrs. Johnnie very long to. gain the particulars of her story. She had never been to the city before. she said: indeed. except for some little excur- sion now and then, she had never left her home. which was in little village on the coast of Long Island. She was so glad to have some one to talk to. foi. of course she was feeling bit lonely. Then she told Mrs. Johnnie that her name was Daisy Daisy Hope and that she was an orphan with just on., sister. Her name was Sophie, and she was married now. They had always been the very best of friends-she and Sophie-untik Dan Hackett came along. Nowadays. she added with a sigh. Sophie had eyes for no one but Dan.
 "But shan't mind it so much now" she added. suddenly brightening up again. now that I'm going to be mar ried too."
 Married" exclaimed Mrs. Johnnie in astonishment. You don't mean to tell me so! When is 1t coming of. and what's his name?"
 "Yes. we're goirg to be married right away-Jack and me. This isn't very much of a trousseau. is it?' she added. with an expressive gesture toward her old fashioned carpetbag and two paper parcels. .'But. Jack said that wouldn't &v came to town. He told me in his letter not to bring anything along; my coun- try dresses would never do for New York. he said. sSO I've left them all at home there. hanging up in my closet all except my new pink one l got at Easter. It's so pretty l couldn't bear to leave that behind. l guess 1t will do for the mornings. now and then.
 "But wasn't 1t awfuny good of Jack. though? He sent, me this dress to wear on the way hp and this diamond , pointing to huge brooch that sparkled at her throat. but which Mrs. Johnnie's eyes pronounced to be very bad paste "And there was box of complexiCn salve he sent me too. I've put some nf it on just to please him, but can't say that like 1t very much. 1t itches SC and feels horrid. Do all ladies paint in New York ?''-
 At another time Mrs. Johnnie would have burst out laughing, but just a' present matters wete taking too seriou. turn. Mrs. Johnnie was beginning to wonder very much.
 "But when are you to De married, my dear?' she asked hastily. You have not answered my question yet. And what does Sophie say? For, of course, you've told her all about it."
 The girl hung Ter head, and Mrs. Johnnie could see her blushes even in spite of the rouge.
 You see, it's this way: Jack hates a fuss and all that. He said for us to get married firstsand then let Sophie know. That was the hardest thing had to do leaving her without word of good H-. But Jack knows best, I suppose Only I -wish''-
 Excuse me, Daisy, you mustn't think me impertinent for asking all thest questions. my dear. Is Jack going t.; meet you at the station?'
 Well, no, not exactly. He's so bus. at this time of day. you fnow. That one reason why he sent the dress cn things. Hessaid in his letter that L.. had shown them to lady friend of his She's to meet me at the ferry and take charge of lne till he comes."
 "Oh! And how long did you say you have known a-a-Jackw
 The girl hung her head again. I saw him first about six weeks ago. II came down on one of the yachts. IT. came down twice on Sunday after that. and he's written ever so often"
 Mrs. Johnnie laid her hand tenderly upon the young girls arm. And do you really think, my dear Daisy, that you know him well enough to marry him? Wouldn't it be wiser to wait :; bit and take your sister into your conf dence? Why not ask Jack to wait |; year for you and then see how matters stand? He'll wait for you gladl:: enough if Ines really in earnest"
 "Why should l keep him waiting:'' she answered. "He loves me. Isn't that enough? love and trust hil. Ss Isn't that enough?''
 Mrs. Johnnie did not answer for q, moment. Her lips were pressed tigltl! together. for. to tell the truth. Mrs Johnnie was making up her mind to adopt desperate measure. This ta. i half full of men was certainly no plac for a scene. and Mrs. Johnnie began l.. realize that if she proceeded to do her duty by this little girl scene was bound to. come. The train was jus. slowing jup for a moment at litt!, wayside station.
 Well. my dear. hope sincerely tha, you will find 1t is enough" she said Then. springing up suddenly. sli, grasped the carpetbag and her own bc longingss
 "Hurly up. my childr' she exclaimed giving the girl little. push. Here. where we change cars. you know. Come alongr''
 ''Ent l thought this train''-
 NOW. nls' t.ear.. that's just what you mustn't do. Don't think. but follow my instructions"
 Before the girl had realized what sh, was doing Mrs. Johnnie had bundle, her out on to the station plat orm The train moved slowly out. Mrs. Johnnie watched it disappear with |. sigh of relief. and then she turned to the bewildered girl and spoke to l:;': very gently:
 .'Let us walk over to the little hotel Daisy. We shall have to wait thcr half an hour. Perhaps we can secs::t room there. for want to have a littl talk with you.''
 In speaking of it afterward Mrs Johnnie always declared that to hc. the walk from the station to the hote, was by far the saddest part of all tli:.; days ordeal. It was then that the mag nitude of the work she had to do dawn ed upon her for the first time. Rpfor.. they two should be standing on that platform again Jack. the yoSng girls