The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-08-26

the train that. leaving Bcrne rap
idly behind US, puffed its way toward
Bale, / could only gaze at her in Sill
ent rapture.
We had not exchanged a word; my
unknown divinity had been absorbed
in a novel and had only raised her
glorious, velvet brown eyes once or
twice to scan the uninteresting land
soap. She, too was musician, bond
of union between us that | had been
charmed to observe. for she Kept be
side her. and guarded it with jealous
care. a violin case. Mine rcposed In
the rack.
Suddenly my beautiful Vis-a-Vis
dropped her book. Hastily ! stopped
and gave it to her, and she thanked
me with a smile that revealed rurest
white. rather large teeth. shall we
soon arrive at Bale?" she asked, and
thought what an exquisite contralto
voice she possessed; II am so tired"
She pushed back the loose waves of
ruddy golden hair that fell in pro-
fusion round her lovely face. | think
it was the hair, which looked like a
mass Of living gold when the June sun
shine fell upon It, that had first at
tracted my attention.
I'VE have four hours before We reach
Bale" | answered, determined. now
that the ice was broken, not to let the
flow of conversation freeze into sill
ence. You have had a long journey
already?"
Yes. and | have a weary time be-
fore me; | am going on to London
so" I said. eagerly, have I. | am
going to Rome. II am a musiCian-a
professional. You play the violin,
too?"
Yes" she answered; yes, pay.
love my instrument
\ strange smile parted the beautiful,
though rather heavily, nodded lips. as
she looked down at the violin case. |
wished she would smile at me in such
a manner, and | felt jealous of any
thinc, even insensate wood that took
her attention from me. Doubtless I be-
traycd in my expression the admira tion
that ! felt. for she colored family be-
meath my ardent gaze, hut, to my re-
lief, she did not appear annoyed; in
fact. she smiled almost too broadly to
please me, and 7 began to fear that
she was laughing at me- Perhaps |
looked a little hurt, for she composed
her features instantly, assuming her
former expression of mourning sad
ness, and seemed inclined to resume
her book
THE scenery isn't much to boast
about here" | observed quickly; but
that's a rather pretty chalet. isn't it?'
Yes" she agreed; Il should rather
like to live in house of that desCrp-
tion. So peaceful, so quiet; far re-
moved from the roar of the world =
She sighed deeply, and instantly fell
To conjecturing what shadow of sor-
row had darkened that young life
noticed that when we stopped al "A sta
tion she betrayed some uneasiness, and
seemed glad when the train started
once more. | came, therefore, to the
conclusion that she was afraid of be.
ing pursued. and | grew quite excited
and determined to defend her at any
cost.
Madame" l said, rather losing my
head. pardon me if ! tell you that
can see you are in trouble-that some
thing is causing you uneasiness. BE
lieve me when / say that | only Ions
To help you; that YOU may command
my services in any capacity" ! spOkt
thus, for We were slowing down, and
saw the beautiful face opposite m,
pale and a restless sigh escaped tn,
rosy lips. She started at my words
and looked a me earnestly.
Would YOU really help me-" sh,
asked in those low, rich torres tha
acted on my nervous system lik,
music. "Ah, | need a friend"
"Then Geoffrey Wilnot is at Won
services" cried enthusiastically
Command me TO do ANYTHING and /
shall he done"
Thank YOU" she said, with n sigh
holding out her hand, which took an,
kissed I'VE are nearing -------. are ",
not?"
Yes" / said. as the train stoame,
into an ugly little station.
II wonder" she said. "if Won wou,,
mind getting me n class of water Tn
so thirsty"
Delightei TO obey her slightest wish
flew 70 the huffet. and vas ahsen
but a short time, When 7 returned ~,
companion thanked me very sweorI,
but barely touched the water ",Thnre,
a commotion here" I said cheerful,
There are some poIicomen Ioolxinp fo
thief, I hear, who is suppossd n IA
escaping."
At my words nv comnanion sar
back against the cushions
1T is all over with me" she mur
INJURED. MIR. Wilmot, YOU said yo
would he my friend The time ha
come for YOU To prove il, If Won mear
what you said"
"What--what do you mean?" askec
aghast. Good heavens, YOU are not