The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1901-03-15

AN ELOPEMENT
BY Charles Stell.


the rush Of city men pouring In 10 Dusl-
ness by the early suburban trains was
over, for the hour was half-past ten;
but various trains for the lakes ana
picnics stood ready to Depart The
whole scene was full Of life and ami
nation, and no one had time TO inter
est himself In his neighbor which was
perhaps the reason why tall, hand
some young man who stood at the door
Of the waiting-room had not excited
notice.
He had been there for nearly an hour
restlessly pacing the room from one
end to the other From ii he could
equally observe the entrance which
led TO the departure platform and the
one which led TO the street beyond
He walked as one who had no busl-
ness with the excited stream Of people
passing TO and fro before him. lie
scarcely seemed to notice the crowd.
He never glanced at n time table or
consulted his watch. lie just watched
the incoming trains.
And at last his patience was reward
ed. There came quickly toward him
from the platform, a slight, girlish fig
ure dressed In white. A pair OF large
blue eyes lit up her face, and mass OF
auburn hair waved on her fair, open
brow. He stepped forward and took
her hand.
"You are very late, Lu."
81 could not help it, Charlie. Papa
came in on the earlier train, so / had
TO take a later one"
They went out TO the street For
some reason Mr.. Wilson did not take a
hack at once; instead, they walked
until they reached Tenth street. All
this time they had scarcely spoken.
Perhaps il was difficult to converse on
such crowded thoroughfare, or else
what they had to say was too sacred
to be discussed on the streets. AS the
cab started at n good pace Miss Swift
asked a little anXiously:
"Is it long distance to the minis.
ter's houseY
"No. About half mile. Do you feel
nervous, LuW
mot very. | hope you will never be
sorry for what we are doing this morn
ing"
Charlie bent over and kissed her.
"You little doubter Why should /
be sorry"
II wish we had told them at home
faltered the girl.
"There would have been scene"
he replied; "it is far better to take mat
ters into our own hands"
IL am so glad il is bright morning"
"You superstitious little girl! Are
you thinking of the old saying, Happy
the bride that the sun shines onr"
There was no time for an answer. AS
he finished. one of the front wheels of
the cab rolled off, the vehicle turned
over. and horse, driver and passen-
gers fell down together. II was
crowded street, at busy time, and
people came promptly TO the rescue.
Wilson was none the worse for his
fall, but Miss Swift looked pale and
frightened, and il seemed for time
that she must have received more in
jury than the shaking TO which she
acknowledged.
After n few moments, when the pco-
pie had dispersed, Charlie suggested
an adjournment TO neighboring fotel,
where she could rest and have some
Tefreshment.
The mistress of the place stepped
forward, and after n few words of
explanation conducted Miss Swift TO
q room, where she was able to brush
the dust from her clothing and ar
range her hair.
When she joined Wilson he looked
decidedly cross. A man hates To be
made to appear ridiculous, and he
knew that they could not have pre-
sented a very edifying spectacle i'm the
accident; still he needed not have
vented his anger on the girl who ac-
companed him.
IF you had only come on the right
train we should not have been in this
confounded predicament," he said irri-
tably.
"Are we too latew she asked
1t was evident that she did not re-
sent his dspleasure
II am afraid we are" he said more
kindly. IL told Mr. Clement that we
would be a, his house by ten o'clock at
the latest, and here" looking at his
watch, lit is after eleven. Shall we go
and ascertain? Perhaps he is waiting.
We will take n street car this time
eh, Luz"
IL should much prefer IT,"
He looked at her quickly.
you are very pale still Are you
sure you are not hurt seriously?" he
asked.
"Qutc sure. only got n good shak-
ing"
When they arrived at the house Of
the minister he was gone. He had
waited for them until half.past ten.
Mrs. Clement said. Then. having n
meeting TO attend at eleven. he had
departed and would not return until
six in the evening.
Miss Swift was frightened She had
taken fate into her own hands. and
come 10 tho city to be married TO Mr..
Wilson. unknown 10 her parents. IL
came 10 her suddenly that fate was
against her. She was just n little su.
perstitious. She took the missing of
the train and the accident 10 the cab
as a warning that her wedding was
not TO be. Wilson seemed terribly
annoyed. too.
"What shall we doi" asked Lulu.
I'VE viii wait until evening" an.
fwcrcd Charlie. lightly. Then. turning
40 Mrs. Clement. he said. Tell MIR
Clement that we will return at six
x.s.t,,f- ,.fooco