Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1902-10-30
LEFT BY rHt EXPRESS.

90 HERE was dead silence In the
cottage Of VIII Haynes, the sta
- ton master. The station was q
small one OH loop line, which had
been opened for traffic more than four
years, In the hope that the loop would
develop into something Important; but
the cutting Of the line had not worked
the slightest effect in the development
of the surrounding country, and the
cottage and large garden were just
clearing in the edge Of the wood, and
as far from neighbOring cottages as 1t
was when Mary Bird became Mrs.
Haynes and began life as the station
masters wife.
1t was Sunday evening and an off
time for Haynes. After o'clock no
train stopped at that station, and only
two trains passed through it. Haynes
was seated OH a stout wooden chair,
which he had tilted till the back rested
against the wall next to the door post.
He was very comfortable, for 1t was
warm evening. and he was drowsy.
Mary sat ON the doorstep, her elbows
on her knees and her face in her hands.
Her back was toward the room, SO
Haynes could not see her face even
when he turned his head.
"Y0ur flowers look well, Mary" he
remarked. He had said that twice al
ready since dinner, but he wanted to
make her talk and could think of moth
ing better to say.
"Pretty we'll" rejoined Mary YEARLY.
Silence again. Will Haynes was un-
easy about this silence, so he made an
other attempt
1.-THE 'sturtiums are getting on, amt
they"
Eyes"
1.-THE peas Is all right. too don't you
think SOP" ventured VIII again.
There was no answer. so VIII slowly
let the front legs Of the chair drop till
they touched the floor. and then half
turned toward her.
you feel a bit lonely?' he asked,
with more tenderness than usual.
It had dawned upon him before that
evening that Mary was not happy. She
had been taught the trade Of tailor
ess, as she phrased 1t, and while stitch
ing away as a merry-hearted girl she
had conceived ambitious ideals, and
had hoped for their realization; but
time went by and the realization was
as far of as ever. When VIII Haynes
came along and took fancy to the
bright-eyed, Incorporating girl and
told her that he was to be the station
master Of the little country station as
soon as 1t was opened, telling her of
the cottage and the garden and Of his
prospects, she resolved to accept his
offer.
The little cottage appeared like a
small paradise at first, and she was
happy; but the aspect gradually chang.
ed. It was very lonely; her ideals
faded one after another; and VIII was
a reserved man, saying little and out
wardly cold. She maintainer her mer-
~ ways at the beginning Of their mar
ricd life, but she fancied VIII did not
care for them. and she ceased in her
efforts to amuse. In point Of fact, Will
was much amused. but he made the
common mistake Of many husbands,
and showed no gratitude, no warmth.
Mary interpreted it wrongly and be-
came cold in turn and still less happy.
you feel lonely at times?" queried
VIII once more, as she did not reply.
"There they GOMEZ" said Mary, with
quick jerk of her head in the direc-
ton where the curl Of smoke was rem
dered visible in the growing darkness
by the flame that accompanied it. "All
enjoying themselves"
1.-THE up express" observed Will
Haynes casually.
The headlight of the swiftly running
train was visible. and presently II
dashed along the line at the end Of the
garden, the lights from its windows
Illuminating the night for brief space
There they gow cried Mary bitterly
tits nice 10 be able to travel there