The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-03-19
AT THE POINT OF THE UMBRELLA.
BY Helen NJ. Palmer.

This was the second stop the train
had made since leaving Trieste and
no one had got into the carriage; Bea-
trix congratulated herself that Uncle
Georges fee to the guard had worked
so well, and opened another roll OF
shawls and rugs in pursuit of a miss
ing novel.
Suddenly an uproar OF tongues
arose on the platform; the door was
ierked open and a stout woman STUN
bled through it, followed by another
Juggling big basket; behind came a
drove of children. all screaming, pusl-
ing. and smeared as to mouth and
fingers, with some sticky black com
pound which they were Jevouring
greedily.
Beatrix gave one glance of horror
and began to gather up her scattered
belongings.
You must find me place she
said to the guard. You were paid for
this carriage"
II cannot help It," he muttered; "it
is carriage for ladies alone; beholl
these are ladies alone-the train is
going. there is no time"
For arcwer Beatrix cast her rugs
and bags upon him, and snatching up
her umbrella, books and dressing case.
made her way through the scramb-
ling children, who were fighting for
places at the windows, and dashed out
upon the platform. The whistle was
sounding; evidently there was no time
| to lose; the guard opened the near
est door, threw in the bags, and gave
/ Beatrix an impulse that propelled ner
the entire length Of the carriage. An
| other Jolt and the train was OFF.
Beatrix was aware that she was be-
| ing steadied upon her feet by a strong
arm, the arm of the man whom she
had caught glimpse of sitting at
the further window, and upon whom
she and ner traps had descended af-
ter the manner of whirlwinj. Stam-
mering Mile pardons, monsieur"
she sank upon the opposite seat and
endeavored to regain her composure,
| her natural color and the dignity
which befitted a young lady travel
ling alone. There were three other
persons in the carriage; two sleepy
looking women, past whom she had
shot without apparently doing taem
any damage; and the gentleman oppo-
site, who was now reading. holding
large book quite close to his face.
This gave her a chance to examine
him. He was TALL; not too young
| nj nj n
mice" looking. she decided. His
gray tweed clothes looked English;
the scarlet fez he wore by way of a
cap suggested the East. His luggage?
Yes, there was the bag of golf sticks
and the folding bath-tub-ne must be
English.
Beatrix had just reached this con-
clusion when the book was dropped
and the stranger said in very agree
able voice.
Il beg your pardon, it is-er--very
warm here. don't you think? Per-
dow raised
Beatrix assented with thanks. think
ing she would like to ask HIM how
ne knew that English was her native
tongue. She stole glance at his
face; it was delightful face, with a
grave, kind smile that showed very
white teeth, and a nose that might
have been supercilious but for a lit
tie irregular ripple in the middle of
it. But what a pity that one of his
eyes was injured! It was closed and
the eyelid dropped. She wondered II
he were in the army and had lost an
eye-perhaps under "Bobs."
Presently she began to collect her
belongings, scattered by her violent
entrance; and again her vis-a-vis
came to her aid so naturally and sim
, ply that it would have been impossi
BILE for the greatest stickler for the
proprieties to take offense. Before
her various parcels were recaptured
and reduced to order. they had
laughed heartily over her misaiven
ture.
Here's your umbrella" he said
fishing it up from the floor, where II
had fallen. Its not bad weapon
for charge"
did charge? said she. 'I'm sc
/ sorry"
"Oh, well, you Americans are sc
impetuous, don't you know? One ex
poets little things like that"
"'You Americans How did yor
know that am an American?
} thought ] spoke beautiful English"
/. why, SO you do, assure you, bu
there is something-I can't exactly
tell what. but you have a quick littl,
way with you. and you look differen
from most English girls know-ant
: -and-you must be tired of hearini
+ about your boots and your gowns"
II don't know that we are ever ex
= actly tired" admitted Beatrix, slow
S ly. II know what you mean; We hav,
S a great many faults-oh. know 1t!
!, she sighed. but we do not let ou
!, skirts hitch up in front or on tn,
sides. and we always make connec
4 tiOng In the bhck How FIJI wolo,.a IN q