Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1903-10-14


Ehe no doubt thought him a railroad
official too high in rank 20 wear a uni
form.
He found her a comfortable seat IN
the waiting train and. sitting opposite
her. they naturally fell into CONVERSE
ton. He did not mention his name,
but told her he lived IN Chicago. and
had come TO meet a friend who had
evidently missed the train. The lady,
a beautiful blonde, mentioned that she
was from Omaha and was going to Chi
cagO to visit friends. And so they
ehatted during the delay and the trip
back to the city.
1T is so late" remarked the lady,
as the train stopped at the station,
that my friends will have given me
up. and I think I shall go to a hotel
for the night"
Il shall be glad to escort you wher-
ever you desire to 60" said George,
CALAMITY.
Thank YOU" said the lady. Il think
I shall go to the Occidental"
They were seated in the carriage when
George asked: Have you been to din
ner?"
Il have not" she replied, "and must
confess to being hungry"
George stopped the carriage. gave a
quiet order, and the vehicle proceeded.
II soon drew up at q cafe. He assisted
the lady to alight, and they we're soon
seated in a private room Of the es-
adjustment. enjoying q comfortable
dinner which George ordered.
They talked like old friends. and
two hours later when they again en-
tered their carriage they felt very we'll
acquainted. He saw her provided for
at the Occidental, and when he said
goOd-by. asked:
May I call on you. tomorrow"
She h~esItated, but finally said: Yes
at three o'clock"
For whom shall I inquirer" he
asked.
Il shall be IN the public parlor," she
said. smiling. Goodnight" and she
followed the porter. who had taken
her bundles.
It was very late when George. en-
tered his own house. Mrs. Markham
had lain down, dressed. to wait for
her niece.
Train late and she was not on
board" said George, in explanation.
At ten O'Clock next day Mrs. Mark
hams niece reached her aunt's house.
She was not a child, - her uncle had
supposed, but q beautiful young wom-
an, a little older than her aunt.
There was the usual greetings and
in Miss Mason's bedroom there were
the usual condolences.
Are you as great a firt as ever,
TOrence?" said her aunt.
"Oh, no" said Florence. And then
she added: Il did have q little ad-
venture last night"
"Indeed2"
Eyes" and she told Of the handsome
gentleman who had been &c kind.
did you tell him your manner"
"Oh, no, and / imagine his disgust
when he tries to find me at the hO-
tel"
George came home to lunch, and
when he entered the parlor was sur
prised to meet by his wife's side 9
beautiful young woman to whom be
was introduced as his niece, Florence
Mason. He recognized her as the lady
he had met the night before, and could
not avoid showing surprise. She gave
no sign, and they went in to lunch.
Just think, George" said Mrs.
Markham, after they we're seated.
Florence is going to leave us this aft
ernoon. She says she must return at
once, and her reasons are so good that
have not attempted to dissuade her.
In spite Of herself q tinge Of red
spread over Mics Mason's face, and
George looked puzzled but said moth
ing.
Il shall accompany her to the train.
said Mrs. Markham. "She via leave
at half-past two"
George thought Of an engagement 81
three, but he said nothing and went on
with bis lunch.
Florence has never visited her aunt
since thai day, nor do they correspond.
Mrs. Markham mentions her niece oc-
casionally, but never invites her TO
visit them. George. after mature de-
liberation, decided that his wife was
q very sensible woman.
How many kin stories the people
knowl