The Somerset reporter., 1905-09-21


window-and then something did,
Tie train went more and moro slow
o., halted. stood still; the passengers
thrust lnqulrlng heads out Of ID" ear
windows OF streamed 70 The platforms.
and in the midst Of the confusion
pair OF troubled gray eyes sought his
anxlously
lie assured her there could be no
danger and stepped quickly into the
aisle ~ will see what Is wrong" he
said
"Please let me go Will YOU" she
said rising ncrvously, the lovely color
coming and going in the soft cheeks.
Hardly daring to credit his good for
tune. he made a path for her through
the crowded car TO the open air, where,
looking ahead, he saw as pretty q
wreck as the most ardent lover could
desire A freight train had come to
grief One car was derailed the other
lay fiat on its side across the track, OBJ
stnately resisting all efforts Of the
wrecking crew to put II right side up
again The conductor announced that
it would be an hour, perhaps two, be-
fore the train could 60 on. Martha's
companion looked at her triumphantly.
Truly, fate had shown a nice under
standing of the situation.
Some of the passengers walked slow
~ back to their places; others climbed
the billy slope or wandered down
through the woods to the brook below.
Martha hesitated, trlfe uncertain,
and then, because he seemed to take
her going with him so entirely as a
matter of course, she followed him
through the woods, and he found
seat for her on q low, fiat rock by the
brook and stood, tall and straight, be-
fore her
Don't you think" he began-"that
is, hope you won't be offended
He redeemed, conscious that he was
making mess of 1t. Then be took out
his card case abruptly. May give
you my cardF" he ended simply.
"Oh. no; you mustn't-please don't"
she cried.
He stood bewildered, little hurt.
Don't you see," she explained, that
it is Just because we do not know each
other that all this"-waying her hand
vaguely-"is possibleT'
He laughed outright. Nov | should
have thought" he said settling himself
comfortably at her feet, that 1t would
be more-possible-if l could say, Are
YOU quite comfortable, Miss er-
Smith%"
She shook her head.
NO; it wouldn't do at all" she OBJ
jected.
But I am going to know you" he
insisted resolutely.
"How?" she asked demurely.
81 shall call and present my creden-
tials to your family"
The vision of poor Aunt Clara con-
fronted by this insistent young man
was too much for Marthas gravity,
and she laughed Historically.
Indeed And where shall you call?'
she gasped.
He laughed with her, and then a sud
den constraint fell on them both. lie
broke it, and his voice was low and
earnest
"Will you not tell me where | may
find you?" he asked.
AT Stockbridge inn," she whispered.
His face was radiant as he studied
his time table intently.
"a train leaves Pittsfield at 3 tomor-
row afternoon | should be there by
d." he said.
Mrs. Reid drove off, bristling with
righteous Indignation 1t was bad
enough that Martha should have ar
rived hours late the night before. 1t
was ineXplainable that she should re-
fuse to drive and insist upon spending
the afternoon in her room
Thank goodness her aunt comes
tomorrow" murmured Mrs. Reid.
In the meantime Martha threw down
the book she had been trying to read
and hastily opened her door.
For me-" she questioned anxiously.
The bell boy eyed her uncertainty.
"He asked for the young lady as
come last night" he said doubtfully.
That's all right" returned Martha,
beaming. Say that | will be down in
a minute"
She Strengthened her stock at the
mirror and gave her hair an approving
little pat Then she turned over the
card in her hand and regarded 1t with
amagement.
"Mr. John Clark Chamberln" she
gasped.