Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1905-07-01
PETE'S BRIDE.

with an old schoolmate she had run
across in the waiting room, while her
husband was seeing about their baggage.
Presently, a little old lady came in and
sat down near them. Her small, faded
face wore slight flush, and every now
and then a fleeing smile would break
across it. The dress she wore was rusty
but neat, and the occasional furtive
glance she bestowed upon it was bit
apprehensive, though her eyes were
sparkling with anticipation.
Dear me. II believe I've lost i'll"
She started and looked about her in a
lf-frightened way.
As her friend was just then boarding
the train, Rosalind turned to the old
lady with quick smile Can / help
you in any wayy she asked.
Il don't know she said, flushing and
trembling with sudden awkwardness, IF
you've got one of thoae-time tables
think it isl
Certainly have Which road?'
The little woman flushed again, more
deeply Il couldn't tell you to save my
life" she replied, an anxious look spring
ing to her ewes There was a wistful,
half-appealing expression upon her face
as she went on, gazing timidly at the
richly dressed young woman before her:
Maybe, though, You could tell me.
guess you've been about a good bit. Pm
such stay home myself
Were you going somewhere? Expect
ing someone?" Rosalind interposed kind
~.
MY son and his wife are coming" she
answered with a touch of pride. They
were married last week in New York.
They don't expect me here" she went on
I'VE live a good piece out But | just
thought I'd give 'em a little surprise
Rosaind opened her satchei, and Sc
Letting time table, ran her eye rapidly
train from New York. she said, SIS due
3 o'clock, one at $3.50 and another at o
tonight"
But he said they'd be here this morn
ing" she said, palng little.
Then probably that 1920 train is the
one. j don't think you need worry
about it"
Thank YOU" The little old lady
smiled again, in sudden relief. Il don't
60 about much you see she explained,
and when l do, I'm apt to get bit
muddled." She cast an apologize look
into the young woman's fresh, animated
face, wondering inwardly at the beauty
of the fTs that enveloped her slender,
graceful neck. Then she looked down at
her own worn serge with the fiimsy,
Mapping capes and her lips twitched.
For the instant, spasm of nervousness
possessed her. What if, after all, Pete's
bride should-obiect to her?
Rosalind stood for moment longer.
then took seat beside the little old
lady. May / sit here ?" she asked. Il
want you to tell me about them-your
son and his bride. | should awfully love
to hear" she rippled on, pretty flower
ing of roses in her cheeks. You sec
| am bride myself" Her infection
softened on the last sentence.
The genuineness of her manner drew
the little womaH's eyes to her in a CLEAN
of gratitude. She lifted them fiutteringlv
from the hard, urCloved hands in her lap
and let them rest for a moment on Rosa.
hnd's face. "Thelc's not much can tell
you" she began in hor thin, gentle voice.
except that Pete's all I've got in the
world; Pete AMI his wife, it is-now."
she corrected herself quickly. His
father died when he was baby She
paused to brush away an involuntary
tear. Since then, its been a struggle
for both of us-the boy and me. But bv
pinching and scrimping here and there.
I've managed to put by enough to give
him his law education. He's got a good
one nov, too, and with pete's push he'll
be sure to make his mark"
And his wife," Rosalind leaned to-
ward her suddenly, her breath coming in
rapid little fashion between her parted
red lips The color in her checks
changing.
The other did not speak at once. She
smiled. but felt that. in some way. her
smile was duh and awkward Presently
she said: That's what's troubling me
some. | reckon everythinglI be all right
Us not likely Pete would love ANYBODY
that wasn't-well. good and sensible
But she's lived always in eitv. with
everything she wanted and all that.
and --- She checked herself abruptIv.
What do YOU think ?" she asked eagerly
RoSalind laid one of her slim, daintjly.
glovcd hands on the old ladv's thin little
arm. Il think" she said kindly that
everything viii be ali right. if she's a
real sentlcwoman, and if She really loves
her husband
I'm glad to hear you say that" the
other remarked with little burst Of
feeling, for she can't help loving my
boy. l know, and" this with new shade
OF dignity slipping into her voice, pete
lady" Two points of color elowed for
an instant in ner faded cheeks a. She
finished speaking. Only" she conn
menced again. after a pause, Pm not
81 sure she'd be exactly contented in
little country town. with nothing liveIier
than sewing bees and things ike tbat
occasionally"
Rosalind laughed. That ou0bt n VA
just darhng!" she exclaimed After a
ceaseless round Of cotillons and lunebeons
and bridge parties-and things . Mo