Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-22

she had kissed him!
 After all, it wasn't so dreadfully un- pleasant to think of as it might have been.
 We didn't expect you on this train," said the fair girl. pulling at the but ton of her glove. Dear me, how detest that kind of button!-and I was going on before you. Florence will be delighted to see you! Tell me, please. are you going to propose to Florence?'
 She crept mp very close to him as she asked the question. and laid her little hand confidentially on his arm.
 TT don't know" said Rossmore. That is. I don't feel acquainted with her"
 The fair unknown laughed. Such 8 silvery and enchanting laugh as she had.
 You don't? We'll, that is good! How long does it take to get acquainted with her? You've only known her 15 years to my certain knowledge. Dear me, you have ruined my dress! The whole cup full went over it. should say. And drank mine boiling. I knew it would be just so, but when am travelling noth- ing sets me up like 3 cup of coffee"
 By this time Rossrtore had got breath. and began to realize that things must not go on as they had begun. He cleared his throat. but he had fearful time doing it: and his companion grew very much concerned for him.
 My, Willie," said she. whatever ails you? You must have taken cold, or else you've got the catarrh! You make a worse poise than old Grandfather Hil- lard!"'i -s -'.'
 There has been a mistake" said Rossmore. ''It was all owing to that internally hot cup of coffee! Beg your pardon for using the long word, but I shouldn't have spilled it if it hadn't been so hot"
 "Oh! never mind! dress isn't worth fretting about. forgive you"
 "Yes. but my name is not Willie!"
 Not Willie? What is it. wonder?"
 She had crept up close to him again, and was flicking the cinders of his coat collar
 My name is George Rossmore!' he said. slowly.
 She turned around and looked at him intently. and as she gazed. the color went out of her peach blossom face. and left her white as marble.
 There! there." cried Rossmore. frightened within an inch of his life. and fully believing she was going to collapse and die then and there. Don't take it so hard. It was a mistake-a most natural one. I expect. else you never would have made it! 1-that- that is. you-dear me! how was it ? and what was it?"
 His evident distress was too ludi- crous. The girl laughed again. land all the color came back to her face. But she had moved quite away from Ross more and somehow or other it didn't seem half SO nice as it did before.
 "I mistook you for my brother. wil- liam Danforth.' she said. with dignity. He was coming to Sister Annie's we'd ding. and he and Florence Lane are to be groomsman and bridesmaid. You are just Willie's size. and his exac. counterpart. must ask you to excuse me for annoying you 90 much. and and will find another seat.
 But Rossmore begged 90 hard for her ,o sit still. and impressed it upon her that if she did get up he should be cer- tain she was angry with him. that she consented 10 sit still.
 Of course. you are expecting tha, there was a collision. or that the cars ran of the track. or the engine burst its boiler. but nothing of the kind oc- ccrred. There is no shadow of tragedy in this story. neither is there any moral. At least. don't know of any and the individual who 6iscovers one wiii be a deal sharper than am.
 Rossmore found out that his com panion's name was Laura: and in spite of the fact that he detested women. he made himself very agreeable to this enc. So much so that he was invited to Sister Annie's wedding. and they all concluded to double the number of groomsmen ami bridesmaids-so as to allow Laura and George to participate.
 For it turned out that Sister Annie-s betrothed and Rossmore were class mates and had always been the best of friends.
 Three months thereafter. Laura be- came George Rossmoreis wife-and it was all through the agency of a cup of coffee
 But I would not advise young men to scald themselves at railroad refresh nent saloons. and ruin ladies' dresses. under the mistaken impression that they will secure lovely wives by % do- ing for the old saying is true in most caees:
 Theres mary . sip
 Gwsxt tke cup ard tte IpL-