The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-12-24
IndividuAlism
 Versus COnventiOnalism


 Dear friend. I pray thee, if thou
 wouldst be proving
 Thy strong regard for me.
 Make me no VOWS. lip-service is not
 loving; Vow not to love me ever and forever.
 Words are such idie things; But when we differ in opinions, never
 Hurt me by little stings."
 My, but it's cola on this train.
 The speaker was Mir. H. Williams of Arkansas who was returning from his old home to the smai;er town where he had retired several years before as secretary of a large manufacturing firm. Being a man 1;ly girl might ad- mire his strong face and gentlenanly bearing. would inspite confidence in almost any one. The words just ut tered reached their destination. ana the girl across the way turned Tn ner seat with a look of amazement at be- ing addressed by total stranger.
 Yes. it Is cold" she answered. T feel as. if I'm freezing to death-and they say every particle of steam IS turned on."
 Misery loves company" 'tis said. She had travelled day and night with scarcely a word to soul, ana sne was so lonely and miserable.
 T have something here, though. that would warm me up"-shc continued to the stranger, just a tiny bit of brandy that mother would put in my bag in case should need it. and she gazed straight into the blue eyes across the way to see what the effect would be.
 Do get it out, by aii means. Ilneed some myself" And as he spoke he arose and came across and seated him. self in front of her. What man would not have done so under the circum- stances? She knew she was playing with fire in venturing so much to a stranger-stiIl she felt affronted at his audacity. Looking him through. she said T do not approve of taking a drink with a man, and when I touch 1t at all, it is only as medicine. ...
 But, you need it now. if you ever did, and so do Lit might save our lives" he replied. With merry twink le in his eye--"How apout it?'' And he drew towards her.
 and you would better go back to your seat" And the flash that accompanied it told plainer than words she meant all she said.
 . Thanks. will" But he was no sooner seated than hc was back again. I'm nearing my destination now. and soon you will have no one to anger you He was gazing down full into the grey eyes--"howevr. when you are returning home, if yuu will drop mo a line, will run up from Enabem and see you in Union City. My. but l reuld love you. Well. Goodbye--I, leave Xou here. And before she could catch her breath, he was gone.
 Indeed! indeed!" she cried mentally. Let me know when you return and I'll meet you here. Just as if I were in the habit of making friends vii h everyone I happen to meet up with--to have the inpudence to say he could love me--he a perfect stranger!
 Yes. brought it all on myself. had no bushes noticing him when he spoke to me, but was so-ione- some, and ho no doubt was only teas- ing me. cause hc was a, gentleman, I know, and he has rorgotten before now that the girl across the way was amusing
 She was on her way to spend the winter with an uncle's family in Chi cago. She had never met any except this uncle, so when the lnvitation came to spend the winter in luxury, she was wild with delight: not that she had been unhappy without riches, but sine to know--to experience the novelty of having everything heart could wish. and they had promised if ing undone to make her have a good time.
 Time flies, and the days and months pass by before we know it when one is having a joyous time.
 Just think how long I've been away from home" she said 70 her cousin one day when her departure from Chicago was drawing near. All of you have been so sweet to me that the days have seemed only hours. I've enjoyed my visit more than I can express, but I'm spoiled. I shall go back to our lit- tie home with mother and sister. and miss so dreadfully all the lovely things I have reveled in here in your beauti- full home, and the dear uncle and aunt and cousins who have been so good to me. e..
 ITO think. I'll be half way home in Union City-tomorrow evening"" These last words were not intended to be heard-just murmured more to her. self than to anyone efse. .
 "But-you do not know anyone in Union City, said her cousin surprise in her face-''you look as If you think you will have reached Heaven"
 This was the only girl she had ever confided in, and she could not un- derstand now the half startled look as if caught in secre' thought.
 "'Tis true I do not know anyone in Union City, my dear cousin-I was only thinking of my trip up here. When I passed through that place I thought I should freeze-it was the coldest weather ever felt, and I had to take a drop of brandy to save my life. Just think of 1t! Wouldn't uncle explode?"
 Uncle was an old-fashioned gentle man who never thought a woman had