The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-09-24

Western. The ladies are his wife and
her sister I'd like TO introduce you E"
lie ran his eyes over my corduroys and
leggings amiably. He had not in years
addressed me so pleasantly.
Stoddard had left me to go to the other
end Of the platform to speak TO some OF
the students: followed Pickering
rather loathly TO where the companions
of his travels were pacing to and fro
in the crisp morning air
/ laugh still whenever remember that
morning at Annandale station. AS soon
in conversation with Taylor he excused
himself hurriedly and went off, as [ as
sumed. TO be sure the station agent had
received orders for attaching the pri-
vate car to the Chicago express. Taylor
proved TO be a supercilious person-I be-
lieve they call him Chilly Billy at the
metropolitan club-and our efforts to con-
verse were pathetically unfruitful
He asked me the value OF land in my
county, and as my ignorance on this sub
iect was vast and lllmitable. ! could see
that ha was forming a low opinion Of my
character and intelligence. The two ladies
stood by, making no concealment of their
impatience. Their eyes were upon the
girls from St Agatha's on the other plat
form, whom they could see beyond me.
L had jumped the converse tton from In
diana farm lands to athe recent disorders
in Bulgaria, which interested me more.
when Mrs. Taylor spoke abruptly 10 her
sister.
That's she-the one in the gray coat
talking TO the clergyman. She came
month ago in -Ihe-carriage- !" -
THE one with the umbrella? thought
you said"
Mrs. Taylor glanced at her sister warn
ingly, and they both looked at me. Then
they sought TO detach themselves and
moved away. There was some one on the
farther side OF the platform whom they
wished under
standing their manoeuver-he was really
anxious, think, not 10 be left alone with
mne-st9rted down The platform after
sister walked TO the end OF the platform
and looked across. a biscuit-toss away
TO where Stoddard stood talking To the
girl ! had already heard described as
wearing gray coat and carrying an UNI
brella.
The girl in gray crossed the track quick
ly and addressed the two women cordial
ly. Taylor's back was to her and he was
growing eloquent in a mild well-bred way
over the dullness OF our statesmen I'm not
seeing the advantages that would accrue
10 the United States in fostering our ship
ping industry. His wife. her sister and
the girl I'm gray were so near that | could
hear plainly what they were saying
They were referring apparently 20 the
girls refusal of an invitation to accom-
pany them TO California.
so you can't go-its too bad: we had
hoped that when you really saw us on
the way you would relent," said Mrs.
Taylor.
but there are many reasons; and above
all Sister Theresa needs me-"
II was the voice OF Olivia, a little low
er. little more restrained than had
known IL.
"But think OF the rose gardens that are
waiting for US out there" said the other
lady. They were showing her the defer
ence that elderly woman always have for
pretty girls.
"Alasl and again alasr' exclaimed
Olivia. please don't make II harder for
me than necessary. But I gave my
promise a year ago to spend these holt
days in Cincinnati
She ignored me wholly, and after shak-
ing hands with the ladies returned TO
tho other platform. I wondered whether
she was overlooking Taylor on purpose
90 cut me.
Taylor was still az HIS lecture on the
needs OF our American merchant marine
when Pickering passed hurriedly. crossed
the track and began speaking earnestly
20 the girl I'm gray.
'The American flag should command
the seas What we need s not more bat
tleshops but more freight carriers. "Tay-
lor was saying.
(To be continued tomorAow)