Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1906-12-01
THE TRAVELLING COMPANION

lhE TRAVELLING COMPANlUN.
There were many places considered by
Mrs. Nation and her daughter for enter
tanning their intended English visitor,
young Andrew Carten, who, it was I'M
derstood, would be attended by his trav-
cling servant or companion, Mr.. Bearsley.
Mrs. Nation was a widow, having mar
rled at an early age; her daughters were
but II and IS.
What brought Carten to the quiet
home of the Nations the Nations could
not divine; the placidity of their life in
the New England town of Harper they
| thought, could present no attractions to
their foreign cousin, whom they had
known by report as a wealthy son who
had lately come into his Inheritance.
Mother" said Laura. the Younger
daughter, Il wish they were not comino.
I'm afraid of Mr.. Carten already. | don't
think it right that he should come here
to mar our peace"
Yes" said her sister Annie. who had
just returned from the gardens. "yhv
should a man like that want to contem
plate an American girl engaged at work
as | have been? Then that companion
| suppose he has a wig and quotes Latin
has thin legs and is afraid of dogs. In,
deed, mother, they viii both be dispeased
with us"
Daughters" said Mrs. Maltun. 'AIr.
Carten's father. though only a distant
cousin, was kind 20 me, and had /
chosen to remain with my kin in Eng
land, I'd never have had to see myself
so poor as we are row. ! married poor
and tried my fortunes with your father
here alone"
In the train approaching Harper sat
Carten and Bearsley; the latter was evil
IDENTIFY nervous, as ne remarked to his
companion:
"Carten, my boy, it is good of you
to take me to see Mary Creston, or Mrs.
Nation, as she is now. If find that
ought not to remind her of her former
love Tor me by revealing my identity. |
can go away again and she will never
know"
Arriving at the Malton's place at night
only Miss Nation received them. The
Engllshmen were pleased. The simplicity
and natural beauty of the surroundings
assured them of complete repose. while
Bearsley was more delighted in finding
Mrs. Nation attractive,
At breakfast on a morning soon after
their arrival Carten suggested a fishing
Jaunt, which the young ladies were in.
cllned to accept upon Mrs. Nations be-
ing prevailed upon to accompany them.
Bearsley was delighted and nearly be-
trayed his feelings by Familiarity dropping
the Mr.. in addressing Carten and almost
falling into a further familiarity of a
compliment to Mrs. Nation.
On their way to the river Mrs. Nation
found herself committed to Bearsley's
charge, whose greater experience, it was
argued, would be of much advantage to
her. Their conversation turned upon
England as they sat watching their
lines, and Bearsley showed an acquaint-
ance that surprised and pleased her.
Carelessly Bearsley remarked: did
you know Thomas Welton OF that sec
ton. a great friend of your Cousins fam
iy?"
With blush Mrs Nation said Yes"
and blush with her inquiry as to what
had become of him betrayed her interest,
if not her deeper feelings.
Bearsley told her that Thomas was
now Sir Tom; that after a life spent in
travel he had returned to his home,
where he lived alone. They say, too,
he loved once, years ago, a girl who was
Mary Creston, that for her sake he will
never marry!" Bearsley added.
Mrs. Nation bushcd still deeper, and
said she had some knowledge Of the girl
Bearsley, fearing he might appear too
bold Tor one in his position, desisted.
On returning from their excursion Mrs
Nation sought out Carten alone and in
quired as to Hearslev. Said she: He
seems not only intelligent in his serrice
as your companion, but a gentleman in
your own walk Of life. Tell me what
is he-who IS he?'
Il can only say, Mrs Nation, that be
is ADORE his present condition. that he is
a gentleman. Whatever ne tells you may
be relied upon and you can take his word
as you would your fathers
Time went by and the visitors were
within a day Of their leave taking; the
girls were sorry. Bearsley, as much as
his position allowed was a watcher of
Mrs Nation and she. whilst amazed at
his presumption. could not actually com
plain OF his attentions that were always
80 defercntial and much in keeping
with his presumed station as attendant
upon their guest.
st shutdown of the evening Of their
departure Bearsley sought Mrs. Nation
and suddenly addressed her: Mrs Nal,
ton" said Ne, two weeks ago today I
thrust upon your notice recollections Of |
one who once loved you-and whom YOU |
loved-Tom Welton. | am Welton's |
messenger to ask if YOU love him still. |
Welton has loved YOU all these years; he !
knows your life, its hardships. its pain |
ard its care Shall take to him a mes.
sage that will bring him across the seas |
to your
Mr.. Bearsley. I do not understand |
YOU. Bat that Carten told me / could |
believe all that you say, I'd fear to talk |
/ did love Weiton. ! love him yet. but I
he has not seen me for q long while. ] |
IL 49, IL. - q L. .--.... : - /