Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1907-10-31
A Girl, a Maa, a Storrr,

It was the last car through, and
was nearly half an hour late. Standing
about the streets on a snowy, windy
night is not inducive to good nature.
consequently it is not to be wondered
that when at last the belated car
crawled into sight the girl waiting
alone in the deserted square wore a
look of impatience-a look which
changed to one of intense discon-
future and annoyance when, upon en-
tering the car, she found every seat
occupied.
Pardon, miss, you may have my
place." began a dapper little man,
rising quickly at sight of a pretty
face. She was about to accept the
courtesy. thankfully when here fell
upon the other occupant of the seat,
then her figure heightened perceptioly
and the naughty look on her face
caused the polite little man to wonder
inWardly as she replied:
THANK you, but do not trouble.
don't mind standing in the least.
mo trouble at all, | assure you'
this is my STOP" he answered, moving
to the door as the car drew to SLOW
halt
The girls cheeks redeemed and she
tapped her foot with annoyance as the
man withdrew, leaving her tired and
cold, the only vacant seat in the car
at her side, but one she would not ac-
cept under any circumstances, as she
told herself spitefully. The idea of
alighting and walking presented itself,
but she knew that would be impossible,
so she chung to the back of the seat in
front, as the car lurched and creaked
and started painfully on.
She glanced at him after a few mo-
ments, and could not prevent a little
thrill of delight as she noticed worn
look about the eyes which had not
been there before-before- well, any
way, he was to blame and she didn't
care a bit.
A queer little smile stole into his
eyes as he noted the surreptitiOus
glances cast at him, and he settled
back behind his paper as if no such
thing as q girl ever crossed his mind.
At last he could stand the look of
utter WEAKNESS on her face no longer,
and, rising, he touched her politely on
the arm, saying:
ST am better able to stand than you,
if you really prefer the whole seat
alone"
She glanced at him with no recog-
milton in her eyes, only the look Of
well-bred surprise he had seen there
when something had impressed her.
Indeed; no-I could not think of
permitting a stranger to so inconve-
nience himself for me-"
With all the ceremony possible he
presented his card, with the words:
Permit me to introduce myself
should have done so at first. I merely
made the suggestion as I observed the
people about US were beginning to no
tice-and wonder"
Without a word she dropped into
the seat, and shrank as far as possible
into the corner as she made the slight
est motion in the world for him to be
oCUlCu dISO. y sam uC Sl4illCO. L udI
was a lucky thOught-remember
her adherence of being conspicuous.
The wide world outside looked cold
and dreary as the car moved slower
and slower over the ice-covered rails,
fighting it's way almost ineffectively
through the storm. Only another
quarter of a mile and this strained,
silent ride would be over, she thought.
just as the lights in the car darkened
and it came to an abrupt halt
Impossible to go any further to-
night" shouted the conductor as sew
eral false starts were made.
Slowly the crowd made its way from
the car, vowing all sorts of vengeance
against such a poorly managed line,
and apostrophizing such abominable
weather.
With a brave little sigh, she rose
and made her way to the street with
the rest. Not soul going in her di-
rection-nOt a person on the car with
whom she had even a bowling acquaint-