Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1907-04-06
A GIRL, A MAN, A STORM.

It was the last car through. and was
nearly half an hour late. Standing about
the streets on a snowy, windy night is
not nducive to good nature, consequent
" il is not to be wondered that when at
last the belated car rrawled into sight
the Girl waiting alone in the deserted
square wore look of impatience-a look
which changed to one of intense dlscom-
future and annoyance when, upon enter
ing the car, she found every seat occu-
pied.
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 thank
fully when her eyes fell upon the other
occupant of the seat, then her figure
heightened perceptibly 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"
''No trouble at all, | assure you; this
is my stop" he answered, moving to the
door as the car drew to a 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, hut one she would not accept
under any circumstances, as she told
herself spitefullv 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 few mo.
ments, and could not prevent a little
thrill of delight as she noticed a worn
look about the eyes which had not been
there before-before-- well, anyway, he
was to blame and she didn't care n bit.
queer little smile stole into his eyes
as he noted the surreptitious glances
cast at him. and he settled bacl. behind
his paper as if no such thing as a Girl
ever crossed his mind.
At last he could stand the look of Mt,
ter WEAKNESS on her face no longer and
rising, he touched her politely on the
arm, saying:
Il am better able to stand than you
! if you really prefer the whole seat
alone"
She glanced at him with no recognition
in her eyes, only the look of we'll bred
surprise he had seen there when some
thing had impressed her.
Indeed; no. could not think of per-
hitting stranger to so inconvenience
himself for me-"
With all the ceremony possible he pre-
scented his card, with the words: per
NIT me to introduce myself. l should
have done 50 at first. / merely made
the suggestion as observed the people
about us were beginning to notice--and
wonder"
without word she dropped into the
| seat, and shrank as far as possible into
the corner as she made the slightest mo-
| ton i'll the world for him to be seated
also. Again he smiled. That was a
| lucky thought Acknowledging her abhor-
scnce of being conspicuous.
The white world outside looked cold
and dreary as the car moved slower and
slower over the ice-covered rails. fight
| ing its way almost inetfectively through
! the storm. Only another quarter of a
mile and this strained, silent ride would
be ov E, she thought, just as the lights
in ~ car darkened and it came to an
al ait.
ible to go any further tonight
sht 4 the conductor, as several false
starts we're made.
! Slowly the crowd made its way from
the car, vowing all sorts of vengeance
against such poorly managed line and
ap9strophizing such abominable weather
| With brave little sigh she rose and
made her way to the street with the
rest. Not a soul going in her direction
not person on the car with whom she
! had even a bcwing acquaintance, except
-- Another deep sigh, and she started
off. Once she glanced back to see if he
! had by any chance followed, but no
there he was, talking and laughing with
the conductor! In spite of all she could
do. tear rolled down her cheek. She
! had never felt SO forlorn in her life be-
fore; never had longed so for him, that
is, never had admitted it.
The wind blew the snow in her face
and She was nearly exhausted every
step grew more difficult. The tears fell
! faster now, and she dabhed at them
| piteously with snow laden little hand
kerchef. Suddenly a particularly strong
gust OF wind swept by, and she clutched
at Il fence while moWnful little sob
broke from her lips Just as pair of
strong arms folded her tightly TO a rough
snowy coat
20, Jack" she cried, without even
glancing at the face above her.
He drew her arm through his and led
her to her door. Nothing but those two
words had been spoken, hut there are
times when a few moments of silence
! expresses more than whole hours of con-
yersation.
Come in, Jack" she whispered Il
want YOU to-
!