The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1907-02-01
HIS "A @
BY v v. GRAND.
Copyright. 1907. BY Daily story Pub. Col

Il declare, I am surprised to see
you"
Il was down in THE neighborhood
and thought it would be pleasant to
come to the train"
Mr.. Ramsdale had his ticket and
| they walked down towards the sleep
ing car his wife talking as fast as
possible. When they reached the car
he was to take, the porter took his
grip. She stepped back a little and ex-
claimed; There is a girl l know,
she Is going to New Orleans; she must
be In the same car with you."
Mr.. Ramsdale looked up and half
smiled at the pretty dark face looking
at his wife. Both women nodded and
the conductor called: IAN aboard
Mr.. Ramsdale hurriedly kissed his
wife and swung on the step. His wife
waved her hand and as she turned
away laughed out loud.
MI. Ramsdale entered the sleeping
car, behind the porter and his first
glance was towards the girl that his
wife had recognized.
She was dressed entirely in black,
which suited her dark beauty, a big
picture hat on her head and long
black gloves seemed to complete her
costume.
Very pleased that he could use his
wifn'c rapnupitfcn aa N haptc tn ha.
come acquainted with this beautiful
girl he said:
am Mr., Ramsdale, and as you
are q friend Of my wife | hope you
will consider that an introduction and
let us be friends for the journey"
Thank you, Mr.. Ramsdale, ! will
be pleased to be friends. | knew you
at once as your wife had shown me
your picture. 1t is very pleasant to
have an acquaintance on the train
when n has a long journey ahead. I
am going to New Orleans; how far
are You going?"
ITO the same place. 1t will be de-
lightful to have company"
The train pulled out and the two
went to dinner together. When they
we're at the table he was rather sur
prised that she did not remove her
gloves, but he vas so deep in his firta-
ton that he made no remark.
The next day was spent by the two
together in pleasant She
received several kilograms at Mem
phis the next day. One of them wac
from his wife and she showed it to
him. 1t was as follows:
ITO Miss Marcella Train, Memphis,
Tenn: My husband is on the train.
VIII you please tell him that | have
sent him a telegram to New Orleans.
Have you met him? Please answer,
Francis Ramsdale."
Marcella showed him the telegram
and then said: Il answered at once
and told her that you had introduced
yourself as o as you came on the
train"
Il am sorry he said, that YOU told
her we were acquainted. My wife is
always complaining about my flirting
and l suppose she will call my becom-
ing acquainted with you flirting"
The Irritation went on until the
train pulled into the depot at New
Orleans.
They walked side by side till they
had neared the gate then she pointed
to a well-dressed negro standing be-
side the gate and said:
There is my intended husband"
What! not that negro!" he ex-
claimed In horror.
She laughed and said: why not?
I am a negro. too. at any rate | had
a negro mother"
Stopping still where he stood he
looked at her In dismay and horror.
She laughed again and said: Good
by. / hope you enjoyed our little
Irritation
He was too Supplied to answer and
she walked away still laughing. As
she reached the gate she turned
around and called to him: BE sure
and get your wife's telegram"
He hurried to the telegraph Office
and inquired for his message. When
1t was handed him a grim smile spread
over his face and he knew his wife
had put up a job on him. For these
words met his gaze:
Il hope you had a good time. Fran