The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1907-01-15

Since the cutoff had been built most
long distance travellers took the short
route But the state authorities had
demanded that one through car each
way be run on the old main line, and
because the other sleepers were crowd
ed Val Clifton had taken berth In the
other car. Most of the traffic was
short hauls In the day coaches, and he
missed having company on the first
day out
1t was nearly noon when at last
commotion behind the hanging curtains
suggested that the unknown was get
ting up, and at last there was a fash
of red wrapper, a CLINT of golden hair
and just a suggestion Of white as she
vanished around the corner to the
dressing room.
The porter came In and made up the
berth and presently she returned to her
section. Now she wore a trim gray
dress. There were dimples in her
cheeks, and Clifton rose and strolled
forward.
II want to apologize In person for
my awkward biunder," he said as he
leaned over the arm of her seat at
was a silly mistake. but somehow the
chap in this section last night gave
me the impression that he was going
through, and was so horribly lonesome
that l wanted him to play cards with
me-"
"a sleeper is a place of surprises"
she laughed, "but / guess that you
were more badly scared than | was.
so Wen call it square. l know how
lonesome it is travelling"
MAY l venture to hope that you will
share my solltude?" he pleaded. You
want some breakfast and | want some
lunch. May call the porterr
The girl nodded, and Clifton pressed
the button. Presently they were chat
ting across the white tablecloth as
merrily as though they had been old
friends.
Then when the things had been
cleared away he got out his cards, and
they were soon deep in euchre. She
chatted away on impersonal topics,
and Clifton was charmed. In contrast
with the loneliness of the morning in
the deserted car with only the dreary
landscape to watch, the girl seemed
doubly attractive, and he was surpris-
ed when the porter came around to
light the lights. A number Of per-
sons had boarded the car through the
he Ha1
them.
He was sorry now that he had ar
ranged to stop over on some business
He was sorry that he was not going
straight through, for she had told him
that she was to be on the train until
well into the next day.
He swore softly to himself when the
porter came to brush him down.
BE in your station in ten minutes, "
he said briskly as he picked up the
suit case beside Clifton's seat and took
1t to the forward door. Clifton fol
lowed him more leisurely and stopped
at the girls seat
Il am grateful to you for a most de-
lightful afternoon" he said earnestly
81 am sorry that our ways part SO
quickly, but somehow l feel certain
that shall see you again"
Pm sure Of It," said the girl with
laughing eyes. But next time hope
that the Introduction will not be SC
abrupt"
"Pll follow the adage and let sleep
ing dogs-and sleeping car passengers
sleep on" he laughed. "Goodby-and
thanks"
Their hands met for moment In 9
warm clasp, and then he made hi:
way to the door,
The train pulled out before he turned
away from the platform, and with the
last flash of the car lights on the CLINT
ing gold Of her hair a terrible sense OIL
loneliness came over him. he had no
asked for her address. 1t would have
been worse than rude, and he wanted
her to think well of him, but now b,
was sorry that he had not risked CIV
ing offense. 1t was too late now
though. She had probably passed on
Of his life forever, and he turned away