Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-12-11
H Matter of Conventlons By CLARlSSA MhCkIE. Copyrighted 1908, by Associated
 Literary Press,
By CLARlSSA MACkIE.

the valley, grunted up the steep in cline and came to standstill befor, the ramshackle little station. It paus l ed while two passengers alighted, an( then it hurried off, as if 1t was glad tt get away from such an insignlfican stopping place.
 Elsie Lansing accepted her leather bag from the taciturn station agent who at the same time pushed suit case toward the other traveller, tai young man buttoned up in gray ul ster.
 Stage here for Greentop?" queried the latter. picking up his grip
 "Not this dayr returned the agent grimly Jim Laidlaw, he seems to think Saturdays made special sos he can git a little drunker'n usual! If you ain't expected, you'll have to walk With which remark he slam med the station door and turned the key.
 Let me see-lt's twelve miles to Greentop, isn't it?" asked the stranger thoughtfuliy.
 Twelve and a half. Straight road ahead" The agent tramped away across the platform and disappeared inside a small cottage perched on the high bank above the tracks.
 Elsie Lansing looked dubiously at the frozen road stretching away be- tween pine clad heights, faintly touch ed with the early morning sun. She had travelled all night and had tele- graphed for her newly acquired broth er-in-law to meet her
 There was no sign of the white mo- tor car which had been part of the bridal equipment and which was to speed her to the Eyrle, in sae Green mountains, away from civilization and it's attendant comforts
 If you are going to Greentop, per init me to carry your bag" said the young man, lifting his hat. Tt is
  late an appetite for dinner"
 You are very good replied Elsie pleasantly, but my bag is not heavy, and I can easily carry 1t myself"
 Without further conversation they left the station and mag their way along the road in the shadow of the pines.
 It was crisp day, with tang of early winter in the breath of the north wind It was an inyigorating day, with it's strong scent of pine and balsom. the rattle of crisp, dry cones and the sweet purity of mountain air.
 The stranger walked on ahead with long, swinging strides His head was bent thoughtfully, and it was quite evi- dent that he had forgotten the girl, who was struggling to keep pace with him. Suddenly he turned and per ceiyed her.
 'I must ask your pardon" he cried commiserativeiy. T forgot-that is. did not realize how fast I was walk ing. Let me take your bag. You are very tired"
 He took it from her unresisting hand and looked down at the delicate cheek, paler by contrast of the fringing dark lashes.
 "I hope it isn't much farther" she admitted ruefully. T have been i'll, and my strength is fickle"
 He stopped and looked about him. They had come to a slight opening in the forest, where the sun streamed over fallen tree trunks and glinted on the surface of a tiny brook that wound its way across the road.
 We will rest here" he said, with a note of authority in his voice Tt is a good deal farther We have come perhaps three miles If you will let me take you back to the station I will return to Greentop and procure con- veyance of some sort
 No" she objected, sinking wearly on to a fallen log. T will be rested presently. You see, I didn't eat any breakfast, and'-
 "No breakfast" he echoed blankly. "l don't wonder you are tired Wait a minute please" He knelt down before his suit case and unlocked it. From its depths of masculine apparel he brought forth a small alcohol stove, a bottle of the necessary liquid and a small tin of beef extract.
 Elsie watched him with amused in terest. With delft fingers he filled and lighted the lamp and opened the tin of extract. "I wonder if he is drum mer and Is demonstrating some of his wares"
 But there was something in the mans thin. intellectual face, with its nearsighted blue eyes behind thick glasses that belied her estimate. There was vague familiarity about his movements that puzzled her
 Here" he said, approaching her with small silver drinking cup, drink this. please"
 You are very kind indeed" she said gratefully. sipping the hot liquid. "I am afraid I am depriving you of your luncheon"
 He threw back his head and laughed heartily. Elsie liked the laugh and decided that she liked the man.
 Excuse me. but you must think I'm an old maid - to be travelling [.