The Press., 1908-01-22


 and entrancing as her dreams were of the delights of California she knew she should find even her dreams tran scended.
 She took of her stylish little hat and handed 1t to the 'portress," as she mentally dubbed her. Then, with cushion at her head and another at her feet. she settled back with . sense of replete comfort.
 But when the sun, with last wink of his bright cyclopean eye, at length disappeared behind the distant trees Amoret turned her attention aimlessly to the people about her. An uninterest- ing and prosaic collection was her un- suoken verdict save for a very evA- dently newly married couple who were too silly to be even amusing. What was there. Amoret unused, about hon. eymoon that so invariably transformed even the most sensible people Into such insufferably sentimental idiotsf
 Las call to dinnahp' announced the dining car porter, swinging pOmpously through the train. Amoret opened her purse, in which she was carrying her miniature watch. She glanced at the time and then, fem mine fashion. began to investigate the varied contents of her pocketbook. Suddenly she started, then, growing very white, leaned back and closed her eyes.
 The serious and dignifed" young man across the aisle had been watch ing her. He guessed what had hap pened.
 How could he help her? Could he ask her to go into dinner with him? Of course not. She'd starve before she'd accept. We'll. he might as we'll dine himself and think over the situa tion while he did so.
 As he rose and walked ahead into the dining ear AmOret opened her eyes. She stified the impulse to jump up and follow him. He was the only person in the car that she liked the looks of. He was a thoroughbred from tip to toe. But there must be some other way out of this awful predicament. She closed her eyes again. All that she could think of was the roll of bills which she had been so long saving for this very trip and which she knew she had that very morning placed in her pocket book.
 When Richard Mason returned from the dining car he found Amoret alone. The rest of the passengers were evil dently at dinner. Now was his chance. He had thought up no brilliant lead, to be sure. but the proper words must come if he could get up sufficient nerve to speak. He cleared his throat once, twice, but the silence remained other wise unbroken.
 The train whizzed on. Richard pre- tended to be reading his paper, but the print might have been Egyptian hiero- glyphics. Suddenly he crushed the sheet behind him and turned toward Amoret.
 Great heavensv' he exclaimed and, jumping up, caught her in his arms just as she fell forward fainting. He rang the porter's bell furiOusly.
 Get some water, quick" he com manded, ''and send for the maid! Don't lose a minute!'' | 1dS T. nO, SSluS EcSPOAOC0 bAC WA ter and vanished with something akin to the speed and grace of hurry call ambulance.
 Meanwhile Richard laid the girl gen. tly down on the seat and got flask of brandy from his valise. When the poT- ter returned with the water and with the excited maid bringing up the rear Amoret had begun to show signs of consciousness.
 Here, Sarah" ordered Richard (why Sarah he couldn't have told for the life of him), you take care of her while I go and get some soup. She ought to have gone in to dinner sooner, but-but she didn't"
 Amoret did not refuse the soup. 1n- deed, she didn't think to question where 1t came from. She even allowed Sarah to coax her into eating a little chicken and afterward to superintend the making up of her berth.
 "I'n make 1t all right with you in the morning." Amoret assured her. "You shan't lose''- She stopped short, the whole miserable predicament suddenly flashing over her again. But Sarah had not noticed the Interruption.
 "Yo' husbands already done dat, honey"
 The curtains were shut tight, and Sarah had gone before Amoret could get up courage to attempt an explana- ton.
 How Is she nowT inquired Richard Rnxlously.
 "Oh, she's jes' good as new, sahI You'll talk desc liP spells mo calmly when you've been mailed mo continu- ous lak'" And, with a friendly smile. Sarah left the young man staring blankly after her.
 Here was a situation! In the morning the porter's first call to breakfast" rang eheeringly through forget as she went on with her spirit less process of dressing.
 Richard heard and realized that he must take the bull by the horns. In orner words, ne must brace hlmselr 10 speak to the young lady in distress and offer her assistance.
 In the course of half an hour Amo- ret appeared. She glanced up and down the car evidently looking for some one. Suddenly seeing Richard, to his utter astonishment she came straight toward him.
 'T am Miss Blanchard" she said without a suspicion or coquetry, TOT this was purely business transaction. ''I am going to take advantage of your kindness to me last night and ask an- other favor."
 Il am pleased to be of the slightest service" responded Richard, with ht- ting solemnity.
 You see. I-I'- Amoret stopped short in confusion. She had thought 1t would be so easyI Yes, l know all about it," Richard filled in assuringly. Suppose we go in to breakfast together and talk 1t over there.''
 How do you know all about it?'' in- quired Amoret in astonishment.
 ''I'll tell you while we're at break.