The Press., 1909-03-03
Fl Matter of CcnVentlonS By CLARISSA MACKIE. Copyrighted, 1908. by Associated
 Literary Press.
By cLARIssA MACKIE.

ed while two passengers alighted, and then it hurried off, as if it was glad to get away from such an insignificant 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. a tall young man buttoned up in a gray ul- ster.
 Stage here for Greentop?" queried the latter, picking up his grip.
 "Not this day" 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 walky' With which remark he slam med the station door and turned the key.
 "Let me see-it's twelve miles to Greentop, isn't it?" asked the stranger thoughtfully.
 '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-Iaw to meet her.
 There was no sign of the white mo- tor car which had been a part of the bridal equipment and which was, to speed her to the Eyrie, in the Green mountains, away from civilization and its attendant comforts.
 eff you are going to Greentop, per init me to carry your bag" said the young man, lifting his hat. ''It is a stiff walk, but perhaps it will stimu- late an appetite for dinner"
 You are very good" replied Elsie pleasantly, but my bag is not heavy. and can easily carry it myself"
 Without further conversation they left the station and made their way along the road in the shadow of the pines.
 It was a crisp day, with tang of early winter in the breath of the north wind It was an invigorating day, with its 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 ceived her.
 II must ask your pardon!' he cried commiseratively. Il forgot-that is. 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 1t isn't much farther" she admitted ruefully. ''l have been i'll, and my strength is fickle." .ss- -.
 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 tiny brook that wound its way across the road.
 ''We will rest here," he said, with a note of authority in his voice. "It is a good deal farther. We have come perhaps three miles. If you will let toI Iyo k4 ckn I return to Greentop and procure con- veyance of some sort''-
 "No." she objected, sinking wearily on to a fallen log "I will be rested presently. You see, 1 didn't eat any breakfast, and"-
 No breakfast!' he echoed blankly. II don't wonder you are tired. Wait a minute, pleaseT' He knelt down before his suit case and unlocked it. From its depths of masculine apparel he brought forth 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. Il wonder if he is a drum ner and is demonstrating some of his wares!'
 But there was something in the mans thin, intellectual face, with it's nearsighted blue eyes behind thick glasses. that belied her estimate. There was a vague familiarity about his movements that puzzled her.
 ''Here." he said. approaching her with a small silver drinking cup. drink this. please"
 'You are very kind indeed" she said gratefully. slipping 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 nDout with that equipment" he said You see, have an invalid aunt in Greentop These are to rejoice her heart"
 II have bonbons in my bag" con- fessed Elsie Shall we eat them?"
 "Let's.' he assented gayly
 ueu lue empty OOX 0aQ been thrown away and the spirit lamp and It's appurtenances had been returned to the suit case Elsie arose and drew her furs about her white throat.
 II feel like a new woman." she said gratefully.
 ''The Lord forbidy' he cried, with fervency.
 They laughed in unison as they re. stunned their journey. The way seemed shorter now as they chatted of imper- sonal matters. Once the man referred to certain scientific work
 'I haven't read that; did read Pro lessor Rays book on the same sub Ject."
 "Ah! You have read Rays book?'' he questioned.
 She nodded. "I had to!'
 "Why under compulsion?'' There was deep interest in his tone.
 "You see. Peter Ray is my brother