The Arvada enterprise., 1910-12-02

sight OF a tall figure standing pro-
tectingly beside her.
you are going alone-tonight? ?"
asked the man a little sharply.
III seems necessary, and am per-
fectly safe, she answered, with a
calmness she was far from feeling.
Necessary? Well, shall at least
put you safely in your train. Come!"
She followed meekly. 1t was a new
experience to have her baggage at
tended to as if by magic. and to be
looked after in This high-handed
manner 1t was several minutes be-
fore She realized that he was still sit
ting beside her and that the train was
moving rapidly.
AT her look of establishment, he
smiled reassuringly. and covered her
hand protectingly with his own.
Did you think ought to let you go
like this? | still have great deal to
say to you. am going to sit here
quietly, and want you to think 1t all
over honestly and fairly to both OF
us; then we will talk about it,"
suddenly the maid felt her reso-
lution weakening She was tired of
taking the lead in everything, and
this ) feeling of being cared for
brought such peace and happiness
She wanted with all her heart to be
loved. She was tired of the war she
was waging against her feelings for
this man, who could be so charming 6
even while so undeserving. But the
mother and the sister, who depended
upon her so completely.
| Don't you think" said the man as
If In answer to her thoughts, that
1t Is time they began doing some
thing for themselves? We need each
other dear you cannot deny it. and
they Will be really better and strong
er If left to their own resources
Look at me"
She raised her eyes breathlessly
but the tenderness In his face
changed to a look OF horror as the
car careened with a grinding sound
then the lights went out, leaving
them in a terrible darkness. Through
the frightened moments that fol
lowed filled with the spllntering and
crashing Of wood and glass, and the
hoarse, agonized cries Of the pas
sengers, the maid was conscious only
Of the protecting arm about her anG
the words of encouragement sc
| quietly spoken.
"A blast OF damp night air against
her face revived her: the man wal
leaving her gently on a grassy bank
>.-Sou will be safe Mere, dear" h
said hastily. Stay hefs so cal
find you. must go back" H
kissed her tenderly, and was swal
lowed up In the horrible scene.
oh, he isn't selflsh-he is brav,
and generous and good" she sobbed
alone in an agony of waiting. Sh,
strained her eyes for a sight OF hin
in the medley below her, but coult
see only the limp forms being born
out by the black, hurrying figures.
After what seemed hours OF pain
full waiting, she saw him coming VI
the bank to her again. He sank dow
wcarlly.
Thank God they are all safel
OUT he said, quietly, "and not man,
hurt beyond a general scare an,
shaking up; we got the fire out, toe
by miracle. The relief train will
soon be here, now. You are all righ
YOU are not hurt?" he asked, turn
ing to her suddenly.
"No-no!" she answered impa
tie9tly, "and your"
Why, I'm all right, child"
She looked at him closely, at hi
smoke-stained face and torn cloth
in: and the ugly red burns on hi
grimy hands. And suddenly she sanl
in sobbing abandon In the grass
With a joyous comprehension, tn
man drew her into his arms.
When the incompetent mother an
sister arrived at their home station
they were met by strange boy direct
Ing them to the leading hotel; an,
their bewilderment changed to impa
tence at sight of the radiant mai,
who met them In a pleasant privat,
parlor.
You were not hurt in the wreck p
asked the mother casually, thinking
OF her own discomfort and this uu
necessary delay. Then why do W,
not go home? Is everything ready fo
our receptionT
81 phoned Ellen to prepare for you
| think everything will be all right
| have not been to the house my
self"
Not been to the house! What hav,
you been doing. pray?" cried tn,
mother In high dungeon.
caring for my husband, who wa,
rather badly burned rescuing peopl,
frcm the wreck. You know" addec
the maid. holdh the door open fol
them. with new and disconcertinf
dignity, Il was married yesterday