The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1911-02-17

seemed advisable that she go ahead
to have everything prepared for the
reception of her mother and sister
when they should return home from
this outing that meant merely a
pleasant recreation to them, and 80
much misery to her!
Nervously she dismissed the cab
man, and fastened into the bright,
crowded station. A feeling of utter
loneliness enveloped her. and she
could hardly suppress a cry of Joy at
sight Of tall figure standing pro-
tectingly beside her.
You are going alone-tonight?"
asked the man little sharply.
1T seems necessary, and l am per-
fectly SAFE" she answered, with
calmness she was far from feeling.
Necessary? Well. l shall at least
put you safely in your train. Comet"
She followed meekly. It was q 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! l still have great deal to
say to you. am going to sit here
quietly, and want you to think it all
over honestly and fairly to both OF
us; then we will talk about it,"
Suddenly the maid felt her reso
luton weakening She was tired OF
taking the lead in everything, and
this feeling Of being cared for
brought such peace and happiness.
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 terrible darkness Through
the frightened moments that fol-
lowed, filled with the splintering 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 and
the words of encouragement so
quietly spoken.
A blast Of damp night air against
her face revived her; the man was
leaving her. gently on a grassy bank.
"You will be safe here, DEAR" he
said hastily. "Stay here so can
find you. must 90 back!"
"Oh, he isn't selfish-he is brave
! and generous and good," she sobbed.
alone in an agony of waiting. She
strained her eyes for sight of him
in the medley below her, but could
see only the limp forms being borne
out by the black, hurrying figures.
After what seemed hours of pain
full waiting, she saw him coming up
the bank to her again. He sank down
YEARLY.
Thank God they are all safely
out" he said, quietly, and not many
hurt beyond general scare ard
shaking up; we got the fire out, too
by miracle. The relief train will
soon be here, now. You are all right
you are not hurt?" he asked, turn
ing to her suddenly.
"No-no!" she answered impa-
tiently. land you?"
why, I'm all right, child"
She looked at him closely, at his
smoke-stained face and torn cloth
ing, and the ugly red burns on his
grimy hands. And suddenly she sank
in sobbing abandon in the grass.
With a joyous comprehension, the
man drew her into his arms.
When the incompetent mother and
sister arrived at their home station
they were met by strange boy direct
ing them to the leading hotel; and
their bewilderment changed to impa.
tience at sight of the radiant maid
who met them in pleasant private
: parlor.
You were not-hurt In the wreck?"
asked the mother casually, thinking
Of her own discomfort and this un-
| necessary delay. Then why do we
not go home? Is everything ready for
our reception"
Il phoned Ellen to prepare for you;
| think everything will be all right.
l have not been to the house my
SELF"
Not been to the house! What have
you been doing, pray?" cried the
mother in high dungeon.
Caring for my husband, who was
rather badly burned rescuing people
from the wreck. You know" added
the maid, holding the door open for
them, with a new and disconcertine
| dignity Il was married yesterday
morning!"