Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1913-09-09
.EDITHA MISSES TRAIN
BY FRANK n. MELON.

w men IL COluSS " bSSASSo u thO
heart, what woman is not more than
half clairvoyant? So it was that Miss
Editha Loring-Jones, daughter of
baronet of England, had guessed,
though snow-bound by hyper-conven-
tial chaperone, the love that plain
John Paul-proudly an American
bore her.
1t was true that Mrs. Orangeia
Whelpley, the chaperone, relict of the
late Maj. Whelpley, who had obtained
his final discharge at Calcutta from
the hand of the worlds greatest com
mercial general, had been strictly
charged by Miss Edithas father to see
that no upstart Yankee had aught to
do with the young lady's affections,
Young people are meant for young
peoples company, and SO Editha's
heart went out to plain John Paul,
Plain? Well, he had won degree
at college, and, as the leading law
yer of the little western town of Open
vale, had been sent to the state SEN
ate, so that many of his letters were
properly addressed to Hon. John
Paul" But he cared little for titles,
being willing to dispense with even
the ordinary Mr."
AS even the strictest chaperone
can't make one prisoner, it happen
ed on an August day that when John
Paul ran his new 20 horsepower car
to the edge of the platform Of Open
vale depot, Miss Editha Loring-Jones
dainty In all the feminine "fxings,
came with outstretched hand to bid
him farewell.
Its going to seem mighty lonesome
out here after you're gone" he an
nounced, mournfully, when the first
greeting was over.
"At least, we can say goodbye with
out that horrid Mrs. Whelpley strain
ing her ears to catch our last words,
as if one could talk of nothing but
love, love. love!"
why, where is Mrs. Whelpley?"
She's got aboard the train. She's
horribly afraid of being left, so she's
taken the tickets for both of US and
secured our seats. I've no doubt she's
In fdgets, but she won't care to leave,
although the train stops here ten min
utes"
Lets sit in the auto while we make
our adieux," John suggested.
Editha complied.
Our time is short" he said, glazing
at his watch But II l speak hastily
have time to tell you something you
may care to hear, though / hardly
dare hope you will"
IF l should miss that train" she
interrupted, nervously.
Hang the traini" exclaimed the
young lawyer, savagely. Listen to
met" There was new note of COM
mand in his voice, and Editha appear
ed resigned. Like most girls, she ia
vored mastery men.
I'm a few minutes, Editha, the
train may" "May?" she wondered
--"be whirling you eastward. Until
you came l enjoyed the wild, free life
of my country. / partook of all its
pleasures with joy that saw no flu
ture when should love and the girl |
loved should be beyond my possession.
"This is changed now. For, Editha,"
his voice trembled as only the voice
of a very strong man can tremble I'M
der the suppression of strong emotion
you must know that love you."
He paused to note the effect Of his
words.
"Yes?" she whispered.
He glanced at the frantic face Of
Mrs. Whelpley peering from the car
window. Editha could not see it. She
did not appear anxious to look in that
direction.
The conductor struck the starting
gong beside the door Of the depot res
.aurant.
All aboard" he cried.
You were about to say?" Editha
asked. eagerly.
That l want you to miss that
trainl"
Why. what would 1 do? I haven't
30 much as a penny to my person!
she exclaimed
81 win take you as you are" he per-
sisted. Il don't want your money!"
"Oh, l didn't mean that. What
meant was that I've no way Of pro
viding for myself. II miss the train,
she explained, with roguish smile.
Yes, you have he insisted, stub
borniy.
And that?"
Is to marry me!"
Editha Jumped from the auto with
q low CRY of alxxn. The train was al
ready in motion. and she had an excel
lent view OF Mrn. Whelpley, the very
picture of q disappointed chaperone,
looking from ths rear end OF the last
| car