New Britain herald., 1916-03-08
An Unfortunate Meeting.


 l once.
 l I waited mischievously for her ] comment on the seats for if there is anything more uncomfortable than | those side seats in the New York subway I have yet to find it.
 What abomina ble seats,' she said in a moment. I nodded an unquali- fled assent The roar of the train l prevented verbal answer, unless I 1 " ished to shriek, something I never ] do.
 We did not need to complain of 1 the seats on the express, there were none to be had, the car was crowded. Rows of men white and colOred. young and old sat hidden behind their newspapers. There were a few women who had seats, but most of the feminine passengers were stand ing, clnging to straps. I knew my mOther-in-laW hatred of assistance. but I knew also that 1inaccustomed to the subway as she was. she would probably fall, so I took her arm firmly. T will hold on to this strap,'' I said, and you can lean on me-
 Mrs. Graham looked with con-
 
 men, "In Detroit," she said her voice carried almost to the end of the car. T do not think you could find man so rude as to remain seated while an old woman stood.' I flushed hotly The men who heard her only grinned impudently and went on reading. Some Of the younger women giggled, others com mented audibly. that's right l felt as if we were the target of every eye in the car.
 At this juncture a man standing beside nae, also holding a strap whose face l had not noticed. said in my ear. Isn't this Miss Margaret Spencer? I am sure I am not mis- taken"
 ''Very Much Mistaken
 I turned. surprised, and looked into the genial face of a middle-aged man. I recognized him at once as a former instructor in the school in which I had taught. who, with his wife. had boarded at Mrs. Stewards for year when my mother and I were living there.
 They had been pleasant acquaint- ances, but when MT. Lawrence had taken a position in another city four years before, I had lost sight of them.
 '.Why. MT. Lawrencen I exclaimed, "how do you do? This is indeed I.leasure.'
 Then. mindful of my mother-in- law at my elbow. I added, but am not Miss Spencer any longer
 "Oh yes," MT. Lawrence interrupt ed beamingly. "I remember now. l ,-,.tn when we left the city. I suppose you are Mrs. Bickett. How is MT Blckett and your mother?
 I had a horrible premonition ot what was coming from the look in bis face when I told him that I was married. Mir Lawrence is the kind of man whose chief delight lies in innocent, kindly-meant teasing or friends and acquaintances. Many of his friends enjoy it but even the re- collection of his Well-meant jests l., akes me shiver. He had made life a burden for Jack and me in the old Gays Mrs. Lawrence will be pleased 1 to hear this news She used to say 1 that she never had seen two people more thoroughly suited to each other than you and MT. Bickett. 1 TOT to get out a word in answer. But l I realized that I must say something. l end that quickly. to stem the torrent l of his "reminiscences.
 I did not dare to look at my rnother-in-Iaw' face but I could 1 feel the rigidity of her arm as I held 1 if and the tension of her whole at 1 titude. I could ina zine the blazing 1 look with which she must be regard l ing this 1ouuaciouS acquaintance of ] mine.
 You are very much mistaken, 1 Mr. Lawrence" I said as calmly as l could, although I felt myself trembl- ing. in every muscle, and you were also mistaken in your idea of things four years ago. MT. Biclett was my srother- cousin, the nearest relative Il had except my mother. We had been brought up together almost as brother and sister. but We never thought of marrying each other. married Mr. Richard Graham short time ago. His mother is with me now
 l turned to my moth erin law shrinkingly. Mrs. Graham, this is an old friend of mine, MT. Lawrence ! said formally. She vouchsafed no answer, and the slight inclination of the introduction was so filled with hauteur that it's significance evidently penetrated even MT. Lawrence's un- derstanding.
 Still More Mistaken.
 I felt truly sorry for him in spite 1 of the annoyance he had caused me, for he was flushed and perspiring as if he had run a race.
 My mother died almost year ago. I said softly. MT. Lawrence embarrassment was overshadowed by
 his real concern at my news.
 Dear! dear, I am sorry indeed ''
 he said sincerely. Mrs. Lawrence will be much grieved when she hears
 that She always admired your mother very much.