New Britain herald., 1918-03-23
EYELATI0NS OF A WIFE
By ADELE GARRISON

, JanalCa pldtlOrIl, the only shelter the railroad provided for the thousands Of commuters using it's trains. It was the only inference I could draw from his question-practically an as- sertion-concerning my going home and his sympathizing remarks about 1 the platform. And he had escorted me to my train, and knew exactly ! what time it would reach it's destina- ! ton. Search my recollection of his ] words as l might l could find no other meaning hidden in them. At any rate, there was no course open to me but to follow my own convictions in the matter. That he : had meant me to understand some thing from his seemingly casual words l was certain, because of Lillian's warning. I could only interpret them as best I could.
 But so great was my dread that l
 had misunderstood him, and conse- quently had failed Lillian, that I was shaking as if with cold when the train drew into Jamaica and l stepped out on the platform. The guards were calling the names of the different esat-bou trains in stentorian tones, and the platform was filled with hurrying commuters rushing for seats. I was puzzled at first to account for so many people at the late hour but I remembered that there had been a national guard parade in the city, and realized the reason for the late-comers. It took all the poise I could muster to turn into the lighted little waiting room and take a seat. To my heated imagination it seemed that every com muter on the platform must be specu- i lating upon the reason for my sitting op 4,I- he 1 Babylon local, which stood waiting for it's passengers just outside the 1 window.
 l But that ordeal was nothing to the | one which awaited me when the trains l had all pulled out and I was left the | solitary occupant of the waiting room I was seized with an unaccountable terror of loneliness for even the guards seemed to have departed from the platforms. The fruit stand and newspaper stand were closed. As far | as I could see there was no one be- l side me on the whole length of the | platform.
 l An Inuuisitive Guard. | The windows running the length of | both sides Of the room seemed like
 so many staring eyes watching me. | huddled into the corner next the tele~ phone booth, where, at least, there was no window at my back, and with the forlorn hope that the moveme ent l would steady my shaking nerves ] | took out my knitting from Katherine $ l knitting bag.
 As 1 did so my fingers touched the cold metal of the small ammonia gun 1 which Katherine had put in her knit l ting bag for any emergency which l l might be called upon to face Curi-
 ously enough no feeling Of security
 came to me with the touch of the
 metal. Instead it was 8 source of
 added terror, as I began to speculate
 upon the possibility, remote through
 it appeared, that I might have to use the little weapon.
 A masculine step sounded outside
 the door, and in the moment that | elapsed before a guard put his head
 in at the door I suffered torturing 1 suspense.
 Missed your train? 2" he asked. "Yes." I answered laconically. Which one do you want?' Did imagine it or was there suspicion in ! his tones? l remembered reading
 that the railroads were taking extra l precautions against possible spies in the first days of our country's entrance | into the war"
 "A Long Wait"
 ''The one that goes to Marvin" Try
 as I might I couldn't keep q slight 1 tremor out of my voice.
 | He shot a keen glance at me.
 There was no mix-up on that 1 train,' he said with the air of man