The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1921-05-21

sented itself.
did you ever see anything SO fun
ny?' Pauline's whispers drew the at
tention of others in the Pullman
coach. Pauline was fifteen, old enough,
one would suppose, to have outgroWn
the giggling age. But she had not
learned that sense of humor may
need control, as well as quick tenn
per, or tendency to dissolve in tears
on every possible pretext.
The two girls laughed on, their
mirth becoming less and less con-
trolled as the moments passed. Their
faces grew red, and their eyes were
suffused with tears. And if there
seemed probability that the par
oxysm was decreasing in violence, a
glance in the direction of the uncon-
scious object of their merriment was
enough to set them off again. The
other passengers were looking Grossly
from them to the old lady, some of
them smiling as if in sympathy, and
others looking as if they found the
combination of bad manners and an
utter lack of self-control somewhat
tiresome
When the old lady opened her eyes
merriment was at its height. She
looked straight into two red, con-
vulsed faces, turned her head and
saw that the attention of her fellow
passengers was focused on herself,
and the young people who apparently
were getting so much amusement out
of her little nap. She Strengthened
herself, slight flush showing in her
faded cheeks, put here eyeglasses in
their place, and resumed her reading
It was noticeable that the giggling
Immediately became subdued, and in
a minute or two ended altogether.
Meg and Pauline at once developed a
tremendous interest in the scenery.
The two were on their way to visit
schoolmate, a charming girl whose
father was reputed wealthy, but who
had remained entirely unspoiled by
wealth and luxury. Meg and Pauline
were greatly excited by the prospect
of visiting in home of a man many
times a millionaire, and were very
anxious that in such unaccustomed
surroundings, they should not fail to
do exactly the proper thing.
The train pulled at last into the at
tractive spot where Mr.. Watt sum-
mer home was situated. There were
number of people on the platform
and among them Meg recognized her
friend. There's Eleanor now" she
, cried. "She's come to meet us Oh,
how glad l am to see her again, the
| dear thing!"
But contrary to their expectations,
Eleanor did not fly to meet them the
| moment they stepped up to the plat
form. Instead, she made an ecstatic
! rush upon the old lady who had sat
across the aisle, and who alighted
i from the train just ahead of the two
, girls.
| Grandmother! Oh, grandmother!
The cry in Eleanor's eager voice sent
a cold chill to the hearts of the two
listeners. For moment the old lady
and the young girl held each other in
a close embrace, and then Eleanor
drew away from her encircling arms
Excuse me minute, grandma
darling. expect some of my schoo
friends on this train. Oh, here they
are" She ran to meet Meg and Paul
inc, her hands outstretched and hel
face shining. But as for the two
travellers, no one would have suspect
ed them of such thing as a giggle ii
all their lives. Their faces vert pre-
ternaturally solemn, and their look:
but inadequately expressed the heavi
ness of their hearts.
When they climbed into the waiting
car, Eleanor performed the ceremon.
of introduction. These are two of m.
school friends, grandmother, that I've
talked about so often, Meg Ward ant
Pauline Noble" Then with sudde1
inspiration ooh, did you get &C
quainted on the train
i Mrs. Watt took it on herself to an
swer that question. She was a joll!
old lady and though she had been an
noyed when she awoke from her nal
and found Meg and Pauline laughing
at her, she did not hold grudge ant
had no wish to add to the girls hu
initiation. :.
1--WE didn't speak, Nellie she re
piled, "but we sat near one another
and / think we can count that as thu
beginning of our acquaintance He
smile was perfectly good-natured, bu
i. in spite of it, Meg and Pauline ha,
never felt so uncomfortable in thei
, lives.
}, Their visit was only half success
Eleanor was as sweet and friendly a
} she could possibly be, and old Mrs
Watt magnanimously kept the secre
of the little episode on the Pullman
: but neither Meg nor Pauline coul
forget that Eleanor's welcome woul
not have been so cordial If she ha,
known all there was to know. An
when their stay came to an cid,
was relief, on the whole. 1--WE Nigh
have had such a perfect time, If
hadn't been for our making such
( wrong start" Meg sighed, as the
took the train for home, and Pauline
asserting murmur came from he
| heart.
ST It is hopeful sign, to say the Least
, that though the girls light-heartet
| ness returned to them before the sun
! mer was over. and their faces Wer