Year: 1879




her stately head. She arose with smile
when | entered.


Excuse me; but may trouble YOU
for glass of water | said.


NO trouble at all, ma am Pray be
seated. Excuse me" And she left the
room.


Presently she returned bringing salver
covered with a snow white napkin,
and containing glass of water, lass
of creamy milk, saucer Of luscious
strawberries, and plate of sponge-cake
light as yellow foam.


Pardon me, she said, smiling, ''if |
take to great liberty, but, YOU see,
Farmer Brown told me of your being
obliged to wait 50 long, and l thought
YOU might be hungry -


"Why, how very kind YOU are" lex
claimed in pleased surprise.


Not at all; it's pleasure to me. If
you are hot and dusty, perhaps you'd like
to battle your face. If so, just step in
here.


And she led the way into little white
bed-room-the very heart of cleanliness
and purity.


In little while | was a different be-
ing from the cross, dusty, hungry mortal
who had sat in the hot waiting room. |
found Mrs Holly perfect little gem of
a woman; and, after the manner of our
sex. We soon became as well acquainted
as if We had known each other for years
And while l was lying languidly upon
hcr comfortable sofa, and she seated in
her low chair stitching away at her
baby's dress. she told me the one romance
of her life.


IL have lived in this little depot all
my days" she began. My father was
ageu; here; and he served the company
SO long and so well that when he died
they kindly allowed me to remain in his
place. with the same wages, too! For,
you see, was seventeen, and my father
/ had long before taught me telcgraphing
and all the other work. About a year
after fathers death became acquainted
with Jack-Jack Holly, my husband"
and Mrs. Holly looked up and smiled


Jack was one of the best engineers
on the road and is now, too, and every
body considered him an honest, likely
Young fellow. He thought the world Of
me, and we became engaged. But YOU
know how girls are, The weakest Of
them can make strong man tremble.


"A weak girl held all his heart strings
in her small, white hand said.


YES, and dare say often pulled
Jacks heart-strings rather hard; but he
was gentle and patient when firted
with the country lads, and when was
wild and wayward he didn't remonstrate
But one day there came along a city
chap, who engaged board for the summer
at farmhouse in the neighborhood.
This Clarence Devarges, as he was called,
was handsome, well dressed, and had
that polished, indescribable air that is so
fascinating to most silly girls Jack was
kind and well hammered, but he didn't
have bit of style about him, but style
was what dotted on in those days. So
| snubbed Jack and smiled on Mr.. De-
yarges when he offered his attentions, l
airted most dreadfully with him till even
generous Jack was displeased.


One morning, looking somewhat grave
and sad, he came into the ticket-ofiice
The last passenger had gone, and the
train was moving out Jacks train had
stopped to take freight.


We'll, how long IS this thing going to
last: said Jack.


What thing snapped out.


Why, this affair with Devarges; see
it is going beyond mere Irritation.


Pray, what of it:


Only that l do not wish my future
wife name joined in with that of a.,
Jack paused here, and added earnestly:
We'll, warn YOU against this fellow.
Who knows what he is:


Mr.. Devarges is a perfect gentleman,
and that IS more than one can say of
some Others l said hotly. And Mr.
Holly, in regard to your future wife, |
believe l do not aspire to that honor
and-here is your ring. drew off the
golden band and handed it to him.


Nell, do YOU mean this inquired
Jack with white lips.


Yes, do. I'm tired of your carping
and criticising The affair may be end
ed now and forever l said, pettishly.


so be it, then. Good-by,' said Jack,
and, without another word, he left the