He'd be One.

Otago Witness, Issue 2467, 26 June 1901, Page 78

He'd be One.

'^Everybody looked at her when she entered the omnibus. Besides being pretty, she wore the kind of clothers which ■ one naturally associates with a carriage and a coaohman Tather than a plebeian omnibus. fche swept to a vacant space* and sat *down. After she was settled she placed both hands on the seat at either side of her. The passengers «yed her furtively; perhaps it was a new style she was introducing, ao they held their peace.

Gradually the omnibus -filled up, until every seat was taken. lihe empty spots barred off by the young lady's hands alone remained vacant, and interest grew. Several persons got in, eyed her uneasily, and then — stood. j She seemed totally unmoved by the fact • that she was causing her fellow-men incon- j venience, and was keeping them from their j rights. Finally the omnibus, stopped for a horny-handed son of toil, who was evidently going home alter his day's v.-ork. He was grimy with plaster and dust. Ec stood 6ft high, and his face was red and Lonest; his eyes met the obcefverb' Equarcly, and there was humour in thi corners of his mouth. Without the slightest -hesitation, after one rapid glance, he proceeded to sit down next to the centre of attention. As she had disdained to remove her hand he also sat down , on that. ! She jerked it away in anger, and Te- | marked: "Sir!" while her eyes flashed; ! "I am reserving these seats for two gentle- j men!" she announced, cuttingly, with Use t evident idea that the interloper would at i ones melt away. Ec turned a quizzical look upon the angry girl, and settled back , more comfortably. j " That's all right," «he said affably. " I'll be wan iv 'crn! "