“Aren’t you glad you did not have it all on your feet?” he said, and I thought I would simply fall out of my chair.
When the waiter came in with the men’s order they insisted on sharing it with us till the waiter could fill our own. I thought it was dandy of them to think of it, and I was glad for Kate’s sake, as I could see she was embarrassed and I could think of nothing to say, and having something eat put her more at ease.
I wish I could remember all the witty remarks Mr. Lester made; and the other people in the car must of thought it was a regular vaudeville show at our table to hear us laugh. He and Mr. Coles are as different than each other as Kate and I. Mr. Lester is a regular clown, and as good as a show. Mr. Coles is more serious, and looks like there was more to him. I believe he is the kind of a man that would get anything they wanted, and I am afraid a poor little girl like me would not have a chance if he took it into his head that I was the girl he wanted. The way he looked at me at breakfast, and after we all came back to our own car, I am afraid of him already; and I think I will try and keep out of his way as much as possible. Seriously, I would hate awfully to wound a man like he; and, of course, it is absurd to imagine me becoming engaged to a man I met on a trip of this kind, and really know nothing about him except that he is a gentleman and very good-looking. He is tall and dark, and I bet he and I make a striking contrast together. Mr. Lester is not quite as tall, and has light hair and a fair complexion. You can see that both of them have traveled a great deal and are well educated.
We four chatted together a few minutes after we got back to our car, and then Kate excused herself, saying she was going to read, and I did not feel like sitting with the two men, so I excused myself also, and have been busy writing ever since.
We are due at Ogden this afternoon, and from there we go to Salt Lake City, where we will have a chance to get off the train and stretch our limbs before tonight’s ride, which will take us to Yellowstone.
Tuesday, August 29: “When you come to the end of a perfect day” expresses the way I feel tonight better than any poor words of mine could tell it. Kate has gone to bed, but, though I have been riding and walking in the open air since early this morning, I know that was I to retire there would be no sleep for me, as my heart is too full of all I have seen and heard, and I feel like I must set it down while it is still fresh in my memory.
We did not see much of Salt Lake City yesterday afternoon, but we are to stop over there a whole day on our way back. When we got on the Yellowstone train last evening, Kate made the remark that she was worn out and was going right to bed.
“The boys have asked us to sit up awhile and play cards with them,” I said.
“What boys?” she asked.
“You know perfectly well,” was my reply. “Mr. Coles and Mr. Lester.”
“Well, you can play cards with them if you want to,” said Kate, “but I would rather sleep laying down than sitting up playing cards.”
“Kate,” I said, “I do not believe you are having a good time.”
“Sure I am,” was her reply. “I came out here to rest and see the scenery and not sit up all night playing cards with a couple of chorus men.”
“Chorus men,” I said. “You know very well they are no such a thing. They are men of the world and college graduates.”
“Yes,” she said, “graduates from Boler’s Barber College.”
I could see from her spiteful remarks what was the matter. Neither Mr. Coles or Mr. Lester had made a fuss over her, and she was taking it to heart.
“Listen, Kate,” I said, “I believe I know how you feel. But if you are going to act that way it will spoil my whole trip. Remember, dearie, that looks are not everything in this world, and when these boys have had a chance to get better acquainted with you, and know you as well as I do, they will see what a grand, good-hearted, bright, clever girl you are. Don’t be foolish, dearie, but let us get all the enjoyment we can out of our vacation.”
“That is just what I am doing,” was her reply, “only my idea of a good time is different than yours.”
I saw there was no use arguing with her, and I said good night and went back to where the boys were sitting to tell them our card game was off.
“What’s the idea?” asked Mr. Lester.
“My girlfriend, Miss Hayes, is tired out and does not feel well,” was my reply.
“Probably she got a good look at herself in the glass,” said Mr. Lester, and though I bit my lips till they almost bled, I could not help from laughing. But when I had controlled myself again, I said:
“You ought not to make a remark like that, Mr. Lester. Miss Hayes is my dearest friend, and I will not stand for anybody making unkind remarks about her.”
“Do you and she always pal around together?” he asked.
“We certainly do,” was my reply.
“It’s always the way,” said Mr. Lester. “A pippin and a prune are always coupled in the betting.”
“I don’t understand your slang expressions, Mr. Lester,” I said. “But I assure you you can look a long ways before you will find Kate
