Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1852-04-01
TUE OLD sURT0UT.

Tile coacneS Wnlcn run DetWeen CulnuuiSn
and Glasgow, for the purpose Of commencing
a short tour in the Highlands of Scotland
As we ratified along Prince street, I had
time to survey my fellow-travcllers. I'm
medatcly opposite TO me set two dandies of
the first order, dressed in white grey coats
and Belcher handkerchiefs, and each with
cigar in his mouth, which they pulled away
with marvellous complacency.
Beside me sat modest and comely young
woman in widows dress, with an infant
about nine months old in her arms. The
appearance of the youthful mourner and
her babe indicated that they belonged to the
lower class of society, and although the dam
dies occasionally cast rude glance at the
mother, the look of calm and settled sor-
row, which she invariably, at such times,
cast upon her child, seemed to touch even
them, and to disarm their coarseness.
On the other side of the widow sat young
gentleman Of plain aud preposscssing exte-
rior, who seemed especially to attract the
notice of the Dandes. His surtout was not
absolutely threadbare, but it had evidently
endured more than one season, and could
perceive many contcmptuous looks thrown
upon it by the gentlemen in Belcher hand
kerchiefs. The young gentleman carried a
small portmanteau in his hand-so small,
indeed, that it could not possibly have con-
tanned more than change Of linen. This
article also appeared to arrest the eyes of
the sprigs of fashion opposite, whose ward
robes, in all probability were more volumi-
nous-whether they were paid for or not,
might be other question.
The coach having stopped at the village Of
Corstosphine, for the purpose of taking up
an inside passenger, the guard observing
that the young gentleman carried his port
mantcau in his hand asked leave to put it in
the boot, to which he Immediately y consented.
"Put it fairly in the centre, guard" said
one of the dandics.
"Why SO, Tom?" inquired his companion.
at may capsize the COACH" rejoined the
first; sally at which both indulged in a
burst of laughter, but at which the owner
of the portmanteau, though the blood mount
ed slightly into his cheek, took no notice
whatever.
While we were changing horses at the
little town of Uphall, an aged beggar ap.
preached and held out his hat for aims
The dandies looked at him with scorn.
gave him few half pence, and the young
widow, poor as she seemed, was aboutto dc
the same, when the young gentleman in the
surtout laid his hand gently on her arm, and
dropped half crown in the beggar's Nat
and made sign for him to depart. The
dandies looked at each other.
Showing off, Jack says one.
"Aye, aye, successful at our last benefit
you know, rejoined the other, and both
again burst into hoarse laugh.
AT this allusion to his supposed profess.
ion, the blood again mounted to the young
gentlemans cheek, but it was only for {
moment, and he continued silent.
We had not left uphall many miles be-
hind US, when the wind began to rise, anc
the gathering clouds indicated an approach.
ing shower. The dandies began to prepare
their umbrellas; and the young gentleman in
the surtout, surveying the dress of the. wild
ow, and perceivlng that she was but indif;
ferently provided against change of wea
ther, inquired of the guard if the coacl
was full inside. Being answered in the af
frmative, he addressed the mourner in
tone of sympathy, told her there was ever!
appearance of sharp shower, expressed
his regret that she could not be taken int
the coach, and concluded by offering her til,
use of his cloak.
1T will protect you SO far" said he, SAINT
at all events, it will protect the baby"
The widow thanked him in modest ant
|, respectful manner, and said that for tn
sake of the infant, she would be glad to hav
tilc ClOdh, IL HC NOl1lu lUl SllleI iOI tilC us
of it himself.
He answered her that he should not, be
| ing accustomed to all kinds of weather.
His surtout won't spoil" said one of tn
dandies, in a tone Of affected tenderness
sand besides, my dear, the cloak will holt
you BOTH"
The young gentleman, turning quickl
round, addressed the speaker in tone c
dignity which shall never forget;
81 am not naturally quarrclsome sir, bu
yet it is possible you may provoke me to
far"
Both the exquisites turned a. pale a
death-Shrunk, in spite of themselves int
= their natural insignifcance; and they scarce
ly opened their lips, even to each other, du
ring the remainder of the journey.
) In the meantime, the young gentlemal