The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1855-11-24
From the Yankee Blade.1
TAKING CHARGE OF A LADY:
mn AtRs CuEvIoT1s -sIsuAps
BY Carl CANTAB.

After passing night in Albany, whittier
had been called on business, some months since
was leaving my hotel early in the morning;
being intent upon taking the first train to
Boston Unfortunately, l left some small
article in the room which had occupied, and
was obliged in consequence to return for it.
say unfortunately, for, on my return, en-
Icountered the landlord, who informed me that
a lady who was travelling in the same direction
with me wished to place herself under nay
protection.
OF course | could not refuse-although be-
ing naturally diffident, it was exceedingly try
ing tc think of acting as guardian to a lady I
had never seen before, for two hundred miles.
However, l assented with the best grace
possible under the circumstances, and was
accordingly led into the adjoining room, where
was presented in due form to lady of
majestic appearance, clad in sable apparel.
She was introduced to me as Mrs. Cheviot.
"This gentleman" said the complacent land
lord, ''has kindly volunteered (Heaven save
the markD to take charge of you as far as
Boston, his destination being the same as
yours"
81 am very much indebted to him." said
Mis- Cheviot, in dignified tone ~ fear
shall cause him great deal of trouble
Certainly she spoke phrophetically, and
had | been able to look forward to the next
few hours, | could not have strained my
politeness so far as to say, as | really did,
"Not at all. shall only be too happy"
At these words Mrs Cheviot looked quite
gracious, and forthwith placed herself under
my protection.
l was about to offer her my arm, and escort
her to the depot, when she glanced at two
heavy carpet-bags which she had with her.
II have sent my trunk down already" she
remarked, "but my carpet-bags like to have
with me for fear of accidents. didn't venture
to send them down in advance, as they might
easily be carried off by some evil-minded
person."
She looked from the carpet bags to me, and
from me to the carpet bags. [ understood
the hint l saw that was silently request
ed to carry them for her.
l looked at the carpet bags. They were of
portentous size--not attenuased like their
owner, but seeming ready to burst open from
very corpulence. Then / began to consider
whether it was best to ignore the silent init
mation.which had received, and coolly adj
wise her to have them carried down. Had /
been little more experienced in such matters,
should undoubtedly have pursued this course,
but as yet was neophyte, and my habitual
diffidence was toe great.
With suppressed sigh, therefore, told
her that would carry them down for her.
"Oh, should be sorry to trouble you SO
far said she, with seeming reluctance, which
meant to convey the idea that she had never
thought of this arrangement before.
Not at all,'' l replied, with one of those
polite fibs which could not be dispensed with
in society as at present constituted.
l took up the offending carpet bags, which
certainly wished at the bottom of the Hud-
son, and marched toward the depot, feeling
like an ass between two burdens.
The lady walked beside me, and was agree
ably conscious that lockers son might very
probably mistake me for professional porter
If had been, should not have been so un-
professionally tired when reached the depot.
conducted the lady to the cars, and pro-
ceeding to the office l purchased tickets for
her and myself to Boston. When returned
to my charge, found her disturbed by new
source ofanxiety. Ia. |
, "Are you sure,o said she, "that we are IN
the right car? Because sometimes all the cars
don't CO." !
81 think there is no doubt of 1t, lrePhed;
showeyer. TO make sure, willinquire"
Ireturnsd with the assurance that ~ss'