The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1857-10-05
The Skeleton Friend.

The traveller who proceeds directly
from Paris to Antwerp, cannot help re-
marking the vast difference in every feature
of the two cities. Instead of the numerous
and brilliant palaces which abound in the
French metropolis, you see at Antwerp
the quaint and venerable old mansions
which have perhaps been occupied by an
of whom the present dwcllers have never
cestors heard. AS great difference is seen
in the inhabitants. Staid and profound
looking burehers take the place of gay Par
isians, and while the latter are engaged in
promenading the streets of their city, the
former are seated before their doors emit
ing huge clouds of smoke drawn from capa-
cious pipes, and engaged in cogitations
best known to themselves. And although
lifetime might be spent in Paris without
aperson's seeing all the attractions which
it offers, the very quaintness and mystery
presiding over the good old city of Ant
werp had more interest for me. Day af-
ter day found me strolling in various parts
of it, and becoming more and more inter-
ested with the different phases of charac-
ter which | CHANGED to see.
Upon one occasion, I was standing at
the meeting of two streets and observing
the difference in the manner and dress of
those who passed. Being much interested
in my occupation, it was some time before
/ was aware that hand had been laid
upon my shoulder, and that it's owner was
endeavoring to attract my attention to
himself. When at last | turned around
Isaw person whom | Judged to be u
student-tall and spare in body, andmuch
emaciated in appearance. His eyes were
of that kind which seem to pierce like ar
rows; they were so in a remarkable degree,
but they possessed kind of wandering
and dreamy expression, which ever and
anon changed to kind of fierceness and
suggested the thought of insanity. But
his glance towards me was one of ahec-
ton and interest, and at the same time
one of fascination. He spoke with no apol-
ogy for what might be deemed an intru-
sion, but said:
"Arc youa stranger in this city,"
~ am" l replied; although | have So
journed here so long that it seems much
like home.'
"Havc you made any acquaintance
during your stay?"
"None beyond the people who dwell
in the same house with me, and l rarely
see them"
Chat being the case, can readily sup
pose that you wish for a friendship with
somebody: You are not misanthrope?"
smiled at the earnest manner in which
the question was propounded, and answe-
red in the negative.
II needed not to have asked the uues-
ton, for your countenance is proof posi-
tive that You are not. | thought for a
moment that had discovered a kindred
spirit but perhaps it is as well for me and
certainly better for you as it is. Now
can you put trust enough in stranger
like me. to come to u place which shall
name, and meet me this evening? I tell
you frankly that |, being man-hater,
would not do it; but with you, the case is
different. Will you come %
The frankness of his speech disarmcd
any suspicion which Fmay have enter
tanned, and without any reflection | gave
him my promise.
"That is well,' said he and placinga
cord in my hand, he walked away with a
hasty and nervous step, stopping at the
street-oorner to nod to me, and then dis
appeared, leaving me to reflect upon the
adventure which this meeting promised.
Although | walked much more than
usual that day, my mind was not bent as
usual upon seeing and hearing everything
new. The recollection of the strange in
terview which had held with this I'M
known kept occurring to me, and the re-
collection of his strange and CHASTITY APP
Az, hmm, t...l ILL.,