Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-04-07
MISCELL A N Y.
Push |!

lone with an Irish gentleman, we became quite
sociable, and he gave me this account OF his
life -
"When twenty years of age, was at school
learning surveying and navigation. And dc
YOU mean to travel p said the master. what
think you Of America p said /; for we were
then in Dungannon, county Tyrone, Ireland
America repeated he; America is growing
country-go, John, and behave yourself as be-
comes true Irishman, and you may eat white
bread in your old age
At little more than twenty-one, / sailed
from Cork, in the good ship Dido, and landed
in 81 days at New Castle. hied me up the
city in trice and wandered through the streets
a stranger for day or two, when on the third,
who should happen to meet but Ned MeOlos-
kew, an old townsman.
;Hallo! said he, If there isn't our old friend
John Varnham When did you Gomez In
what ship, honey2 How were all at home?-
Why your cheeks look as red as potatoe man
You'll grow white in this country, boy, but
drumming on without waiting for an answer,
what's your mottoP
What's my motto9' enquired l, whats that 2
"A short bit Of sentence to direct you in life
You'll have to take one. See, continued be-
touching flask which he carried, and pointing
TO buxom looking husband thet was just pass.
ing-'A short life and merry one is my mot
to. Good bye, John, I'll see you again. and a.
way he flew, half-seas over, bound for a short
life methought, whether for merry or sad one
was a matter of doubt.
Going up Chestnut street--thinks !, does ev.
cry one take motto on setting out in life2-
What shall choose2 A motto Let me see
when up on an inner door saw in large let
ters-P U H-'That shall be my motto, said
and on the impulse of the moment, my right
hand was ON the door, my foot over the thresh
hold. | found myself in the middle OF an office
of some sort. After pausing moment, gen
teel man stepped up and inquired my business
TO tell the honest TRUTH said i, none special
with any mortal man in particular, but am an
Irish lad, a perfect stranger, just come to Amer.
lea to seek my fortune
Have you moneys said the gentleman.
Nothing but five guineas, the gift fmy angel
mother said |, common learning, Irish honor
and grateful heart to any one that will put me
in q way to be useful
why said the man, smiling, i like your
frankness, and really will venture to trust some.
thing to that face. You can write very we'll
then copy that paper.
did so, and found myself in o snug berth,
with plenty to do Tor an industrious man, plen-
ty to eat and drink for temperate man, and
satisfactory compensation for reasonable man
My employer was scrivener, and sometimes
dealt in the purchase of real estate, on specula
ton. Hearing him celebrating one day, doubt.
fully, about a purchase, Push, whispered my
good genius.
1t will not fail, sir, said I, 'and if might be
permitted, would gladly take half the bargain.
On your luck and judgment, john said my
employer.
We bought the property, aided by loan, and
in ninety days realized thousand pounds.
was two and twenty; the bloom of my cheek
had the freshness of youth and health-a pit OF
two of the small pox did not mar my good looks
my hair twisted about my forehead in clusters
of curls which, though seemed careless about
them, were matters of little vanity, and 1 die
not like to part with them; nv skin under my
sleeves was as white as snow, and except that
was little bow-kneed, q had that from my
grandfather, Sir Phelm,) you would not find 6
properer person ip summers day.
Did you ever know an lrishman that had moi
a warm heart to the ladies' Not often," SAID
|. MY good fortune" continued he, sin severa
bargains began to be rumored around, and as
went constantly to church with my master, sew
eral damsels looked kindly on me one more es
pecially, the daughter of wealthy merchant
over the way, and her brow it seemed to me
relaxed from the prudish severity of an heiress
when her eyes met mine. "Pash," said my good
genius "And blessings on you, my sweet dam
sell" said |, half whispering, as | took an oppor
tunity to pass by her side, half square ON hel
way home from meeting, one afternoon. Sand
church is doubly pleasant when you and the like
e. nd No off
in saying so, hope, charming lady,"
"Me, sr2" replied she, but not uninvitingly
or very angrily. Push, said my good genius
for my heart altered little.
"Who else but your bonny self, miss, contin-
ued j, 'for that speaking eye and tell tale lip say
that it is your mothers daughter who has kind
heart and gentle afection--and"-
"Fie, Mr.. Varnham," said she, for it seems
she knew my name-"l'm sorry if there's any
thing IN my countenance so communicative as tc
warrant gentleman, who is almost stranger
to address me in such manner and such 6
place. No young woman should listen to thai
sort of address, certainly, without mother.
leave"
And metho't that she half fingered instead O
quickening her pace, to hearif | had anything tc
reply. Push, said my good genius. SIN Ire
land, dearest said |, sour fathers often make
love going home from church, and if you woult
give me leave to ask your mothers appreciation
here l stammered in spite of my motto.
40, as to that" said the smiling girl, ''yor
may say anything to mother you please"
The same evening, returning from bathing il
the Delaware, for the day had been sultry, 6
sudden hustle and cry of distress, arrested my
attention, at that hour, in an uGfrequented place
The cry of fellow man in trouble is always yor
know. q command to true Irishman to Push