Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-05-23

your share towards Milly's education. like a
good brother, as you are. l have been talk
ing to her about it, and | know l can manage
it SO as to overrule any scruples she may have
against receiving anything from us.''
Here my companion became quiet, and the
question presented itself to my mind, &c How
am | to escape from this awkward position
honorably? Here have been guilty of list
ening to a communication intended for the
ear of another-have been guilty of an mex
cusable deception, practced upon a stranger
and a lady knowingly. Perhaps the honest
plan would be to acquaint her at once with the
mistake, and solicit her pardon.'' / had at
last summoned courage sufficient to clear my
throat, and was about to commence my we'll
studied speech, when my companion gave
little laugh, as she said
ssReally, Ralph, you are very entertaining
in yonr own peculiar way ; but if you are as
dumb when you are in the presence of Miss
Vincent as you have been tonight, she is to
be pitied rather than epvied. You are little
better than barbarian ! But here we are at
Uncle Graham's, and you know promised to
stop with Carrie tonight, so you will have no
one to bother you the remainder of the road.
How singularly you do act, tonight, Ralph
Well, l won't tease you any more.''
Suddenly, the driver drew up before an ele-
CANT residence, and, imagining l perceived
loop-hole whereby / might escape from my
awkward predcament, [ sprang out of the
cutter, and assisted the lady to the ground.
6. Is your head still aching, Ralph? Good
night. Why, you forgot to kiss me.'' AS the
fair face was upturned to mine, with its tempt
ing lips awaiting the kiss, pressed my shawl
down from my mouth suddenly land let my head
down to receive the most delicious kiss that
ever was bestowed by maiden. You need
not wait; Carrie is coming-I hear her. said
my companion as he tripped up the steps, while
stood irresolutely by the cutter.
han Il fsIla I fo1I1 a1o
lated, ss it is time you were off, Aud, seat
| ing myself in the cutter more, glided
| over the sparkling snow, but whittier / knew
not. l only knew that l had lost a charming
companion, whose lips, moment since, were
pressed against my own, and whom, IN all pro-
babll{ty, L might never meet again. And
when recalled her generous offer, her SYM
pathy for the poor lame girl, and her self-ac-
cusing spirit, so unlike that of my acquain-
tances in general, longed to know more of
her. Then, again, my cheeks tingled when
remembered the deception had practiced
And what would she think of me when she as
certained-as she most certainly would, SOON
er or later--the truth
But my speculations were cut short by the
abrupt stoppage of the cutter, whereupon /
stepped out leisurely, picking up from the
bed of the cutter, as did so, exquisitely
embroidered handkerchief. Upon looking at
it closely, perceived the initials ss g. ID. - in
one of the corners. | was reminded of my ST.
tuation at that moment by the inquiring
glance thedriver bestowed upon me, as he OBJ
served my movements. Without vouchsafing
word of explanation, turned away from him
and walked homewards. Evidently, bore
very strong resemblance to Mr.. Ralph D.,
whoever he When his own sister and
the servant were deceived by the resemblance,
it must certainly be very great True, the
cap was drawn down firmly, almost concealing
my eyes, and the lower part of my face was
muff1ed up in heavy shawl still, taking ev-
erytbng into consideration, said to myself,
the similarity of dress, feature, manner, must
be wonderful, thus to deceive ones relatives.
The winter air was in that communicative
mood termed 's nipping," and, remem embering
that a walk of four miles lay between me and
my lodgings, l walked forward brslly, revol-
wing in my mind the different aspects of my
adventure, as they presented themselves, one
after another, and resolving to keep my own
counsel. walked perhaps a mile, when / OBJ
served a gentleman approaching at walk as
rapid my own. AS he drew nearer, / was |
struck with his resemblance to me-height,
size, manner, and dress, even to the plaid
shawl around his neck, and the buttons upon
his cap were the exact counterpart of my own.
l think the resemblance must have struck him
at the same time, for, as We were passing each |
other, we involuntarily passed, babe each 9TH |
er pleasant &c Good -night,'' scanning each |
other closely and curiously, then strobe on.
ss Mr.. Ralph d. | said TO myself, as | turned |
to look at him. Singularly enough, Mr.. Ralph |
ID. was at that moment looking at me but the |
instant he was detected, he wheeled around and |
resumed his walk Ere [ reached my lodg- |
ings, resolved to ascertain, if it was possible,
who the young gentleman was who had arriv-
ed from China so recently, that might there |
by assure myself to whom / was indebted for |
delicious kiss, and whose acquaintance was |
very desirous of making.
Earlx hn r sat 4, o,,6l
wrote few lines to Mlly Walker, the lame
girl, and inclosing one hundred dollars in the |
note, sealed it, and depositing it in my pocket,
sailed forth in quest of the information l so
much desired. Vending my way to friends
store, encountered his errand boy, who was
at that moment entering the door.
George" exclaimed, affecting careless
manner, 's are you acquainted with the -
Road ?''
* Yes, sir, very well''
sc Can you tell me who lives in the large
house with the brown stone front on the LETT
going out about four miles out of town 1t |
has three columns think. The house stands
back from the road
ssOh, you mean Mr.. Dwight's. But it's |
more than four miles out there, sir.'
g How far is it ~
GO About four and half; maybe more.''
Thank you. That is all Iwant, replied,
as passed into the store where addressed
my note to 60 Miss MilIy Walker, care of Miss
G. Dwight, - Road;" then sauntering out
slowly, called the boy to me.
g By the way, George, have letter to de-
liver out there. Do you think you could do
it for me-? If you would call cab-any way
that you get there soon; and when you deliver
it, don't delay moment. | don't care about
having you questioned
He was a shrewd lad, and as he listened to
me, knew by the expression of his face, that
he guessed my motive.