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

1t was on the evening of the End of January,
in 1856, that l went to hear the Duchess
Strainervoyce, who, at that time, attracted the
fashionable world to her concerts, for no other
earthly reason, / suppose, than to have il to
say that they had listened to a real duchess
while, at the same time, firmly believe that
superior nafire talent went begglng.' l
went to hear the Duchess, partly 60 kill time,
and partly from desire to hear and see for
myself the marvellous foreigner whose name
was in every body's mouth. When L reached
tho concert-room, it was crowded to its ut
most capacity. 1t was so closely wedged that
one could have studied anatomy, after fash
ion, merely from the impression Of your neigh
boris bones. At the close of the concert,
was borne along with the crowd, and jammed
through the doorway at the risk of breaking
every rib in my body. Ere l could escape
from the throng, and while l was Struggling
my shoulders to assure myself that my collar
bone was in its proper position, l felt hand
claspiDg my arm, and musical voice exclam-
ed &c on good for nothing, L thought had
lost you! What frigbtful jam! do believe
my arm is broken, aud my dress knolo must
be ruined, and all for the sake of hearing that
Strainervoyce! would not give Miss Dwight
or Miss Floyd for world of Strainervoyces 10
was on the point of replying that l agreed
with her, but restrained myself, laughing in
wardiy at the novel position in which was
placed, and wondering who my fair companion
could be. Evidently she mistook me for her
brother, or, possibly, her husband, judging
from the familiarity of her manner. g Why,
Ralph, how forgetful you are Here is the
CUTTER" Then adding, in sympathzng
tone, I" Forgive me, Ralph-your poor head
L am sorry made you conle."
I" pardon me, madam, but
40 nonsense, Ralph. You have become
half barbarian since you went to China, to
permit me to seat myself, while you stand
fhnrn .f.
married, instead of your sister, whose ready
assistant and attendant-in place of a better
you should be.''
Excuse me, but
Ralph, I'll catch my death of cold sitting
here; and such a long ride, too ~ Here the
lady gave perceptible shivcr. sc Do muffle
me up closer, Ralph, and sit down. or will-''
What she would have done did not wait
to hear, but tucking the robes around her
closely, waved my hand to the driver, and
away we glided over the crimp sparkling snow,
to the music of the merry sleigh bells.
"l won't ask you TO talk to me, with that
headache, but 1 want you to listen to me,''
began my companion, the moment we started.
"l wanted to talk 10 you coming in, but that
little chatte-box, Maggie Woodbury. prevent
ed me from saying word to you You re-
member poor little Milly Walker Ralph. Her
mother died about two months ago. and poor
Milly has gone to live with the Deans Mr.
bHu MIS-. Dean nave Decn very Kind to her,
but then they are poor, and of course it is inn
possible for them to do more than to shelter
her. How any one can have the heart to
wound Milly Walkers feelings is mystery to
me, and yet every occasion that presents itself
Is seized upon by the Wares and Kings to in
suit her, even to commenting upon the poor
girls fathers actions, as if she could have
prevented that which occurred twenty years
ago; and / have seen Sarah Ware initiating
ner walk, regardless of poor Mily's tears.''
could not restrain an exclamation of disgust
as L listened to this. sc knew it would dis
gust you, Ralph. Well, tie doctor says now
tnal Miliy will always be lame-there can be
hothing done for her. have been thinking,
ever since her mother died, that, if she had
goou teacher, she would not only In time be
inoepenueht, nut famous as painter. You
shouid see some of her attempts. MilIy Wal |
ker IS genius, Ralph. But that would re-
quire money, and where is the money to come
from You know haven't much Ralph but |
nave determined to do something for our old |
playmate. can save out of my allowance at |
least one hundred dollars, and now if Won will
give double that amount, what will that do for |
Miliy? was counting it up the other day.
ana, II am correct, it will send her to the -
institute, and pay for the full course, and. at |
lhe end of that time, if Milly Walker is alive,
sue sue VIII show the world what a woman can do |
neh look at that poor girl, with her rare
hnI ,iino ana her craving for knowledge, cannot
nelp tninklng how superior she is to me,
.uere loier; and / sometimes think that, if
-N' h'o my place and l hers, there would be !