The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-07-04
Selfet Storp,
An Incident of Travel,
BY CLARA AUGUSTA.

on the Central Railroad cars, ushered in
a decrepid shabbily attired old man, who
leaned wearily on his staff, and carried a
heavy valise in his hand.
The long, dimly lighted car was full,
every seat was occupied; band boxes and
carpet bags were held in the owners laps
and there was not single chance for the
new conner to be accommodated.
A couple of score of faces lifted them
selves to glance at the old mans face, as
he moved slowly and painfully down the
narrow isle. 1t was plainly evident that
he had as much as he could do to support
himself, anG besides, he looked like one
who was just recovering from q severe
illness-his cheek was thin and pale, and
eyes lacked the fire which ought to SPAR
kle beneath those large aud strongly
marked brows.
There were many well, active looking
healthy young men in the cars, but none
of the number felt disposed to renounce
his soft, comfortable seat TO the shabby
old traveller, and after stare of undis-
guised contempt, each and all dropped
their eyes, and thought no more of the
suffering old man before them.
In this enlightened country, it is a no.
torious fact, that the aged meet with
sights and incivilities, to say nothing of
positive unkindness, which would have
put the barbarous nations of old to shame
Fitz james Eustace, young exquisite,
who was escorting his cousin Isabel Win.
chester to Nahant, drew down his mouth
until the ends of his copper colored
moustache rested upon his we'll starched
dickey, and remarked to the lady by his
side:
Really, Mr.. Smith is insulting usl
Why cannot he fnd place for that
wretched specimen in the second class car?
A flush, perhaps of pride-perhaps an
ger-mounted to the white. forehead of
Miss Winchester. She put up her hand
as though to check the speaker, and said
in sudden voice:
"Fitz James, will You give that gentle.
man your seat? Don't you see how pale
and feeble he looks7"
my dear Isabel Why l would not
evacuate my place. by your side for a
kingdom! Let the fellow stand it out!
1t won't damage his appearance, I'll be
bound"
Then I'll trouble you to rise mo-
ment, l prefer the other side of the seat
Allow me to pass if you please?'
Fitz James never thought of disputing
the will of his imperious cousin, and he
stood up to let her 60 out. But instead
of taking the seat which her escort had
occupied, the lady walked straight on,
until she reached the side of the neglected
cid gentleman. The touch of her hand
on his arm drew his attention toward her
"Sir, will you have the goodness to
take the seat which have just vacated!
l have ridden since early this morning
and am really wearled with sitting sc
long. Pray cblige?''
The old mans face frightened, and bt
cast grateful look into the dark. hand
some eyes of the lady.
"But madam, you must be weary;
cannot accept it,"
She made an impatient gesture. Mis-:
Winchester was accustomed to have hel
own way.
mo, sir; am we'll, young and strong
and should be ashamed TO sit while
man of your age and health remained
standing"
So saying. the old gentleman sank into
the vacant seat, with we'll satisfied ex
lpression of countenaDce; but Fnz jane
Expressed his unbounded contempt for hi
neighbor, drawing his raglan closing
around him, and shrinking nearer 10 tn,
cars. The stranger looked at him will
quiet scorn. .--z.s.-
"You need not trouble yourself to sliI
out of the window, young man. said h,
in voice of irony. Il am not afraid o
the long cared species. though be bra.
ever SO loudly"
Fitz James was thoroughly disgusted
He could not endure sach vulgar propln
guilty. So he arose quickly, and stridinl
over his companion, made the best of hi
way into the smoking car.
Miss Winchester's sacrifice had bee,
witnessed by all in the Carriage, aud
i dozen seats were offered her by doze
polite aud officiating young gentlemen
but declined them all by motion of he
head, and remained leaning against th
: side of the vehicle. sy ID l.ssa.. l..-rs
/ The train few onward-the old gentle
man meanwhile disposing himself for
comfortable nap, which he was shortly en-
ljoying.
i Some time before midnight the light
of Boston CLEANED through the darkness
another moment, and the train wen
laundering into the depot.
! Our Old gentleman arose, shook him
self, grasped his valise, and came over t
the side of Miss Winchester.
MADAM" he said, "you have made a
old man's journey tolerable; will you te
him your name and place Of abode?" .