Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-05-09

delicious with that shoulder against his own.
How gallantly he jumped up to pull the strap
for her-by some favoriDg freak of fortune,
if happened to be at t. very street where he
intended to stop. And under all circumstan-
ces we can hardly blame him, when the car
stopped so suddenly that she caught inStinc-
lively at his hand for support, for the squeeze
he gave the plump snowy palm. Any man in
his senses would have done the same-it was
such an inviting little lilly
Out into the rain and darkness our two pill
grims sailed, scarcely more than able to steer
their course by the glinmering reflection of
the street lamp on the streaming pavements.
ssAllow me to carry your basket, Miss, as
long as our paths lie in the same direction -
said Mr.. Edge courteousy, relieving her of
the burden as he spoke. ssAnd-and-may- be
you find less difficulty in walking if you'd
just take my arm 20
Well, wasn't it delightful. Mr.. Edge for
got the wet streets and the pitchy darkness
he began TO feel little nervous, ,and wish that
the lovely incognIta wouldn't hold on quite so
tight. Suppose Maria should be at the win
dow on the look out for him, she often was,
how would sheinterpret matters He couldn't
make her believe that he ouly wanted to be
polite to fair traveller! Besides his sweep
ing declarations of the morniDg-she would
be sure to recall them.
AS he stopped at the right number and turn
ed round 10 bid the blue-eyes regretful a
| dieu, he was astounded to see her run lightly
up the steps to enter likewise! Gracious Ap-
polio he burst into chilly perspiration at
the idea of Maria's horror!
81 think you have made a mistake, Miss,
stammered he, s'this can't be your house ?''
But it was too late--she was already in the
brilliant lighted hall, and turning round threw
off her dripping habliments, and made him a
low courtesy.
every much obliged to you for your polite
| ness, sir 20
ssWhy, it's my wye.r'
"And happy to see that you haven't forgot
! ten all your galantry towards the ladies'
| pursued the merciless little puss, her blue
eyes {they were pretty y all in dance with
suppressed roguery.
Edge looked fom the ceiling to the floor in
vain search for loop-hole of retreat; but the
search was unavailing.
| ssWell,'' said he in the most sheepsh of al
tones ssit's the first time ever was polite to
woman in the cars and hang me if it shan't be
| the last.'
ssYou see dear'' said the ecstatic little lady
ssI was somewhat belated-didn't expect to be
! delayed so long, and hadn't any idea 1 should
| meet with so much attention in the cars, and
| from my own husband too Goodness gra-
cious, how aunt Priscilla will enjoy the joke -
elf you tell that old harpy," said Edge, in
| an accent of desperation, ssI meyer shall hear
| the last of it.''
s'Very probably" said Maria provokingly.
s'Now look here, darling, said Mr.. Edge
coaxingly, ssyou aoont say anything, will you ?
A fellow don't want to be laughed at by all
the world | say. Maria, you shall have the
prettest furs in New York if you'll only keep
| qulet-you shall on my honor.''
The terms were satisfactory, and Maria ca
| pitulated-who wouldn't? And that is the
| way she got those splendid furs that filed the
hearts of all the female friends with envy; and
perhaps it was what made Mr.. Edges such a
scrnpulousy courteous husband ever after.