The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-10-18
LOST IN A FOG.


the great and glorous-we might on this oc-
caslon, say rain-giorious-City of London
was hidden from mortal ewes by one of those
dense brown togs that oftentimes convert it
into anything but Paradise. SO suddenly
bad the obscurity come on, that many an un.
lucky wight had unwittingly strayed out of
the right path, not morally, be it understood,
but literally, being miSled by the impossible
ty OF Distinguishing one street from another
in those localities where all the residences are
private houses.
Among those misguided wayfarers was a
certain pretty widow, named Cumley, who
had been lured from her "apartments,' in
Great Coram street. by faint glimmering of
the sun, which, an hour before, had given
some hope of at least continuance of day
light for sufficient space of time to enable
her to make d few purchases, with view Of
the enchantment Of her personal attractions
az party that was to come off on the follow
ing evening. 1t was in her way back from
Oxford street that the darkness began to
gather around like the shades of night, caus-
Ing her to quicken her pace, and make sun
dry wise reflections on the folly Of having
suffered herself to be tempted, by the prompt
ings Of vanity to venture abroad on such an
!nausplcous morning.
Afraid Of passing over a crossing, she kept
on the footway, and took one or two turnings
haphazard, still hoping she was going in the
right direction, until, no longer able to dis
tinguish streets from squares, she became as
completely los, as the Babes in the Wood,
for She was now in those ar>tocratic regions
where there was not single shop in which
she might have sought aid or counsel in this
her beuightei situation.
WHAT in the world am to do ?" said Mrs
Cumlcy to herself. II shall never find Inv
way home and as to getting into a cab, even
If | should meet with one, which is not very
likely, should be afraid 10 trust myself I,
must be getting thicker. ! shall not be able
TO see an inch before me-. presently. What
very unfortunate thing, to be sure.'
Mrs Cumley was no coward. nor did size
want ior presence Of mind in any of the ordi-
nary circumstances OF life; but this was d.
lr!nma for which she WAS totally unprepared.
and it threw her into an unwonted state of
perp.exlty, especially as. during the last ten
minutes, not human being had passed by
to whom She might have applied for informa-
ton as to her whereabouts. At length
brilliant idea flashed through her mind
ut can do no very great harm" she thought,
"to knock at a door. and ask what street this
is. Any one will be civil enough to tell me
that"
And acting on the impulse Of the moment
she, with some little difficulty, found out the
door Of house. for even the doors and win
dows had become invisible. and having dis
covered the knocker, she gave. not loud,
authoritative rat-tat-tat, that demands in
slant admission, but modest rap, which
seemed to say, II shall feel obliged if YOU
viii open tn door at Your earliest conye
nience.'
1t was, therefore, some minutes before the
appeal was answered, but at length man
servant presented himself, and opened his
eyes to their utmost extent at seeing a we'll
dressed lady out and on foot, in such bad
weather.
Il am sorry 10 trouble you." said Mrs Cum
ley. but will you have the kindness to tell
me what street this is, for have lost my wav
IN consequence Of the fog"
1T is no street at al. ma'am," said the man.
who seemed much disposed to laugh. This
IS Iorrlnston Square
"Iorrington Square. Bless me, Their
have come great deal too far and now
don't know which way must turn to get to
Great Coram street"
She had stepped from the threshold Of the
door, and was enabled to observe by the aid
Of a gas lamp that shed its brilliant rays
unceremoniouslv invaded was of no mean or
der. There was an air Of spac;ousness and
elegance about it that denoted wealth and
luxury. The stairs were richly carpeted, and
there was good fire in stove opposite the
doorway in the nall that difused a lowing
warmth and brightness on the scene within,
which wa. the more striking from its contrast
with tie cold and gloom without.
The man was doing his best to rut her in
the right way for the locality she had named
when door OF ore side of the hall suddenly
opened, and gentleman with a newspaper in
his hand mad. his appearance.
What is it, James ,"
a lady, sir, has lost her way in the fog,
and wants to be directed"
Dear me- that's awkward,' he said, ad-
vancing step or tive, perhaps to ascertain
what the lady was like, ard as the light shone
fall upon her face. he made another move in
advance and said,-"you had better walk in,
madam, and wait till it is little clearer
81 am very much obliged to you, sir; shall
be really very glad if you will allow me to 81,
down here fox little while; dare say it will
be lighter presently" AS she was going
modes,ly to take seat by the hall fire. he
waved his hand politely toward the apartment