Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-07-12
MARRIED FOR A DINNER

4Bo uOWu Train LOuuOu udu Just Gu
tered the Great Cokehampton station the
hoHr was $50 A. M, the time lovely June
morning, a couple Of years since. At Coke
hampton, the railway traveller is allowed to
leave his carriage for few minutes, In order
to snatch q hssty cup Of coffee or basin of soup;
but 1t being, az every one knows, the custom
at Cokehampton to keep both these stimulapts
at boiling point, the repast is usually per-
formed under considerable difficulties. Among
the rest Of those whose steps were directed by
appetite towards the refreshment saloon was a
straight, long climbed, handsome young fellow,
with brown shooting jacket, brown NOUS
tache, and wide that had seen serv-
ice This was my friend Rsffaelle Smith, of
Clipstons street, London, landscape painter,
journeying in search Of back grounds, fore
grounds, and other bits Of nature as he
termed them, for bis next years pictures. As
this may he q little too technical for the gen.
eral reader, We may more clearly express
what We mean by stating that, according to
annual custom, the young artist was going to
the West country to sketch from nature.
Now, it happened on this particular occa-
sion, that although Ratfaelle Smith had been
ont Of his bed since dawn, he had spent 50
much time in packing his easal, canvasses,
psign, that 1t came to be question whether
he should breakfast and lose the train or catch
the train and lose his breakfast. Breakfast,
as the least important, was sacrificed. As
cordingly my friend found himself at Coke
hampton, some sixty miles from London, with
Q most acute sense of emptiness of stomach,
just as the railway guard Was calling cut,
"Trsin starts in ten minutes, gents.'
To man in my friend 8 unbreakfasted oon
ditiou, such an intimation could not have the
effect Of checking the srdor with which trav-
eler usually seeks the Cokehampton refresh
ment saloon. A very sharp appetite, and the
exigsncies of the railway time table, gave
n RaHaalle Smithts
and caused that young luminary Of art to be
among the first of those who sought rejection
at Cokehampton's refreshment counters. Ac-
cordingly, the pressing injunction of the guard
had scarcely been uttered, when my friend
found himself at the most plentifully garnishsd
portion Of the table. The Cokehampton wait
rsssss are no Iess neat handed than ns5ty, and
Raffselle Smiths appetite would. doubtless,
have been quickly appeased, had not the fol-
lowing question interrupted his PREDATORY
order for Soup"
ais there gen 'rman here called Smith ?"
The artist serutinizsd the faces of his fellow
travellers, in order to ascertain whether the
question were addressed to any Of them and
AZ no one replied, he himself wen. up to the
servant.
SIT appears that am the only Mr. Smith
here do you want me 20
81 want q Mr.. Smith who has arrived by
the train from London"
HIM. bat 1 am unknown to a single in
tlbitant in this town"
II know that, SIR" answered the groom.
ISadily. " That is the reason why I am sent
to yoa, sir.
peated Smith, in great astonishment. "By
whomp'
Perhaps you will be kind enough to follow
me-" continued the mysterious groom. 81
an ordered to speak to Mr.. Smith in private I"
A sudden nisgiying took possession Of Raj
80 l.
addressing his fellow travellers, /" is it prac-
tical jokef If any gentleman present is the
author of this piece OF mystifcation, l charge
him, in the name Of stomach, the most worthy
object of compassion in the world, to avow it
at once, and to allow me to utilizs without in
terruption, the few minutes that yet remain. /"
In answer 70 this novel summons, every one
protested complete ignorance of what was pass
ing. Saith was resolved to pluck ont the
heart of this mystery. Curiosity imposed on
the stomach q delay Of several minutes, and
the artist followed the groom out Of the re-
freehment rsOm. He, however, informed his
travelling companions that he would return in
q Sew seconds with the solution Of this enigma
The groom, who had heard the latter remark, I,
put on broad grin, and when they were in
the street, said
''B Beg pardon, sir, but wasn't you having a
laugh at them gents. They'll be precious
mistaken If they think you are going back to
lunch there"
II tell you what, young msn," replied
Smith, irritated by the manner Of the groom,
mark me, if you don't explain eve. thing at
once-if you have had the misfortune to be
charged with prscticsl joke al my expense
shall not leave you without q sound thrash.
ipg'' (the groom bowed respectfully "for
csudng me to lose my lunch and miss my
train"
"Ah, sir, / see your q gent ss vishe to
have his joke" replied the imperturbab
groom. "Now, sir, don't you know very we'll
that you will not leave Cokehampton to-day !
As for the lunch, don't think you will mind
that, when you see the magn .fcent spread get
ting ready for you up at the villa"
The last phrase, though not more compre.
hensible than the other portion of the groom ;.
csnysrsstion, somewhat ealmed the artist.
ire.
Then am expected to dine BY your mas
teri"
You'll be good enough 10 speak about din
ner with my mistress" answered the groom.
"a lady, . good dinner, and y mystery
Well" cried Rafaelle, Aickering of the dust
from his boots with his handk ksrchief, " al
that IL not very alarming. The adventure il
taking rather interesting turn Once more ,
he added, spesking to the domestic, " are You
quite certain that il is to me, Rafaelle Smith
CIipstone street, Londsn, landscape painter
that your mistress has sent this cordial invita-
tion?
You are the very gent, sir; answered ths
groom, readily; "aDd here's the note she sen
you"
Rsfselle hastily snatohed little note which
the groom held towards him. The Addrss.
Was plain enough, &" Mr.. Smith, " although To,
writing was completely unknown to the artist
he tore open the envelope, impatient to see
what signature was at the end Of the epistle
tut to crown the mystery, the note was snony
NOUS, and contained only these words:
Mr.. Smith 10 awaited with the creates
anxiety, and he is begged instantly to follow
the bearer Of this note. Every relisnee i:
placed on his slscrity and discretion"
Now, this was an adventure that commenced
N too charming fashion not to be follow %
up RafseIle at once forgot the refreshmen
counter stfCokehsmptoE, and the next train
He boldly commanded the groom to " Go on. >
at is not two minutes walk, )" answered tn,
servant, lesding the way.
IAN the better" thought the artist; ''for
am literally dying with hunger and curiosity. ,
But, on suddenly turning corner out of th'
High street, Rsffaelle saw an elegant brough
ham, into which the groom invited him to en-.
ter. The artist took his seat therein, and tn,
driver instantly whipped his horses into fas