Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-05-03
AsrEAMRoAr INCIDENT.

q trip from his own " comfortable parsonage;
TO New York city, refreshes his readers with
the following exhibition of practical Christi
anity which came under his observation
My journey to Boston was as monotonous as
possible, and the two-hours' detention there
was not particularly exhilsrating. There was
no time to visit places Of interest, and felt
too misanthropie and gloomy for social inter-
course, although other gentlemen were wait
ing like myself. More than once nearly de-
tsrmined to 90 home in the return train, but
was ashamed to do that after Mary's generous
self sacrifice. We were half way to Stoning-
ton before began TO rouse mp and look about
me. was awakened by the cries of q child,
and saw that the seat in front Of me was oc-
cupled by young woman, plainly but decent
ly dressed, but with an expression of anxiety
on her face that instantly attracted me- She
had baby in her arms, and another, just big
enough to walk, on the seat by her He was q
bright little fellow, with great, flashing black
eyes, and thick coils Of chestnut curls cluster
ing all over his head; but he did not seem to
be well, and fretted continually for the sooth-
ing attention that he saw bestowed upon the
more helpless babe in his mothers arms
There were several bundles and CARPET bag
piled one above another on the seat next the
window, and the little boy, in his restlessness
often displaced them, and they came rolling
down upon the floor. / would like to see the
man who would not have succumbed and
hauled down his flag before such a compliea-
tiOn Of miseries.
The young mother bore up bravely. While
hushing the baby and lulling it with Q sweet,
low lullaby to temporary quiet, she contrived
also to coax the little boys curly head to a
pillow on her knee, and thus doubly burdened,
found means to divert his attention with a
cheap picture book. -... -
But the weather outside grew dark and un-
pleasant. Thick clouds were slowly gathering
their forces, and the wall Of the wind was often
heard above the nOise Of the engine. The anx-
iOus expression Of the mothers face deepened
as she watched the ominous signs that forstola
3 stormy night upon the Sound. There was
quick, tremulous motion Of her lip at times, "a
II she were reprsssing the inclination to have
hearty cry" over her troubles.
had just thought Of what should have oc-
cured 10 me Q long time before, that il was
possible for me to relieve her Of a part of her
burden, and was trying to drive myself out of
my selhsh isolation by calling up all the good
Samaritan though hts that had ever used in
my sermons on practical benevolence, when an
accession Of passengers at q way station Obliged
me to resign my seat to q lady, who actually
thanked me for the ciyility.
Left again to myself, leaning against the
door Of the car, / resumed the thread of
gloomy contemplation that had of late be-
come habitual, and was soon lost in the old,
weary labyrinth Of coDjectures in regard to
the state of my parish, It's spiritual lead ness
and the measures to be used to awaken any
interest in religious things. I grew more and
more despOnding as I meditated, and nv cogi-
tatiOns were as fruitless as ever. / did not
again think Of the babies and their mother
till We were about leaving the cars at Stoninp-
ten Happening then to glance down the car,
getting out, saw her looking about her in
evident perplexity. The heavy rain was al
ready pouring down, and the darkness outside
was not very attractive even to unencumbered
travellers
am ashamed TO own that did not offer my
assistance. Mary says she will never believe
it-thst it is impossible for human nature to be
so bearish-but the humiliating truth must be
told. My own wretche0ness and my sense of
utter uselessnes5 in my profession made me
almost Indifferent at the time to the claims of
humanity. Still l was sensible Of feeling of
surprise, which gradually became indignation,
pass by, and other gentlemen as heartless as
myself ignoring her silent appeal to our sym
pathy. The car was emptied at last, though
stili stood in the door, hoping to see another do
the Cnristian duty that was so reluctant to
perform. / could not leave her to her fate as
the rest had done.
Just then some one entered the door at the
other end, and saw the young woman look
eagerly round. She had again failed in her
Efforts TO arrange babies and bundles fer trass-
pOrtatiOn to the boat. The new conner was a
stout-loOking, elderly man, plain and almost
shabbily dressed, with q great shock of red
hair nearly lifting his hat of his head, and a
round, fat face, deeply marked with small
Isx. lie was whistling q lively air, which
seemed to breathe a whimsical sort Of def ance
u the discomfOrts Of the bleak night, but he
stopped at Onoe when he saw the helpless group
before him.
Going abroad, ma'am?"
Yes, sir, as soon as l can"
GOOD, 30 am /. Let me carry this Young
ster for you. I've got one at hom, Just bis
size. JehOsaphat how nat'raI il seems. !" said
the man. as be lifted the boy to his shoulder
The child stopped crying and laughed glee-
fully. 4" And those bundles; are they yours
ma'AmI'
Yes. SIR. Thank, you, can carry those
very well. / can, indeed"
That depends" He had already gathered
them in his arms, and wrapped her thin shsw vi
more closely around the baby. Now we're
ready. Keep close behind me, ma'sm. IL i
but few steps"
As they passed me in the door seemed tc
awake from q horrid dream. My anxiety and
morbid melancholy vanished. suppose they
- could not stay in the atmosphere Of that man.
blunt, cordial kindness. L envied him the luxu.
~ Of doing what ought to have done. After
all, | said 70 myself, there Is good in the world
real Christian charity, loving piety and &C.
tive bensvolsnce. I followed close at the
mans heels. We were jostled little as we
pressed through the throng, but were soou
safely on board, just in time to avoid being
left behind.
Here We are. A nice ride you've had, nv
little msn.' There was something absolutely
inspiring in that rough mans voice. "Now,
ma am, I'll just take you, bag and baggage,
down, to the iadies' cabin, for Il rains as if il
meant to free its mind. You had better get
those damp wrappings of as soon as you can
Come, il is but q step further"
She hesitated. "No, sir; thank you. You
have been very kind, but my ticket Is only
for q deck passage, and / have no money
II should not have attempted such journey,
sir without more means, but have Just heard
from my husband, who is returning from CAL
ifornia and sick in New York. He did not
send for me, bat eosld not leave him to be
nurssd by strangers.
.'Of course you couldn't. But you must not
stay here You'll catch your death II you do.
Wait till see the Captain. III fx matters
for you, never fear" .
lie trudged ef to the Captains Office, I still
/ following. The Captain glanced at the rough