Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1862-05-30
A Steamboat Incident.

toniion there, was not particularly exhil.
nrhting. There was no time to visit
places of interest, and | felt too misan-
thropic and gloomy for social intercourse
although other gentlemen were waiting
like myself. More than once l had
nearly determined TO go home in the re-
turn train, but / was ashamed TO do that
after Mary's generous Sc If sacrifice. We
were half way to Stonineton before be-
gan to lock about me. | was awakened
by the cries of child, and saw that
the seat in front of me was occupied by
ayoung woman, plainly, but neatly dress
ed, 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 bv
her. He was bright little fellow, with
great flashing buck eyes, and thick coils
Of chestnut curls clustering all over his
head but he did dot seem to be we'll
and fretted continually for the soothing
attention that lie saw bestowed upon the
more helpless babe in his mothers arms.
There v'~re several bundles and a carpet
bag piIed one above another on the seat
next to the window, Snd the little boy, in
bs -nstlassness. often d.splaced them, and
they came rolling down upon the floor.
b! would like to see the man who would
not have suecumbsd and hauled down his
Gag before such q complication of mis-
cries.
Tho young mother bore up bravely.
While hushing the baby and luling it
with a sweet, low lullaby 10 temporary
quiet. she contrived also 10 coax the lit
tie boys head to pillow on her knee,
and thus doubly burdeued, found means
to divert bis attention by n cheap picture
book.
But the weather outside grew dark
and unpleasant. Thick clouds were
slowly gathering their forces, and the
wall Of the wind was often heard above
tho noise Of the engine. The anxious
expression ofthe mothers face deepened
as she watched the ominous signs that
foreiod y stormy night upon the Sound
There was a quick. rremulous motion %
the lip al Zines, as if she we're repress- !
ing tho inclination to have hearty cry
over her troubles.
had just thought of what should
haze occurred to me long time before,
ha! it was possible for me to relieve her /
OF part Of her burden. and was trying !
to drive myself out Of my selfish isola- I
ton by callinn up all the good Samari- /
tan thoughts that had ever used in my /
sermous on practical benevolence, when .
an accession Of passengers at way sta
tion obliged me to resign my seat to n
lady, who actually thanked me for the
ciyility.
LEFT again 10 myself, leaning against
the door Of the car, Presumed the thread
Of gloomy contemplation that had of late
become habitua, and was soon 10 st in
the old weary labyrinth of conjeciures
in regard to the state Of my parish, its
spiritual deafness, and the measures to
be used to awaken my interest in relig-
Gus things. grew more and more sad
and desponding as | meditated, and my
eogitalons were as fruiless as ever. /
did not again think of the babies and
their mother till VIC were leaving the
cars at Stonington. Happening then to
glance down the car before getting out.
| saw her looking about her in evident
perplexity. The heavy rain was already
pouring down, and the darkness outside
was not very attractive even to unen-
numbered travellers.
l am ashamed TO own that | did not
offer my assistance. Mary says she
will never believe it-that it is impossi-
bic for human nature 10 be so bearish,
but the humliatng trnth must be told.
My own wrelchedness and my sense of
inter uselessness in my profession made
me almost Indifferent, for the time, TO the
claims of humanity. Still was sensi-
ble of feeling Of surprise, which after
another unconcernedly pass by, and 9TH
er gentlemen rs heartless as myself, ig-
noring her silent appeal to our sy sympathy.
The car was emptied at last, although
still stood in the door, hoping to see
another do the Christian duty that was
30 reluctant to perform. l could not
leave her to her late as the rest had
done.
Just then some ore entered the door at
the other end, and saw the young wo-
man look eagerly round. She bad fail
ed in her efforts TO arrange babies and
bundles for transportation to the boat.
Ihe new conner was a stout looking, el-