Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1867-02-09
TALES & SKETCHES.
"ONLY A PRIVATE
BY DAISY yENTN0R.

"This. way, Miss Nettie, and take care
don't lose you in the crowd" said hand
some Ned Grayson, laugLingly, as he ell
bowed his way through the confusion Of
hackmen, police, and travellers, that pre-
vented his reaching the northern cars
Nettie "obeyed ORDERS" and clung tightly
to his arm, laughing slyly, as she thought,
"What figure my new gray poplin will be
by the time / get to seat ~ But just as
they neared the cars, she noticed, in front of
them, soldier upon crutches, in an old
and faded uniform, who was vainly en-
deavoring to push his way along. "Now,"
quoth kind little Nettie to herself, "rll
make Ned help that poor fellow a little."--
So she says, in half whisper, "Mr. Grayson,
don't you think that soldier just in front OF
US needs a helping hand Let me take
your left arm, and you can assist him up
the platform"
Nonsense, Miss Nettie, said Ned, rather
Grossly, passing the soldier as he spoke
He's only some poor devil of private, and
used to getting along by himself, I'll war
rant. A jump now," as they came to the
car, sand then you are all right"
An indignant flush mounted into Nettie's
cheeks, as she sprang lightly up the steps,
and regardless of her escorts haste, she
stopped moment before going into the car,
and looked back to see what had become OF
the soldier. just as she turned, large fat
female, laden with the usual 'great box,
bandbox, and bundle" pushed past him so
rudely that his right crutch fell TO the
ground. He staggered moment, then stood
still, unable to bend his wounded limb and
recover his crutch. With quick spring,
and an audible exclamation of, "What a
shame |" Nettie was off the platform; and
ir another instant the surprised soldier saw
lovely, blushing face, beside him, while
her dainty hand extended him the missing
crutch. a a. .s
II hope you are not hurt she said, in
her grave, Simple way. "Come right up
on the platform" and she offered her hand
to assist him. brow -. .f.L
T "AIiss Nettie !" exclaimed the astonished
Ned Grayson, "what are you about n
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself y
was her very indignant response, as she
coolly proceeded to help the soldier up the
steps, holding his crutch carefully until ht
reached the top. Then entering the car il
small tempest of wrath, she swept hel
shawl and basket from the window where
Ned had placed it., into one opposite, and
turned about on Grayson and the soldier
both of whom were watching her proceed
ings with the utmost amazement. ia.ni-
"There |" said Nettie, addressing the sol
dier, 'you can have that seat by the win
dow it's the most comfortable. Mr.. Gray
son, suppose you won't object TO taking
part of the same seat2 i snail ride here,
and down she sat.
pardon me- said the soldier, leaning
against the window, and raising his han(
respectfully to his cap. ~ cannot think o
disturbing the young lady. Will she accep
my grateful thanks for her timely assist
ance 2"
| Nettie looked up at him for the first time
The tone was that of gentleman, and tn
dark-gray eyes were fixed on hers with
grave SMILE 'AiIr Lia l'a ail.
"Don't make me uncomfortable by refus
ing my seat" said Nettie, in her positiy
way and without another glance she bega
to read, settling herself in the corner. h Ia
There was nothing left for. Ned Grayso
but to take the vacant seat, though he bi
his lips with yexation, and half turned hi
back upon the soldier as he did 80. Th
fact was, Ned was terribly smitten with th
united charms of Nettie Howard's beaut
and fortlne --7for Nettie was an orphan an
an heiress; and had . splendid establish
ment of her own, matropized by her aun
Mrs. Seymour, q gay widow OF 1--WE and fort
Ned's suit had gone on smoothly enough