The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1867-10-11
Mistellaneons.
A JOURNEY FOR A WIFE.
A STORY FOR TRAVELLERS.

One fair morning In June, Albert Fairchild
selected from his wardrobe most beautiful
suit, and from his bureau q goodly supply OF
linen, and with q countenance glowing with
joyful anticipations, commenced packing ca
pacious valise, and making other preparations
for ajourney.
Albert Fairchild was going to visit q young
lady, OF whom II Is necessary that we should
say few words, before proceeding with our
story.
Josephine Marvin lived with her parents In
a village we will call Pekin, In order not to Of
fend the modesty Of its inhabitants. by using
the real name Of the locality; aud out OF the
village she had never journeyed far except on
three occasions. She had made three visits to
relations I'm town, with whom she had spent
months ut time. Here Albert saw her, adj
mired her. and ended by loving her devotedly.
Satisfied with her beauty and excellence. Albert
offered her his hand; but she said, " You must
come and see me at my home, and become ae-
qusinted with my parents. before exacting an ~
engagement from me; for II may be you will
not like them, and II Is possible they may not
fancy you; in either case shall hesitate 10 &C
cept your offer
Miss Marvin had returned TO Pekin, and
now, as already stated, Albert was intending
10 visit her family. Confident that Josephine
was inclined to favor his suit, and with toler-
able good opinion Of himself, which told him
that the Marvins would not probably object to
either his station in life or his personal ap-
pearance, Albert set out upon his journey in
excellent spirits. ,,
accomplished by railway In the space OF two
hours. At n small town In the country he
found himself compelled to wait for coach to
convey him To the village Of Pekin.
Impatient 10 proceed, Albert became Ill
hundred, and grumbled at the necessary de-
lay. To while away the time, he drank cup
Of coffee, read few paragraphs In newspa-
per, and walked the parlor floor OF the wretch
ed inn with impatient strides.
care you going to Pekin," asked o quick
voice. Albert glanced nj the speaker. who was
a midlle-aged gentleman In loose drsb coat,
a well developed waistcoat OF worn and fsded
velvet, and hat that hal evidently been use
full for years. and who presented . rough and
careless appearance altogether. .......
Albert had one fault. which Is . common
one with travellers. lie had no disposition OF
making himself sociable. or even civil, IN the
company OF strangers. II an unknown psrsbn
asked him q question In the politest manner,
he was sure to answer shortly, or give no an
travelling, was Every one for HIMSELF" and
this he made an invariable rule Of action. A
proposal to put himself out Of the way to a..
commodate q stranger, he would have ridiculed
as the hight Of absurdity. -r-
knowing the disposition OF our hero, the
rcaier will not be surprised when told that
Albert instead Of giving . simple affirmative
nod; regarded the rougb-looking man mo-
meut. In silent di ,dain, and passed on without
Q word.
But the old gentleman with the drab coat
and faded velvet wsistcoat, In spitc OF his
rough appearance evidently possessed . pa
tient and good natured disposition which vas
notice Aibert's incivility he quietly remarked,
As he came In his way again:
You are going to Pekin should judge!'
"what II [ amf" growled Albert.
.Oh. nothing, |" answered the old gentleman.
with good natured smile" only I'D advise
you to book your name for seat in the stage
at once, IL you have not done so; for have
no doubt that there will be half n dozen more
passengers than the coach can accommodate
Albert hal not booked his name, and hs