Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1868-04-15
a RAILWAY STORY.

I'm not romantic man, and, if [ had
any learning in that direction, a few Mon
day morning visits and reprimands from
the Board of Directors would have cured
me of the failing but somehow or other
I have found that railway men are made
ef the same stuff as other men, and have
hearts under their uniform coats.
It was no business Of mine, If, while |
,tvas at the London terminus OF the Great
Division ard Lon ngshire Railway, | exam
ined the tickets aad unlocked the car
riages on the departure platform-lt was
no business of mine # tail, fair girl, in
deep mourning, came twice week regu-
larly, and showed me her ticket for West
gate, return, second class. But some,
how it seemed to be my business, when |
had unlocked an empty carriage and
handed her in as Well as could, that |
should lock that door again without bang
ing it, and then take care that no one
else went in but lady like females. Of
course / IycoaA 'hot help it, but from the
very first day-cold, wintry day-when,
thinly dressed, she came shlvering along
the platform, [ seemed to have some
strange interest ia her; and, as the weeks
slipped by, fouad myself looking out
for her regeIarly. 1t was easy to see,
from the music-roll she carried and the
return ticket, that she went down the
line to give fessons.
called myself fool, and thought of
my salary as guard, and my position IN
life compared with the graceful, lady-like
girl who nsed to come floating along to
sWards me every Monday and Wednesday,
looking so pate, and sad, and careworn
That ] FIRST began by pitylng her, and
then-weH, never mind now.
One cold December day [ was shifted
for week on the arrival platform, and
SO missed seeing her leave; but | care
fully watched every train that came ia
till [ saw her get out. Withoat seein
'ne, she hurried away. Well there was
rothing to sigh for there, yoa II say but
| did sigh all the same, and was turning
away, when [ saw the searching porter
with a music-roll in hand, which some
one had left in carriage.
"Here, | know whom that belongs to, V
I said, suatching it from hifh and then
seeing that he was going to make both
er, slipped sixpence into his hand, and
ran but of the station.
Just in time I could see her at the
bottom of the street, and, catching hold
of one of the boys hanging about the job,
I pointed the tall figure out, and told him
to follow her to where she lived and come
back and tell me.
And not send the nusic-reh? ? No; l
meant to take that. [ knew not why, but
there seemed something pleasant in the
idea of being servant to her, and waiting
on her; and Kept telling myself so as |
walked back to attend to my duty.
Next morning | was in a quiet, shabby
lodging letting place leading out of Cover
street, north, With music roll in my
hand, looking for No FL. 1t was easy
enough to find, hut something seemed to
make me walk past two or three times
before / could summon courage to go up
and ring. But at last | did, thinking
how foolish it was, when [ only had to
deliver the lost parcel and come away.
So | rang gently, and waited; rang
again and waited and then red faced
woman came to the door. ..~.-.
"You have young lady who teaches
music"
Second floor 'front.'" he said, snap
pishIy. "Why don't you knock twice
Bells for the ground floor. There, go up!'
| 1 took off my cap, wiped my shoes, and
feeling ashamed of my uniform for the
first time in my life, went slowly up te
the second floor, and then stopped; for
could hear piano, ard the sweetest
voice | ever heard was singing to 1t In q
low tone. I stopped, listening and drink
ing in the sweet sounds with my hear
beating, for it was long way up and l
should have stopped longer, had l not
heard some one coming up stars. Then
| knocked, and voice cried, Come IN =
I turned the handle two or three times
for it was old and worn, and then, enter.
ing, stood blushing like a great girl, aud
trembling before the tall, pale lady and
same one lying upon a sofa, in front of a
miserable fire. rs..
Such hare chilfv room and So cold