The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-09-08
g. ARai,raasi rrirtntien.

sr Railroad Filtration. - - 7
Katonah, y shouted the brakeman, open
ing the caradeor as the train passed before
pleasant little station on the Harlem rail-
road. -s@i.a& = &a>t1}. .&E
l do not know as I should have particu.
larry nosiced that we stopped at all, for |
had been mapping it for some miles but
Just AS Twas casting an inquiring, sleepy
lock ont of the window, and settling myself
for another siests, my attention was attract
cd by the entrance Of young lady, way
passenger, who, percciving the car Wen
filed, paused before me in evident emosr-
rassment.
scarcely wish the reader to infer from
this that there were no vacant seats on the
contrary, the chair | occupied was selhshiy
monopolised By my shawl and valise, whloh
had excluded many an applicant, and so
the moment I observed the door open
| mentally resolved not to bulge an inch
h,t orn oIance Mt the newcomer changed
my mind. >.
dressed in the rich and tasty style OF the
present fashion. Whether it was her gem
tccl aspect or the soft melancholy Of her
dark impressive eyes l cannot say, but
when she ventured, almost timidly, TO in
quire If the half-seat at my side was en-
gagged" gallantly arose and proffered it
to her at once. must acknowledge J. felt
somewhat aattered by her preference, for
though a young man, and tolerably good
looking, had the sense to perceive there
were far better-lookipg men around, VINO,
like me, might have shared their char
with the handsome lady stranger. fancied
they envicd me, too, as the fair girl sat
plump down, and her dainty form nestled
close 10 my side.
Il fear have disturbed you," said my
companion, in low, sweet voice that
thrilled ME with its soft cadence.
Not at all, Miss" rejoined with stereo-
typed pofteness. =" / am too happy 10 ooiiso
you
She bowed and smiled in reply, and
short pause ensued, as is usual upon such
sudden acqusintanceship In the mean
time the train had started, and we ratified
swiftly through the fields and woods, now
decked sin the lively tint Of spring. The
conductor came in, and went through his
customary routine Of examining the tex
cts. perceived hers was marked for New
York, and after some hesitation said
You 90 to the city
eyes" she replied with smile Of win
ming candor "that, ] presume, you have
already found out"
81 shall keep you company, then,"
observed pleasantly.
Thank you, sir"
There was slight dignity, thought, in
hertonc, which repealed further familiarity;
so, as | am very modest man, drew
back and said nothing further. On rushed
the steam horse upon its iron pathway.
One more station had been passed, and |
was fast relapsipg into my former apathy,
when my lady friend, to my surprise,
leaned towards me and whispered,
- am very timid on the cars"
"lndeed," said !, quite charmed with
her abruptness. "lou surely are well ac-
cu-tomcd to travellingH"
Perfectly" she replied, with some non
CHI lance; "but that is not it exactly.
There are so many dreadful accidents on
the railroad.'
* Dreadful, indeed " echoed 1.
"And," added my companion with
naivete, sit is unpleasant to travel I'M
attended | usually have my brother
Charlie with me. lie is splendid es-
c0rt.n
"lf you will allow me-" said I, quite
calamity, {" / will gladly occupy that posi-
tion."
81 am much obliged to you, sir" replied
the young lady, with grateful glance from
her dark orbs, "yet am half frightened to
think l am ACCEPTING the escort Of a
stranger; not that fear you, sir but, alas
have jealous father
A jealous father" | repeated, some
what puzzled and surprised.
An, YES" sighed the young lady. "lt
IS my misfortune, while having wealth,
health, and almost everything that the
heart can wish, to be under the control Of
tyrannical Old step-father, who treats me
ottentimes in the most cruel manner; de-
bars me from the society of your sex, shuts
me up in the gloom of my chamber, and
treats lnc with pitiless rigor, if do 30 much
uS speak to or look ut u man"
"What monster" calculated with
face of meo dramatic sympathy.
"That is the reason" she continued,
looking around her half fearfully as she
spoke, "that is the reason why am 50
iilident about entrusting myself to your
care, but do it on one condition.
"Namc it," rejoined, charmed and de-
lighted witch the strange confidence the
young lady was reposing IN me.
That you leave Inc the instant the cars
reach New York"
was so bewitched by the beauty and
charming ensousiance of my quondnm
friend that | readily gave the required
pledge. Apparently quite relieved the
Young lady threw aside oil reserve, and
talked and cha,ted with me in the most plea
SAINT manner possible. 1t is needless TO say
lhat in an hours time had so far advanced
in her good graces as to venture 10 press
her hand, and the sweet, half coquettish
smile that played around the corners Of her
cherry lips did not seem to disapprove Of
the liberty had taken.
"Do YOU know" said she, as we sat chat
ting confidently together, "that liked
your face the first moment saw it."
1T was sympathetic on both sides, then, y
| whispered, drawing so near her that |
could feel her hot breath fan my cheek.
EYES," she murmured, gently withdraw
ing herself from my glowing embrace, for
we had passed through the tunnel, and l
had taken lovers advantage and snatched
hasty kiss.
"You are naughty mantle naughtiest
man l ever saw" she said in low and
tremulous tone. If pa should be on the
train, what would he say of such proceed
ings!'
Never fear, sweet creature" rejoined
earnestly, your cross old father is miles
away, and let us improve the present OPP
portunity." re
/ Are you aware" she observed half
mischievously, that there is another tun-