Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-12-24
MISCELLANF. Y.
The Jealous Father.
A Railroad Adventure.

Katonah." shouted the brakeman, open
inc the car door as the train passed before g
splendid little station on the Harlem Railroad
7 do not know as should have particularly
noticed that we stopped at all, for | had beer
napping for some miles; but just as wa'
casting an inquiring, sleepy look out OF the
window. and setting myself for another siesta
nv attention was attracted by the entrance o.
a young lady, way passenger, who perceivine
the car was well filled, paused before me in
evident embarrassment.
scarcely wish the reader to infer from this
that there were no vacant seats; on the con-
trary, the chair occupied was selishly mo-
nopolized by my shawl and valise, which hac
excluded many an occupant, and so the mo-
ment observed the car door open mentally
resolved not to bulge an inch but one glance
at the new conner changed my mind.
She was a young lady Of exceeding beauty
dressed in the rich and tasty style of the pres
ent fashion. Whether 1t was the genteel as
psct or the soft melancholy of her dark impres
sive ewes Icannot say, but when she ventured al
most timidly, to inquire if the half seat at my
side was engaged, CALAMITY rose and proffereC
it to her at once. ! must acknowledge fcl
somewhat fattered by her preference, for
though young man, and tolerably good look
ing. had the sense to perceive that there wer
far better looking men around, who like me
might have shared their chair with the hand
some lady stranger I fancied they envie'
me too, as the ralr girl sat pump down an'
her dainty form nestled close by my side.
al fear have disturbed you, " said my com
panion in low sweet voice that thrilled m
with its soft cadence.
"Not at all, Miss" rel lined with stereo
typed politeness "Iam happy to oblige you.
She bowed and smiled in reply, and shor
pause ensued, as is usual upon such sudde
acouaintanceship. In the meantime the tral
has started, and we ratified swiftly through tn
fields and woods, now decked in the lively tin
of spring. The conductor came in and wen
through bis customary routine Of examinin
the tickets. Iperceivod hers was marked &c
Yew York and after some hesitation 1 said
You go to the city?"
eyes" she replied with smile of winnin
candor; that presume you have alread
found"
"I shall keep you company then," 1 OF
served pleasantly.
Thank you, sir
There was a slight dignity, thought, in b
tone which repelled further famlisE!5i so, a
7 am a very moIst VS., drew back and sal
nothing further. On rushed the steam hor;
upon its iron railway. One more station hi
been passed, and was fast relapsiug into m
former apathy when my lady friend to my sui
prise. leaned toward me aud whispered,
81 am very timid on the cars"
Indeed" said l quite charmed with h'
abruptness. "You surely are well accustome
to travelling"
Perfectly" she replied with some noncha
apce but that is not it exactly. There al
so many dreadful accidents on the railroad"
Dreadful indeed !" echoed I.
And" added my companion with naivet
"It is unpleasant to travel unattended.
usually have my brother Charlie with me-
lie is a splendid escort"
"If you will allow me, said l quite ga
lantly, a will gladly occupy-tbat position
clam much obliged to you, sir, replied Il
Young lady, with a grateful glance from h
dark orbs, "yet am half frightened to thin
am accepting the escort Of stranger; N
that I fear you, sir; but, alas I! ! have jealo'
father"
"A Jealous father " I repeated, somewh
puzzled and surprised.
"Ah, yes" sighed the young lady. at
nv misfortune while having wealth, heal
and almost everything that the heart can wis
TO be under the control Of tyrannical o
step-father who treats me oftimes in the mo
cruel manner, debars me from the society
our sex, shuts me up in the gloom Of my char
Der, and treats me with pitiless rigor if DO
much as to speak to or look at man.
"Wh.t monster!" eiuculated with a Ia
Of melo-dramatic sympathy.
"That is the reason" she continued lookli
around her balf-fearfully as she spoke "th
is the reason why 1 am so difident about e
trusting myself to your care, but did it
the one condition"
"Name it." Irejoined, charmed and deligt
ed with the strange confidence the young la
was reposing in me.
"That you leave me the instant the c.
reach New York"
was so bewitched by the beauty a
! charming insorciqncs Of my quondam ire