The Republican journal., 1869-12-09
SMITHS GOOD LUCK,

SMITHS GOOD LUCK.
| was always a lucky fellow, and the most
fortunate thing that ever happened to me was
being born Smith. Listen.
Three years ago had just been jilte'l, and
out of money. That doesn't sound 'ucky
but it was the prelude to the best of luck.
concluded to go down to Plymouth, to my
uncle's house-partly that the murmurs OF
the sea might soothe my inward perturbation,
and partly to save a months board.
] stepped ON board the early down train
1t was full of silly six O'Clock passengers,
mostly men. The sun was shining on the
water but the fog was hugging the banks,
and clinging to the FURNISHED surface of the
tide. | suppose u poet could have made
something pretty out of the sight, but | only
wrapped myself closer in my overcoat, and
looked at it sulkily. After while got list
ening to two men who sat behind me-
"A pretty girl with a fortune isn't always to
be had for the asking
'Oh, but the girl isn't asked, take it, It's
all arranged by her aunts, and she'll acqui-
esce. She's shining pretty, but a mere child
hot sixteen, believe. They had another
Orleans of the yellow fever last fall
No, nor they either The aunts plotted
with Mr.. Dunbar, the guardian, andhe picked
Smith up for them, opened a correspondence,
and got Rose to write a letter or two Smith
processes to be in love with her letters, and
her picture; but Of course it's sthe money
forty thousand if she marrics before she's
seventeen
If the girl amounts to anything it's deuc-
ed shame =
She does amount to something She has
the making of a splendid woman in her, and
nobody knows it. or cares. They are bent
only on saving the money for her. If she
tortcits it, it goes to some pet charity Of her
crazy old grandtather's. He was always an
old tyrant, and as eccentric as the d-l'
you know Smith p
'Orly by sight, but know chum OF his,
Burton, and got the story, with copy of u
letter of the girls. I've seen her many Il
time down on the shore, always with her
dragon aunts.'
where's the lettcr?'
I've got it here in my wallet Now you
know the right sort of man won't have his
girls letters hawked among his associates
He let Burton take this copy, and Burton
gave it to me. Let me see-this is it. Listen
DEAR Mr.. SMITH My aunts wish me to reply
to your kind letter. do not know what to say. /
am not accustomed to writing to gentlemen, but |
must tell you that was sorry to have Aunt Sophv
send you that picture ofmc; am not near pret-
ty, 1t faters me very much. You are so handsome
that you will want beautiful wife; 50 l don't
think you ought to be deceived. don't want to be
married; but my aunts say l must, on account of
the money; and perhaps it may turn out all right.
am very lonely here. l would like to live in a
large city, and Aunt Sophy says you would do
everything to please me.
Have you any sisters? Will your mother like
me% always wanted sisters and a mother of my
own. do not know what else to tell you, except
that if you love me, l will do whatever you want
me TO- Very, truly yours,
ROSE RoDGERs.'
There were comments upon, and a laugh
inc discussion of the letter, which was Ger
tainly very unique. But as we ratified along
there was a bump, a shock, the cars stood
still, and everybody was in CONSERVATION.
we are off the track; be patient q little
while said the conductor, passing through.
But in consequence of this little accident,
it was two O. clock before we got down in
Plymouth. AS we swarmed out upon the
platform, | noticed a very pale young man,
not unlike myself in looks emerge from the
foremost car-his coat sleeve torn out and a
violent purple bruise on his forehead
If that should be the lover Smith, now,
said l to myself, what a plight he is inn
He seemed very much cut of humor, and
beckoned angrily to a hackman, jumping in
to Il carriage, and desiring to be taken to the
best hotel. After this l saw several other
persons more OF less disordcrcd and bruised
by the railroad accident.
| was leaving the depot when a coored
coachman bowed before me.
Beg pardon, sir-Mr, Smith 81
Yes
Carriage is waiting. Stepthis way, if you
please sir,
| / followed him, wondering if indeed my
uncle had sent up carriage. 1t used to be
my aunt's Pet hobby-a barouche, with the
old English coat of arms, which had, indeed,
belonged to us, but had been in disguise since
the impoverishment of Raleigh Smith, of
England. | wasn't quite sure what they
were, but believed it was sword, and u he'll
met upon a piece of parchment; but it PROV
ed to be pen and q sword against pallete,
which was very appropriate, there had
been scholars, artists, and military men
among our ancestors.
'All well % | asked good-naturedly.
All wcll,' answered Sambo with grin,
shutting the door. Then he looked back to
say with a grin:
Ladies very gay this morning.
If my stately Aunt and cousins were gay,
it was certainly worth remarkng; so
laughed a little and Sambo chuclled again
and jumped upon his seat.
We ratified through the streets, under an
arch, up an avenue. Things began to look
strange.
Where are we?' asked, as Sambo opened
the carriage-door. DO they live herc?'
Yes sir. Here's Mr.. Dunbar sir
At the same moment an elderly gentleman
rushed out to the terrace to meet me.
why Smith you are wonderfully late, he
exclaimed. shaking hands with me.
The cars ran off the track answered
and before I could say anything else he hust-
led me into the house.
Everything ready. Hurry with your toilet
and come down. Pity you trimmed your
whiskers so close; it alters your appearance
very much. Robert help Mr. Smith dress
Right in here, Smith. Hurry now, the ladies
are waiting
l found myself in q luxurious dressing
room, and a lhulatto was respectfully in at
tendance sat down and looked at him.
What is your name?
Robert, sir Will you be so kind as to
hurry, sir. They are waiting for you'
I gave him the key to my portmanteau
and resigned myself to my fate, whatsoever
it might be- But things were very strange
Where is my uncle?' oh, yes SIR with {
bad attempt at not smiling, he's with the
ladies now