Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1869-05-27
The Sturp Teller.
MY RAILWAY COMPANION.

MY RAILWAY COMPANION.
BY CLARA AUGUSTA.
A year ago was confirmed old bachelor.
scoffed at the women-God bless them !-and il
the club-room, on the street, at the evening party
and everywhere else where could get an audience
I always took the opportunity Of discoursing a
large on the faults and faiings of the gentle sex.
And 1 am going to tell you what made me thu
misanthropic. Ifit had not been for Fanny Gray
it would never have happened.
Naturally, I am happy to say, am one Of th'
best tempered, most generous hearted fellows II
the world, but early in life had disappointment
in love; and you know disappointment Of thai
kind is sufficient to change the whole course of ar
individuals life, I could instance great many
distinguished men as cases in point, if were *
disposed.
NV disappointment occurred, as I said, in early
life; very early, in fact. was but seventeen, ano
she was fourteen. We went to school together
and 7 used to help her over the bad places In ths
road, andin vulgar fractions; and from helping
her in difficulty, got to loving her. And here lei
me throw out hint to mankind at large. Never
get to assisting woman in trouble unless you an
willing she should win your heart; for she'll be
sure to do it. whether she wants to or not. Mar
is an animal that enjoys being looked up to, ano
being asked advice of; and ifa woman once defers
to him, and gets him to decide thingsfos her, he'll
rust as surely fall in love with her as he living.
Fanny was pretty girl Every body said so
and it was an undeniable fact She had yellow
hair, all crinkles and curls ); and brown eyes and
such white skin, and the prettiest little feet and
hands in the world. Why, my hand isn'ta largs
one, but could hold both of hers in one Of mine
and not half try.
How well remember the night told her that
loved her. It was in October-most cross grained
things happen in October, believe; We had gone
together over into the lake pasture after the COWS
and had got down on my knees right in the wet
test, spongest part of the path-nearly ruined the
knees of my new gray pantaloons, recollect-and
poured out my passion at her feet
She laughed in my face. Perhaps you have no
tieed that girls in general have habitof gigghng.
Yes, she laughed in my face, and told me to &c
home and eat my bread and butter ike good boy
and not be troubling her with talk like that. She
said she was great deal too young to think Of
marriage; and that when she was old enough, it
was her intention to marry Duke at least; and
live in palace, and 60 to the Queens drawing,
rooms, and be called "my lady" etc. And then
shelaughed again.
I rose from my knees very hot, and angry, and
told her she was a heartless f1irt, and mentioned
to her that my heart was broken; but she only
laughed the more. And in the midst of it, along
came Harry Smith, whistling Hail Columbia; >
and she let Harry take down the bars for her, and
lift her over the brook, and was jabilant when, in
the middle of the stream, Harry legs failed under
him-for he was small fellow, and she was as
plump as partridge-and he slipped down with
her, and both got as wet as minks.
Well, that was years ago, but never fully re-
covered from the sting her unkind refusal gave me-
If have said anything about the female sex ot
which ought to feel ashamed, anything which
was wrong, Fanny Gray ought to be held accounta
Bile, not |.
( went home feeling as if did not care straw
for life. I did not eat my supper, and Aunt Peggy
made me drink some appetitebitters, in the virtues
of which, she bad great faith. | went up to my
room early, packed few things ina vahse, and the
next day ran away to New York.
I intended to ship on whaler, but there was nc
chance at the time, and got on coaster instead
The Polly Jane-only ran with freights to Philadel
phia, but that voyage was enough. l wanted nc
more of the sea. thought I should never live tc
reach land and the sailors, unfeeling wretches did
little else but laugh at me.
Once back in New York, no money could temp
me to try my luck again on the briny deep. l got
a chance as errand boy in the mercantile establish
ment of Storey, Johnstone & Go. 1t was gooc
place, and my employers did the liberal thing by
me.
Iwrote home, and informed my anxious parents
where was; and l made up my mind to make
trade my life business. Step by step advanced
for was faithful, and I am happy to say possessed
considerable business talent
arrived at the dignity Of clerk in due time
then was book-keeper, and three years ago, whel
Mr.. Storey retired from the firm, became th'
Junior partner Eighteen months aterward John
stone, died, and / bought out his heirs, 50 I an
now head of the establishment.
People call me good looking fellow, and I don
pretend to dispute with them. 1t is extremel!
impoHte to contradict folks, you know. I thinl
myself that am passable, though have alway
wished my hair had been black, instead Of reddish
brown. But won't color it; have got a littl
too much pride for that.
Well, about year ago, I found that busines
required nay presence in Chicago. An hour or tw'
before was ready to start, my particular friend
Tom Jasher, came rushing into my counting
room.
Stamford" cried he, ''I've great favor to asl
of you'
Anything, my dear fellow" said L. ANY
thing could do for you will be great pleasure ,
Il told Nettie you would said he; "but sh'
insisted you wouldn't. She"
"Humph!" said l. "Women are selfish crea
lures, and Judge every body by themselves. I an
sure, Tom, should be delighted to oblige you 7
''Tbank you. 1t will be such relief to me
You see was going to Chicago myself, to hun
up some claims the first of the week"
"Gire them into my hands, Tom," said 1 'I'l
attend 10 them"
"Oh!" said Tom, coolly, "John Mason wen
last night, and he's going to after that business
should have gone myself but you see the bab!
was taken sick, and Nettie will not consent that
should leave it And, indeed, I do not wish to.
"Confound the babies said mentally, but no
ord;hlu for Tom Jasher pood fallop nc he &c is