The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1869-10-29
An incident OfTravel.
A STORY OF THE TINES.

CAN full, sir! Sorry. But I guess
you'll manage to stand the next fifty
miles,"
Mr.. Smith the spruce young con-
ductor on the Central Railway cars,
ushcrcd in a decrepit, sha billy attircd
old man, who leaned wearily ou his
staff and carried a heavy valise in
his hand.
The long dim1y lighted car was full;
every scat was occupied; band-boxes
and csrpct-bags were held in their
owners laps, and there was
not single chance for the new COM
or to be accommodated
a couple of scores Of faces lifted
themselves slowly and painfully down
the narrow aisle. 1t was plainly y cv-
idcnt that he had as much as he
could do to support himself, and be-
sides he looked like one that was just
rccoveri' g from severe illness-his
checks were thin and pale, and his
eyes luckcd the fire which ought to
sparkle beneath those large anil
strongly marked brows.
There were many well active look
ing, healthy young men in the car,
but not one Of the number felt dis
posed to rcaounce his soft, comforta
Lle seat to the shabby old traveller.
And after a stare of undisguised con-
tempt, each and all dropped their
eyes and thought no moro of the suf-
fering old age before them.
In this enlightened century. it is a
notorions fact, that the aged meet
with Sights and incivilities, to say
nothing Of positive unkindncss, which
would have put the barbarous nations
of old to shame.
Fitz James Eustice, young ex-
quisitc, who was escorting his cousin
Isabel Winchester, to Nahant, drew
down his mouth, until the ends Of his
copper colorcd moustache rested upon
the tips of his we'll starehed dickey,
and remarked to the lady by his side:
"Really, Mr.. Smith is insulting us.
Why cannot he fnd place for that
wrcchcd specimen in the second class
carr"
A fush-pcrAaps Of pride, perhaps
of angcr-mountcd to the white fore.
head of Miss Winchester. She put
up her hand as though to cheek the
speaker, and said in subdued voice:
"Fitz James will you give that
gentleman your seat!"
My dear Isabel! Why. I would
not cvacuate my place by your side
fer Il kingdom! Let the fellow stand
it out! 1t won't damage his appear
ance. III be bonnd.
Then will trouble you to rise a
moment. I prefer the other side ot
the seat: Allow me to pass, fyou
plcase''
Fi:z James never thought Of dis
putting the will of his imperious cous.
in. so he stood up to let her go out.
Bat instead Of taking ii le scat which
her escort had occupied, the lady
walked straight on, until she reached
the side OF the neglected old gentle.
man. The touch of her hand On his
arm Grew his attention towards her.
''Sir, will you have the goodness
to take the seat which I have yaca
ted? / have ridden since early this
morning, and am really wearied with
sitting so long. Pray oblige me !"
The old mans face frightened. and
he east grateful look into the darl
eyes of the handsome lady.
''But madam you must be weary;
I cannot accept it,"
She made an impatient gesture.
Miss Winchester was accustomed t.
have her own way.
"No, sir, l am we'll, young an'
strong l should be. ashamed to si
while man of your age and hcaltl
remained standing.
"Thank you! Your kindness is vel
timed and not thrown away. wen
ture to tell you, l shall accept you
offer with gratitude.
So saying the old gentleman sanl
into the vacant seat, with q we'll sal
isfied expression Of countcnancc; bu
Fitz James expressed kis unbounde'
contempt for his neighbor. by draw
ing bis ample reglan closely aroun'
him, and shrinking nearer to the sid
Of the car. The stranger looked .
him with quiet scorn.
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