Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-02-03
Az NIYcGDENr OF TRAVEL.



All full sir Sorry. But guess you'll
manage to stand the next fifty miles -
Mr.. Smith, the spruce young conductor, on
the Central Railway cars ushercd in de-
crepid, shabbily attired old man, who leaned
YEARLY on his staff, and carried heavy va
lise in his hand
The long, dimly-lighted car was full
every seat was occupied band-boxes and
carpet-bags were held in their owners laps
and there was not single chance Tor the new
conner to be accommodated.
\ couple of score Of faces lifted themselves
to glance at the old mans face as he moved
slowly and painfully down the narrow aisle.
1t was plainly evident that he had as much
as he could do to support himself, aud besides
he looked like one that was Just recovering
from severe ilness--his check was thin and
pale, and his eyes lacked the fire which ought
to sparkle beneath those large and strongly
marked brows
There were many we'll, active looking
healthy young men in the ear, but not one OF
the number felt disposed TO renounce his soft,
comfortable seat to to the shabby old traveller.
And after stare of undisguisel contempt,
each and all dropped their eyes and thought
no more Of the suffering old aye before
them.
In this enlightened century. it isa notori-
Gus fact, that the aged meet with Sights and
inciyilities, to say nothing Of positive unkind-
ness, which would have put the barbarous
nations Of old to shame.
Fitz james Eustace young exquisite
who was escortug his cousin, Isabel Win
chester, to Nahant, drew down his mouth un-
I'll the ends Of his copper-colored moustachc
rested upon the tips Of his well-starched dick
cy, and remarked to the lady By his side:
" Really, Mr.. Smith is insulting us Why
cannot he find place for that wretched speci-
men in the second class car 2n
A hush perhaps Of pride--perhap of an.
ger-mounted to the white forehead Of Miss
Winchester She put up her hand as though
to check the speaker, and said in subdued
voice
" Fitz james, will you give that gentleman
your seat ?"
81 My dear Isabel Why l would not
eyacuate my place by your side for king
dom Let the old fellow stand it out 1t
won't damage his appearance, I'll be bound.
Then will trouble you to rise moment.
prefer the other side of the seat. Allow
me to pass if you please"
Fitz james never thought Of disputing the
will Of his imperious cousin, and he stood up
to let her 90 out But instead of taking the
seat which her escort had occupied, the lady
walked straight on, until she reached the side
Of the neglected old gentleman. The touch
Of her hand on his arm drew his attention to-
wards her.
"Sir, will you have the goodness to take
the seat which / have vacated? | have rid
den since early this morning, and am really
wearicd with sitting so long. Pray obligc
me-
The old mans face frightened, and he cast
a grateful look into the dark eyes Of the
handsome lady.
but, madam, you must be weary; | can
not accept it,
She made an impatient gesture. Miss
Winchester was accustomed to have her way
No, sir; am well, young and strong
| should be ashamed to sit while man Of
your age and health remained standing"
Thank you Your kindness is well timed
and not thrown away, | venture to tell you
shall accept your offer with gratitude"
So saying, the old gentleman sank into the
vacant seat, with a well satisfied expression o
countenance but Fitz james expressed his
unbounded contempt for his neighbor by draw
ing his ample raglan closely around him, anC
shrinking nearer to the side of the car. The
stranger looked at him with quiet scorn.
"You need not trouble yourself to slil
through the window young man. said he ii
a voice of irony.
Fitz james was thoroughly disgusted h,
could not endure such vulgar propinquity
So he arose quickly, and striding over hi
companion, made the best of his way into th'
smoking car.
Miss Winchester's sacrifice had been wit
messed by all in the carriage, and dozeI
seats were offered her by dozen polite ant
officiating young gentlemen, but she declined
them all by motion of the head, and remain
ed leaning against the side of the vehicle
The train flew onward-tbe old gentleman
meanwhile disposing himself for comforta-
BILE nap, which he was shortly enjoying.
Some time before midnight the lights o.
Boston cleaned through the darkness an
ether moment, and the train thundered int
the depot.
Our old gentleman arose, shook himself
grasped his valise, and came over to the sid'
of Miss Winchester.
Madam" he said, "you have made al
old, feeble mans journey tolerable will yol
not tell him your name and place of abode 2
She smiled, waived all thanks, and gay'
him her card. lie bowed aud left her jus
as Fitz james appeared to escort her from
the cars. But getting through the crowd wa
no easy matter, for the fuss and hustle WA
unusual and Isabel noticed that several uni
formed companies filed the space in front 0
the depot aalr l
Cries of +" Hurrah for Gen. Sutherton ~
Three cheers for the hero of Mexico !!
rent the air banners trailed out on the fresl
night breeze fambeaux flashed, drums beat
and long line of carriages filed slowly VI
the street.
Fitz James inquired the occasion Of al
this tumult, and learned that it was publi
welcome extended by the citizens of Bostol
to Gen, Sutherton, gentleman and veterai