The Van Buren press., 1870-06-14
MISCELLANY.
An Incident Of Travel.


"Ah, full, sir! Sorry. But ] guess
you'll manage to stand it the next fifty
miles p aG
Mr. Smith, the young conductor Of the
Central railway cars; ushered in a decrep-
it, shabbily attired old man, who leaned
wearily on his staff and carried a heavy
valise in his hand.
The long dimly lighted car was full
every seat was occupied band boxes and
carpet bags, were held in the owners
laps and there was not chance for ae
commodation.
A couple of scores offaces lifted them
selves to glance at the old mans face as
he moved slowly and painfully down the
narrow aisle. 1t was painfully evident
that he had as much as he could do to
support himself, and besides looking like
one that was recovering from serious
illness--his checks were thin and pale
and his eyes lacked the fire which ought
to sparkle beneath those large and
strangely marked brews
There were many well, active looking,
healthy young men in the car, but no one
Of the number felt disposed to renounce
his soft, comfortable seat, to the shabby
old traveller. And after-a stare of nndis-
guiscd contempt, each and all dropped
their eyes and thought no more Of the
suffering old age before them.
In this enlightened country, it is no.
torious fact that the aged meet with
Sights and incivilities, to say nothing OF
positive unkindness, which would have
put the barbarous nations of old TO
shame.
Fitz James Eustace, young exquis-
ite, who was escortng his cousin Isabel
la Winchester to Nahant, drew down his
mouth until the ends Of his copper-col-
ored mustaehe rested upon the tops OF
his well starchcd dicky, and remarked to
the lady by his side:
"Really, Mr. Smith is insulting us
Why cannot he fnd place for that
wretclled specimen in the second class
car ?"
A hush-perhaps Of anger--mounted
to the white forehead of Miss Winchcs.
ter. She put out her hand as ifto check
the speaker, and said in stiAed voice
"Will you give that gentleman your
seat Fitz James p
"My dear Isabel Why, / would not
evacuate my place by your side for a
kingdom! Let the old fellow stand it
out 1t won't damage his appearance,
I'll be bound" ..-
"Then l will trouble you to rise mo
ment, prefer the other side of the seat.
Allow me to pass, please"
Fitz James never thought Of disputing
the will of his cousin, SO he stood up to
let her out. But instead Of taking the
seat which her escort had occupied, the
lady walked on until she reached the side
of the neglected gentleman. The touch
of her hand on his shoulder drew his at.
tcnton toward her
"Sir, will you have the goodness to
take the seat / have just vacated ? ! have
ridden since early this morning, and am
really wearied with sitting SO long. Pray
oblge me-"
The old mans face frightened and he
cast a grateful look into the eyes OF the
handsome lady.
But, madam, you must be weary;
cannot accept it,"
She made an impatient gesture; Miss
Winchester was accustomed to have hei
own way .
"No, sir; am well, young and strong
| should be ashamed to sit while q man
of your age and health remained stand.
ing
THANK you Your Kindness is well
timed and not thrown away. l venture
to tell you | shall accept your offer with
gratitude" .l'
SO saying, the old gentleman sank into
the vacant scat with well satisfied OK
pressiou circumference but Fitz James
expressed his unbounded contempt for
his neighbor by drawing his ample raglan
closely about him, and shrinking near to
the side of the car. The stranger looked
at him with quiet scorn
"You need not trouble yourself to
slip through the window" said he, in u
voice of irony.
Fitz James was thoroughly disgusted
lie could not endure such vulgar propin-
uuity. So he arose quickly, and stridng
over his companion. made the best of his
way to the smoking car.
Miss Winchester's sacrifice had been
witnessed by all in tho car, and dozen
seats were offered her by dozen polite
and officiating young gentlemen, but she
declined them all by a motion Of the
hcad and remained leaning against the
side of the vehicle. .1ge9
The train few onward-the old gentle
man meanwhile disposing himself for 0
I ,a -. IL ,tahl. nan which ho wac ah n ~ .