Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1870-06-11
NO. 43.
Curious Mode of Getting a Wife.

One little act Of poli;e.ss will sometimes
pave the way to fortune aud prcferment. The
following sketch illustrates Ills fact:
A salor, roughly CARRIED, was s.rolling
through the streets Of New Orleans, then in
arather damp condition from recent rain and
the rise of the tide Turning the corner ola
much frequented and narrow alley. lie obse.-
we'd young lady standingl In perpleSity, ap-
parantly measuring the depth Of the muddy
water between her and the opposite sidewalk
with no very satisfied countenance.
The sailor paused, for he was great admi-
rcr of beauty, and certainly the fair face that
peeped out from under tie li:tle chip hat, and
the aubun curls hanging glossy and uuconfHed
over her muslin dress, might tempt a curious
or an admifing glance. Perploxed, the lady
put forth one little foot, when tie gallant SAL
lor, with impulsiync.s, exclaimed, " Thatpret-
ty foot, lady, should not be soilod with the
filth Of this lane; wait for moment only, and
| will make you path"
So springng past her into a carpenters shop
opposite, he bar gained for plank beard that
stood in the doorway, and coming back to the
smiling girl, who was just coquettishenoughto
accept the services Of tie handsome young sal
lor, he bridged the narrow black stream, and
she tripped across with amerry Thank you"
and a roguish smile making her eyes as daz-
zliug as they could be.
Alas our young sailor was perfectly charm
el What else would make him catch up and
shoulder the plank, and follow the little witch
through the streets to her home, sic twice per-
forming the cermony Of walking the plank"
and each time thanking him with one Of her elo-
qutn' smiles. Presently ourherosaw theyoung
Ia Iy trip up the marble steps Of palace Of
house, and disappear withinits Observation-Disclosures
For full minute be stood looking at the door
aud then with wonderful big sigh, turned
away, disposed Of bis drawjriJsc, and woE-
dcl his path back to lis ship.
The next day lie was astouished with an or
der Of promotion from the Captain. Poor
Jack was speechless with amaZcmcnt; be had
not dreamed Of being exalted to the dignity Of
a second mates Office on board one Of the most
splendid ships that sailed out Of the port Of
New Orleans. lie knew lie was competent,
for instead Of spending his money for amusc-
ments, visiting theatres and bowling alleys, on
Lis return from sea, he purchased books, and
had become quite student; but.ho expected
years to intervene before his ambitious hopes
would be realized.
His superior officers seemed to look upon
him with considerable lenieucy, and gave him
many fair opportunity to gather maritime
knowledge and in year, the handsome, gen.
temauy young mate lad acquired unusual
favor in the eyes Of the portly commander,
Captain Hume who had first taken the smart,
LITTLE Jlack-eyed fellow with his neat tarpaulin
and tidy bubble, as bis cabin boy.
One night, the young man, with all tho o.
ther officers, was invited to an entertainment
at the Captains house. lie went, and to his
astonishmcut mounted the identical steps that,
two years before, the brightest vision be had
ever seen passed oyer-a vision he had dneycrfor-
gotten. Thump, thump, went his brave heart,
as he was usherel into the great parlor; AMI
Ike 4 sledge-hammcr it Leat again, when Cap
tain Hume brought forward Lis blue-eycd
daughter, and with a pleasant smile said,
d" The young lady was once indebted to your
kindness for a safe and Dig walk homo" His
eyes were all aLlaze, and Lis brown checks
flushed hotly, as the noble Captain sauutcrcd
away, leaving fair Grace Hume at lis side
And in all that assembly wa5uot SO handsome
a couple as the gallant sailor and tie "prctty
ladie."
1t was only year from that time that the
second mate trod the quarterback, second on
ly in command, aud part owner with tie Cap
tain, not only in bis vessel, but IN tie affections
Of lis daughter, gentle Grace Hume, who had
always cherished respect, to say nothing Of
love for the brigLt-eyed sailor
His homely but earnest act Of politcness To-
wards bis Child had pleased tic Captain, and
though the youth knew it not wastho causeof
bis first promotion. 50 that now tie old man
has retired from business, Henry Wells Is cap
tain, and Grace Hume is according to polite
parlance, Mrs Captain Wells" In fact, our
honest sailor is one Of tie richest men in tic
Crescent City, and lie owes, perhaps, tie great
er part Of bis prosperity to bis tact and polite
ness in crossing the street.