Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1871-06-01

Bob and Fanny.


Perhaps this gentleman-I am al.
most sure II is his. Ask him. Bob
do
The words, earnest and excited.
were uttered in a voice SO sweet and
musical, that. involuntarily, turned
my head 70 get q glimpse Of the speaker.
She was behind me. upon the rail-
wav platform .. o -, "ucIr NC n..a
been temporarily detained, waiting TO
take our places in an incoming train.
She was neatly dressed, modest look
ing woman, quite pretty, and evidently
not more than twenty years Of age.
She leaned upon the arm Of man
some four or five years her senior, as
open-countenanced aud prepossessing
in appearance as herself. A newly
married couple, set them down at
once. on their bAdal tour, perhaps.
The gentleman held in his hand an
open pocketbook, which he had ap-
parently just picked up from the plat
form at his feet, and which l saw 10
contain, even with the cursory glance
cast upon it, q number Of bills, some
Of a large denomination.
He glanced from it 70 me. as turn
ed at the young ladv's words, seeming
desirous, yet doubtful Of the prudence
Of making known his discovery and.
comprehending his dilemma, l set his
mind At rest at once.
If you ere seeking an owner for an
tcta mat fpnnA l.,.,t- f,,r
ther, sir (; l have lost nothing
lie looked around with an expression
Of vexed admin alton.
What shall do with the thing: 1t
evidently contains q large amount Of
money. though l have not as yet exam
ined 1t thoroughly. l do not want To
take it with Inc. and yet cannot spare
the time 70 hunt up an owner for it !;
besides, / am afraid il were TO pro-
ceed hurriedly or incautiously in the
matter, some swindler might get it
from me, in spite Of myself. Stop! ]
know what l can do be continued,
briskly. after . monentary pause Il
will run back to the ticket office, and
leave it in charge Of the clerk. can
take his receipt for it, you know, TO
make sure that h> conducts the thing
squarely. 1t is pretty sure to be in
quired for there, or, if not, it will be
advertised. and he can attend TO the
business, and pocket the reward for his
trouble. Fanny, dear, would you mind
my leaving you one momeut!'
She looked as if she would mind it
very much. as she glanced timidly
around at the noisy crowd who sur
rounded her: and he, too, after he had
spoken, seemed reluctant to leave her
without protector. Upon the strength
of my grizzled beard and fifty years,
took the liberty Of again addressing
them.
If you will trust the lady to my pro.
lection. ! shall be happy to take charge
Of her until your return
She looked up at first little doubt
fully, but her face frightened as she
caught my eye; with childlike quick.
ness of perception she seemed to have
formed her estimate OF my character a,
. single glance
Thank you, SIR she said, simply
that will do nicely. Run, then, Bob,
and hurry back as soon as you can
She took my proffered arm with
modest confidence, and the gentleman,
seeming equally we'll satisfied with the
arrangement, hurried awxy, and ! was
LEFT with my pretty charge, feeling moi
. little Aattered at the confidence
which my appearance had evidently
inspired.
l addressed . few remarks upor
general topics to the lady, who re
sponded frankly, though timidly. Il
my attempts at socisbility. One re
mark led TO aaOther, and soon We wers
chatting together quite freelv and un
reservediy. Al l had surmised, shs
was . bride-h>d been married just &
nooth, and was now returning frou
hsr wsdding-tour T. her home il Balti
more.
Upoa informing her that l had .
osu9hssr. about the same age ~ her
ell also rseeetly married. she seemed
teeossidsr ~ coincidence quite re
Variable one, and ! could nst but bs