Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-05-13
Smiths Good Luck.

was always lucky fellow, and the most
fortunate thing that ever happened to me was
being born a Smith Listen:
Three years ago l had just been Tilted, and
was out Of money That dosen't sound lucky;
but it was the prelude to the best of luck. |
concluded to so into the country, down at Ply
mouth, to my uucles house-partially that the
murmurs of the sea might soothe my inward
perturbation, partly to save months board.
stepped on board the early down train
1t was full of silly six o'clock passengers,
mostly mon. The sun was shining on the
water, but the fog was hugging the banks, and
clnging to the FURNISHED surface of the tide
suppose a poet could have made something
pretty out of the sight, but l only wrapped
myself closer in my overcoat, and looked at it
sulkily. After a while got listening to two
men who sat behind me.
"a pretty girl with fortune isn't always
to be had for the asking"
ooh, but the girl isn't asked, take it.
It's all arranged by her aunts, and she'll ac-
quiosce. She's shining pretty, but mere
child-not sixteen, believe. They had anoth-
er fellow booked for her, but he died down in
New Orleans Of the yellow fever last fall"
"'And she's never seen this Smith"
No, nor they either. The aunts plotted
with Mr.. Dunbar, the guardian, and he pick
ed Smith up for them, opened correspond
encc, and got Rose to write letter or two
Smith processes to be in love with her letters
and her picture but of course it's her money
-f,rty thousand if she marries before she's
seventeen"
off the girl amounts to anything, it's q
deuced shame"
"Shc does amount TO something. She has
the making of q splendid woman in her; but
nobody knows it, or cares. They were
bent only on saving the money for her Il
size forfeit it, it goes to some pct charity of her
crazy old grandfather's.
lie was always au old tyrant, and as cccen-
trio as the deuce"
" You know Smith ?"
"Only by sight, but know clum Of lis,
Burton, and got the story, with a copy Of a
letter Of the girls. I've seen her many time
down on the shore, always with her dragon
aunts"
"Where's the letter ?"
"Tve got it here in my wallet Now, you
know the right sort of man won't have his
girls letters hawkcd about nghis associates.
He let Burton take this copy, and Burton gave
it to me. Let me sec-this is it. Listen:
"Dear Ib-. Smab-My aunts wish me to
reply to your kind letter. do not know
what to say. am not accustomed to writ
ing to gentlemen; but must tell you that
was sorry to have aunty Sophy send you that
picture of me; am not near so pretty; it
fatters me very much. You are so handsome
that you will want beautiful wife so don't
think you ought to be deceived. I don't want
to be married but my aunts say must on
account of tho money; and perhaps it may
turn ont right. I am very lonely here. |
would like to live in large city, and aunt
Sophy says you would do everything to please
me.
Have you any sisters? Will your mother
like me ? | always wanted sisters, and moth
er Of my own. don't know what else to tell
you, except that II you love me, l will do
whatever you want me to do. Very truly
yours,
RosE RoGEKs"
There were comments upon, and laugh
ing discussion of the letter. which was certain
ly very unique. But as we ratified along there
was bump, a shock, the cars stood still, and
everybody was in CONSERVATION.
ave are off tie track; be patient little
while" said the conductor, passing through.
Tut in consequence Of this little accident it
was two o'clock before we got down to Ply
mouth. As we swarmcd out upon the plat
form l noticed very pale young man, not
unlike myself in looks, emerge from the fore
most car-his coat-slcevc torn out, and yio-
lent purple brulse on his forehead.
"If that should be the lover Smith, now" !"
said to myself, what a plight he is in y
lie seemed very much out of humor, and
beckoning angriIy to a hackman, jumped into
carriage, and desired to be taken to the best
hotel. After that saw several other persons,
more OF less disordered and bruised by the
railroad accident
was leaving the depot when a cOlOred
coachman bowed before me.
"Beg pardon, sir-Mr. Smith? p
"Yes."
"Carriage in waiting. Step this way, sir,
if you please, sir"
followed him, wondering if indeed my un-
cle had sent IN a carriage II used to be nv