Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1872-06-06
HALF A DREAM.

WadeS lnIO Ine poor Nltn nls gan, Lnere is
brief struggle, and then he lays on the
grass fine salmon of eighteen pounds at
least
On disengaging the fly, it is found too
rufled and "mauled" to be of any further
use. My pouch does not contain another
puce foss-silk-bodied fly.
at is ma manner of use ye're trying
the Spey wi ony O. tina fal lals,' exclaims
honest Geordie, turning out my best Lon
don-made flies with no small amount of
disdain "I'll jist rim awey' to the manse
doom yonder; Mr.. Finlan ties fly that
will kill in ony weather, and he'll gle your
honor ane, ken weel."
While he takes my compliments to his
reverence, fling myself down beside my
quarry. He was my first salmon, and not
little proud was of his silvery sidesand
perfect form. But the morning was hot
and the heather-tufts comfortable.
lighted a segar, and reflected on the old
chances that had brought me, William
Robinson, late of the Bengal Civil Service,
to the banks of the Spey.
The night-side of London, during the
season, offers many curious sights to the
social philosopher. Heightened by the
darkness overhead, and lit by the glare of
the numerous gas lamps, the contrasts of
fashionable life and poverty come forth
far more strongly than during day The
scum of the great city does not often bub-
bic to the surface before evening. Wealthy
pleasure does not thoroughly rouse herself
until dinner or ball beckOns at sunset. In
no scene can the various aspects of high
and low life in London be so well studied.
as under the corridor Of the Opera when
the prima donna's last notes still culver
in the memory. or in front of one Of the
theatres when the curtain has fallen and
the lights inside have been dimmed. What
rush of splendid horses, what whirl Of
wheels, and Babel of excited shouts from
struggling coachmen, policemen, and gen.
tlemeD, as Lord AS carriage stops the
way !" or Lady BIS brougham is brought
up with a sudden check How strange TO
see young and lovely women, exquisitely
dressed and ornamented, budding togeth-
er under the slight shelter if it rains,
while the dirtiest and most disreputable
of their sisters leer at them from the wet
and mud, with smiles obviously due to the
influence of gin, Then the dashing off of
adventurous gentlemen in search of cab,
the cool manner in which it is often ap-
prOpriated when brought up, in the con-
fusion, by another party, while the first
man vainly attempts TO collect his ladies
the subsequent feelings OF these ladies
after the exposure to cold and wet, when
they do get into cab at last--all this, and
much more, supplies thoughtful mind
with plenty Of reflections. Look at that
elegant girl, in green muslin and silvery
gauze trimmingsl Consumption is the
great artiSte who causes her violet eyes
to sparkle at her companions sallies, and
pairts her cheeks with that becoming
carmine flush! This ten minutes wait
ing has signed her death warrant He has
hailed cab at last, and handed her in
Alas has he not handed her into hearsei
Such were my meditations one night in
front of the Lyceum, while drizzline
rain was falling, and the cold canopy Ot
fog and mist seemed settling down closer
every minute. had left Oxford that
morning, and in ordinary costume was
comfortably surveying the confused sights
before walking to my hotel. The eager,
ness of those who were still within push.
ed the first who had left the theatre be,
yond the scanty limits Of the awning, and
many stood in the street waiting for cab
or carriage. Suddenly my eye fell on a
familiar face. 1t was Buchanan of St
Vitus' (my own cOllege,) who in full even
ing costume. with breadth of skirt-front
that the rain was already discomposing
stood outside the awning with q young
lady on his arm. They had no umbrella,
and evidently would have to wait some
minutes yet. The rain fell piteously on
his companions pretty head-dress, but
she did not seem to mind 1t much.
pressed up to them, and said" Here
Buchanan: | can't bear to see your friend
getting so wet. Take my umbrella till
your carriage comes"
"What you here, Robinson! How kind
of you! The very thing, isn't it?" (this to
his cOmpanion.) LET me hold it well
over yon. There" and having ended
his pefjtS SONS, he suddenly remembered
Cob! Miss Frere, Mr.. Robinson but
where have you sprung from, old boy, ehI
Shall see you tonight at the clubf No,
by the way, ! shan't be able to come up
tonight; hope to see you though to-mor-
row.-Here, John herel" and in less
time than | take to write it the carriage
dashed up, Buchanan handed in the young
lady, who had only time to thank me with
word and a still more gracious smile, an
elderly lady and gentleman hurriedly got
in, Buchanan dropped the wet umbrella
into my arms, with eta, tal old boy
many thanks" and they were whirled
away, leaving me with as little ceremony,
| reflected, as if had been engaged by
the theatre to stand at the door and pro-
vide ladies with umbrellas. However,
Buchanan doubtless meant nothing by it,
l thought; he looked very much in love
with his fair companion, and probably
had not many ideas for any one else at
present. Small blame to him, for she 1oS
very pretty: what eyes she had, and what
a smile! Happy Buchanan and here
must walk solitary home to my hotel. So
l lit my cigar and strobe on through the
dripping crowds.
1t was long before fell asleep, and
even in dreams the winning smile, the
graceful figure, the dainty lace that was
so cruelty besmirched by the rain, and