Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-03-13
THAT HANDSOME HUMBUG.
ny LOTTIE BROWN.

/
ing, cutting blast, that made the tired
travellers curl up closer in their wraps
and wish with more impatience and dis
! content that they were at home, or
somewhere where there was warm fires
and comfortable couches.
There was great bundle rolled up in
one seat; a big bundle of humanity it
was, with shawl of gorgeous colors
tucked all about it; warm furs bundled
up to the very throat, and a bright, gay
colored scarf wound all around the
shapely head and face. rH
And beside all this, there was a portly
portmanteau on the opposite seat; an
other shawl of white and scarlet, and a
roll of papers and magazines. But
there was fretful, uncomfortable look
in the bundle, in spite of all these luxu-
rious accomplishments; and if anybody
took the trouble to look at il they re-
ceived the impression at once that it
contained deal of WEAKNESS and ner-
vousness
There had been many miles left be
hind, and everybody was getting out of
spirits and sick at heart, when all at
once, at a way station, the door was
opened and little crowd, all fresh and
sparkling, came in with q deal of noise
and hustle, and reeklessly turned back
seats, and laid back bundles in the
owners laps with freedom quite aston
ishing
Two of the party-two dressy, frowsie-
headed girls-came up to the seat occu-
pied by the scarlet shawl, the portman-
teau, and papers, and with only glance
at the living bundle opposite, laid the
shawl back, the portmanteau and the
bundle on the rack above, and turned
the seat over with crash. n
There was a movement, and the great
wraps fell away, and from beneath the
tiny velvet hat a pair of sharp, rather
indignant, black eyes flashed out, Then
the rest of the face made its appearance,
and showed round, fair cheeks, very pale
and beautiful; scornful little mouth;
and very saucy, wellmodelled chin.
"tCome, Mr.. Ayerl" called the pretti-
est Of the two girls, designating fine
looking man who was standing a little
way down, evidently in search of seat.
" Here's one, right behind us, come
For moment there was q movement
on the part of the pale stranger as
though she was about to spring up and
seize that impertinent girl by the CHG
non, and demolish it; but then there
was evidently second, and more con-
siderate thought, aud she settled back,
saying through her set teeth:
Such bold impudencelp 7
Is this seat engaged"
1t was very agreeable voice, and
contained so much Difference and calm-
ness that she looked up with quite de-
gree of good nature, and answered;
mo. Sit down.
He was very nice. He had fine eyes
and a reddish-brown mustache, scrupu-
lously brushed and daintily arranged.
He wore tall, shining hat, light over
coat, and faultless linen; ard one white
hand, from which the kid glove had been
removed, was elegantly jeweled with
a big seal ring and sparkling diamond.
He gave one glance into the fair pa
trician face, then he lifted the wraps,
which she had laid aside, and said:
II will put these out of your way, nm
less you want to use them.
II thank you, i have no further use
for them, she said. Af
Your books
81 have read them"
So he put them all up together, and
then, taking paper from his pocket,
laid it in her lap and turned away.
They rode on miles further Little
villages, lonely farm-houses, broad fields,
and barren wood few past, and the
night came on and shrouded all in dark
ness.
Just after dark they glided into de-
pot where there was great deal of stir
and bustle and among the many who
hastened to take down portmanteaus |
and prepare to leave the cars were the |
gaily-dressed girls.
Come, Mr.. Aver, said the pretty |
one, "are you all ready?
"Tve taken notion into my head,
and / will not stop over tonight. I'll
go on home.
$50 home Why, Mr.. Ayer2"
But Mr.. Aver was an oddity, and all
the expostulations, the pleadiugs, and
prayers of the pretty girls, could not
Aoge him; and finally they left him, and
the train sped on.
When everybody had settled back into
their former drowsipess Mr.. Aver turned
that sharp, fine face of his toward the
and said:
Miss Halifax, you are worn with your
"You know met" The pale face was
uplifted, the tired eyes opened with
wild, half-frightened look.
"You are Clara Halifax, and you are
going &c your aunt Marstons in Boston.
/" Yes. How did you know"
[" am George Aver, and your uncle
vas my qncle.f
She looked relieved. ..f..
Boston is the worst place on the
map. Aunt Marston is deaf, and uncle
stsrston has the gout.
us IL cold there" Hu
Colder than greenlands icy noun
.ains; and there are 20 young people
here, aud no one TO take you to places !
lf amusement. You will die. am
slad / happened 10 meet you II
How did you know mel
saw your picture, and il is not
face to be easily forgotten.
"Who were those young ladies who
entered the car with your
Your own cousins, Nellie and FlOy |
4arston; aud they stopped at H. on
heir gRy back from a weeks visit IN
New Haven. fbey expected you to-mor-
-ow nigh"
why did you not tell them thSt ycp
guessed my identity, and then introduce
lsY
~ wanted to know you first he said,
nying heF 5 eide glance.
" 1t is odd tiat peyer before heard
1f you, she answered, Sitt rcd fush
her cheek
"Then Ynn never heard of me7'