Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1873-04-19

HcihhPa bWtnNl years. ldlTt WIN Dlue
eyes, Grecian nose, and mouth which
bespoke rare combination Of child-like
confidence and womanly firmness, the
third occupant, taking a grateful nap In
the arms OF the elder Of the two ladies,
was-a baby
AS the reader Is aware / am writing
now Of my bachelor days, when detested
babies. Be 1t said, therefore, in honor of
my consistency, that If could have found
another vacant seat In that car when
entered 1t, l should never have deposited
my person IN such close proximity to the
little monster.
had scarcely noted the elementary de.
tails above recorded, when | saw the
younger lady lean toward her companion
and whisper q few words In her ear, to
which the other responded with a nod Of
acqulescence, at the bame time raising a
kerchlef to her face with the unemployed
hand. The girl then looked uueasiiy up
and down the car, rising partially from
her seat In order to obtain better view.
Iuclluation prompted me 10 sit still and
continue my observations in quiet, but
as the yolng face was turned full toward
me ltG beauty, enhanced II anything by
slightly troubled expression, moved me
TO do something-I did not know what.
Being naturally Of retiring disposition
among ladies. ! was always in dread Of
doing something awkward; for had
never studied Ia the tralning-sch Dol called
society, and doubtless appreciated and
magnined 10 the double every failing In
speech or manner of which / was con-
scious. Here, however, was n symrl-
thetc impulse gaining possession ne,
aud to It yielded.
"Madam," I inquired, "can I be Of
any assistance 70
There was none Of the repellent cool
ness | had feared, In the look che turned
upon me or the tone In which she an
swered. She evidently took In my
caiibre at = single glance, marked me a
gentleman, and was ready 10 accept my
profiered aid without any nonsensical
parley.
"Thank you, sir;" she said "my sis
ter feels little faint In this close atmos-
phere, and was looking about for o
water-cooler."
There was none to be seen. II would
be extremely dangerous 10 attempt cross
ing TO another car so did the next best
thing.
"Would not little brandy answer
every purpose 2" producing the article.
A brief consultation between the ladies
resulted In few hurried thanks on the
part OF the invalid, aud homeopathic
| llbatlon from my flask. Thus far every
thing mad passed cd nicely, and | was
much astonished at my success in the new
role had attempted. There was such
satisfaction in 1t that | made another
effort.
"If the lady would be more comforta-
ble alone, will vseate this settee In your
favor with pleasure"
"Oh, no, don't let me drive you from
your pleasant quarters," answered the
girl smiling, and then with just little
hesitaRey, "Gf you will allow me though,
the half already vacant"
do not think she finished the sem
tence, for / was out In the aisle In an In
slant, waiting for her to pass in, with my
heat performing some novel antic be-
tween a futter and a thnmp.
OBTAINING me few seconds to conclude
some feminine preparations, she at length
approached, but-oh griefi-with the
baby in her arms
Thereupon ensued au inward struggle.
Should l escape while set there was
time But whittier could fee, that my
purpose would not be painfully appar
ent
The sweet face again decided me. 1t
seemed the oracle that settled my knotty
questions, but settled them all one way.
"This storm decidedly interferes with
rapid travel" l remarked when once
more seated.
eyes indeed" replied my companion ;
''and IL will be so tedious for any one
who comes to meet ne. That depot at
! Al v ~ Aas. ha =
to wait a paltry fifteen minutes; what
must il be to stay there several honrs !"
"You are fortunate In having friends
to meet you. can hardly imagine any
thing more disheartening-for lady,
mean-than to land In large city on a
day like this, with every one busy about
her, and no welcome In store until she
reaches her final destination"
"Ob, | shouldn't mind II much for
myself am used 10 making my own
way about, and generally succeed very
well. should feel quite uneasy, though,
about sister, for fear she is seriously
i'll"
81 wonder that she felt like risking GO
long a ride If she was conscious Of any
symptoms of approaching illness"
"Our friends did everything they could
to detain us; but the domestic we brought
with us for Charles benefit deeamped
suddenly last night In a tit of passion
about something, and sister argued tina
If she were going to be without her body
guard, and sick besides, IL WAS perhap
best that she should hurry home. So vi
telegraphed ahead that we were coming
and started"
. "Ah then your home is in New York
, aud not In Albany 7"
"Not exactly in New York, but In he
sister city, Brooklyn"
At the mention of the name Charlie
/ It's precious bearer had opened his eyes
! taken lazy view OF bis surroundings
shifted bis position slightly, and gone t
"bear little fellow - murmured III
5 fair one, with molherly sort of tender
/, ness, that despite the writer's hatred G
!, the genus i,l6ans, really touched his bach
q elor soul. "Dear lit,le fellow Ho'
we'll he has behaved through all this ted
: GUS ride"
b at will be time enough to complimer
q him when he reaches bis journeys end,
e remarked, astJnshed at the progress
d was making. For the fret time in IN
a recollection had carried on ten mil
n utes' conversation with lady without
a sign of trepidatlon or embarrassment.
|, "Will It be so very long, then Whi
d time do you suppose we shall reach Ne
b York;"
z "About eleven O'Clock, ! should think,
5, consulting my timepiece.
e "Eleven O'Clock at night 7 oh dea
y what 0iu poor sister do ="
SO was revolving in my mind a series
A. comforting suggestions, when Mast
of Charles, as If to prove my late warniI
es not utterly vain, began to exhibit sigi
pt of restlessness. He opened bis eyes VII
lg this time, stared at me, first vacantly al
y. then with an expression of distrust, thre
TO back his head aud studied my companl'
of in like manuer, puckered up his count
n, nance, and prepared to assert hlms'
" vOcally.
be "Hush, baby dear Hush my loy
ay Mammals trying TO sleepi poor, 81
W. mamma 7"
'n A faint muttering, as Of distant thin
& der, issued from baby's windpipe.
he "There, dear, there Be good lit
y, boy and lie still :"
ny A kiss that made my heart ach
ial Thunder growing gradually nearer.
"Oh, Charlie Charlie :" In an lmpl
nd log tone. sis this the little boy u
IRE was one year old yesterday Is this
nd little boy that had all the pretty birthd
er. presents What would grandpa say 7
he Either to establish his Identity with
cei little boy referred to, or in vaia atten
ler to state his Views Of what grandpa wol
Ill say under the circumstances, Mas
our Charles now followed the Injunction
ap- the nursery distlch-
Usi Open his, mouth and shut his eyes
a and gave such yeut to his suppress