The Volcano lubricator. (Volcano, W. Va.) 1871-1879, 1873-11-25
An Aneodote Of ArteIlns Ward

great quiz. lie was always puZ%IlnE !
people and could not help It. lie
talked nonsense with such seriousness,
and such entire absence OF anything
theatrical in his manner, that very Of
ten he partially imposed on those who
knew him best. In +. 7. llingston's
"Reminiscences Of Artemus Ward"
We find this account Of his discussion
Of literary subjects with lady whom
he. met on an Ohio river steamboat.
Among the fairer portion Of the
passengers was very retiring, quiet
Young lady, who wore spcctacles, and
who appeared TO have the manners,
air, ard bearing Of ore whose occupa-
non in life was to impart her knowl-
edge 10 others in some College or Sem
inery; that, at least, was the guess
which Artcmus and made about her
We noticed her during the afternoon.
busilv engaged in reading About's
story Of lie Hoi DIES Montagucs. -
As soon as supper was over she re-
sumcd her reading, cutting the leaves
Of the book with pocket papcr-knife
as she read on. BY what means my
friend contriYed an introduction ! am
not aware; but ! found him IN CONVEX
salion with her when went 10 request
his company to smoke cigar with me
and the two military doctors.
Excuse me-" said Artemus, this
lady WAS asking me ii l read French.
Its 4 serious question, and | was re-
flecting whether I DO"
The lady seemed to be little sur
priscd, and explained to nc that she
had simply asked if my friend knew
the French language, as she wished to
recommend 10 him the story she her
self had been reading during the after
noon. at is . story about brigandS
in Greece" said she; land it is so
charmingly picturesque, that can al
most fancy myself TO be in that classic
land. AS l read, the blue Skic. Of
Greece seem 10 be over my head, and
the 1Egcan sea to be sparkling in the
glorious sunlight"
Then followed question from Ar
temus, which Iquote as literally as l
can remember it
Pardon me, madame, but do rou
think that glorious sunlight in Greece
is constitutional-that is TO say, if early
bc ,hc dream of youth-whcnever they
are So-and you know, I presume, that
Gcorge Washington, whcn Young, new
CT told lic--that is, GreGCc-in the
blue 'hics, mean. You understand
me, OF course:"
Instead OF understanding, the lady
appeared to Ne utterly lewildc-sd~ At
first she seemed 70 doubt whether, she
had heard distinctly. .. ..
DO l understand YOU to say that
George Washington went 10 Greece
in his YOUTH" she asked. Il scarcely
think perfectly understand you"
Artemus Ward maintained his gray
ity, and proceeded to explain.
II was about to remark" said he,
that, so far as Greece is concerned, he
was more So" ...
More so OF what" asked the lady,
still more pcrp!exed. ... ....
More so with regard to it viewed
morally. Because the -Egean is 4 sea
"a blue sea, which might, if not under
these c!rcumStances-in parallel in
stanccs-ver, truthfllly though; but
before brcakfast-always before the
morning meal. You agree with me, l
hope?" and Artcmus smiled and bowed
politely.
The lady closed her book, laid it on
the table, and. raising her spectacles
SO a 70 enable ler to see better. re-
garded Artcmus with amazement-
The ladies and gentlemen around who
had overheard the conversation, look
ed al the speaker with equal astonish
mcnt. Artemus shook his head mourn
fully, and in deploring..tone Of voice
observed:--
Blue Grceks-blue 4Egcan brig
andS, dead before their breakfast" .
Say il Fast III Arlicu-
lation for the Juveniles.