Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1873-03-28
An Incident of Life.

"All full, sir! Sorry, but l guess
you'll manage to stand the next fifty
miles,"
Mr.. Smith, the spruce young con-
ductor on the Central Railway cars,
ushered in a decrepid, shabbily at
tired old man, who leaned heavily
on his staff, and carried a heavy va.
lise in his hand.
The long, dimly-lighted car was
full, every seat was occupied, band
boxes and carpet-bags were held in
their owners laps, and there was
not single chance for the new
conner to be accommodated.
A couple Of scores Of faces lifted
themselves to glance at the old mans
face, as he moved slowly and pain
fully down the narrow aisle. 1t was
painfully evident that he had as
much as he could do to support him
self, and besides, he looked like one
that was just recovering from a Sc
we're illness-his cheeks thin and
pale, his eyes lacking the fire which
ought to have sparkled beneath
those large and strongly marked
brows.
There were many well, active
looking, healthy young men in the
car, but not one of the number felt
disposed to renounce his soft, com
Portable seat to the shabby old trav.
eler. And after a stare Of undis-
guised contempt, each and all drop
ped their eyes and thought no more
OF the suffering old age before them.
In this enlightened country it is a
notorious fact that the aged meet
with sights and incivilities, to say
nothing Of positive unkindncss,
which would have put the barbar.
GUS nations of old to shame.
Fi'z James Eustace, a young ex
quisite, who was escorting his cous-
in, Isabel Winchester, to Nahant,
drew down his mouth until the ends
OF his copper colored mustache rest
ed upon the tips of his well starched
dickey, and remarked to the lady by
his side:
"Really, Mr.. Smith is insulting
ms! Why cannot he find place for
that wretched specimen in the Sec
ond-class carp"
"A flush, perhaps Of pride-per-
haps OF mounted to the white
forehead of Miss Winchester. She
put up her hand as though to check
the speaker, and said in a subdued
voice:
"Fitx James, will you give that
gentleman your seat? Can't YOU
see how pale and feeble he looks?"
my dear Isabel, l should not
evacuate my place by your side tor
Kingdom. Let the old fellow stand
1t out. II won't damage his appear
ance, III be bound"
"rhen IN trouble you to rise a
moment; prefer the other side Of
the seat. Allow me to pass, il you
please"
Fi'z James never thought of dis
putting the will of his imperious
cousin, and he stood up to let her
60 out. But instead OF taking the
seat which her escort had occupied.
the lady walked straight on until
she reached the side of the neglect
ed old gentleman. The touch Of her
hand OH his arm drew his attention
toward her.
''Sir, will you have the goodness
to take the seat which l have yacat.
ed? l have ridden since early this
morning, and am really wearied
with sitting SO long. Pray oblige
me-"
The old mans face frightened,
and he cast grateful look into the
dark, handsome eyes of the lady.
'But, madam, you must be weary:
l cannot accept it,"
She made an impatient Gesture:
Miss Winchester was accustomed to
have her own way.
mo, sir; l am well, young and
strong. ] shonld be ashamed to ait
while man of your age and health
remained standing"
"Thank you. Your Kindness il