National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-04-04
BOW MET HER.

Aagusla, In Abyssinia.
ROWI MET HER.
had dined; and, filing another glass OF
wine and lighting cigar, settled myself
comfortably in my arm chair before the glow
ing Ere for at least q few moments more
enjoyment of It, reluctant to sally out, IS had
intended, To some place Of amusement, It was
60 cold night. Pulling towards me one Of
the several books at my elbow, lent me that
dsy BY friend, opened It hap-hAzard and
read the title of one Of the sketches It con-
tained-"Nobody's Dog" read about "No-
body's Dog" and became so deeply interested
in him, that, when 1 came to bis death, found
by looking at my watch that, II meant to 60
to the theatre, had better make good speed
TO ba In time for the first act.
So, we'll wrapped up, and facing the sharp
sleet that was falling in whirlwinds, bent my
course towards the Unionsquare theatre. I
had soon gained Sixteenth street and then
walked on more brtskly still; for on q cold
night I believe man feels It colder facing
either east or west on that street than In any
other in New York. Having been delighted
with what had Just read, naturally re-
called Il to mind on my way, and soon found
that "Nobody's Dog" had aroused In me, who
at the worst, think, have as much sympathy
as my average neighbor, sort Of humanizing,
kindly feeling. thus soliloquised: SNOW If
Nobody's Dog should be anywhere in this
vicinity on this bitter night, and should meet
and gree. me as he did his friend in London,
believe In my heart should be tempted to go
back home and give him his supper and quar-
tiers for the night" Once, indeed, turned
fancying heard the pattering of dogs feet
behind me; but It was only fancy, and went
on. As passed the Lyceum theatre, looking
90 gloomy and desolute, that I had seen so
brilliant q short time ago, I couldn't help
thinking that, If Halliday's play of "Notre
Dame" had proved half as interesting to the
public as his little sketch of "Nobody's Dog"
had to me, the doors of the "Lyceum theatre"
might still be open, and its actors still in re-
ceipt of their salaries.
At the box-oficc of the Union-square thea
tire learned that the first act Of the piece was
over, and that a seat was not to be had. The
latter bit of information would no doubt have
been most agreeable to the author Of the play;
but, after my cold jaunt, was annoyed. Not
To be banked, determined to visit the nearest
theatre, and that being Wallack's, / was turn
ing the corner for that purpose when remem-
bered that twice before this season had seen
the play then enacted there; and tonight
hankered after something new. finally gave
I'D the idea of going to any place of amuse-
ment, It being late, and crossed over Union
square with the intention Of stepping into the
Everett house before going home, and seeking
young friend Of mine who was lying there
sick.
As turned Seventeenth street noticed a
woman leaning against tree, just inside the
square and the reflection came to me that she
had chosen rather cool resting place or rendez-
vous. went on and thought no more of her.
But as returned that way half an hour later,
there was the woman still on the same spot
and to sn appearances. as If she had never
changed her position. My curiosity was
aroused. l entered the square and walked
slowly past where she stood; she neither
moved nor looked up. retraced my steps and
spoke to her.
"Why do you stand there on such night as
thisW No answer.
"You'll get wet through. For Gods sakes
90 home" The figure moved. The face was
now turned towards me, and l saw it was
girl scarce sixteen years old. She frowEed at
me, and answered sullenly enough:
'!I've got no home to 60 to-"
"No homeP 1 repeated.
"No," she answered,
I saw that she had o very pretty face, in spite
of the frowns upon it. II, now, repulsed by her
frown passed on, what then3 Where might
Ehs have driftsd that night from my sight and
my memoryl But there was no such possibility,
/ truly believe, for the strange words of the
strange woman in "Little Dorritt" come to my
mind as write: I'm our course through life
we shall meet the people who are coming to
meet us, from many strange places and by
hundreds, thousands Of miles over the sea
there; they may be close at hand now; they
may be coming, for anything you know, or any
thing you can do to prevent 1t, from the vilest
sweepings of this very town." So, in spite of
her frown and sullen manner, persisted in
urging her to tell me who she was, and why
she was without q home, ard out on such q
night and alone. Her answers were evasive
and unsatisfactory. More from her appearance
and her tone of voice than what she actually
told me, discovered that she was an English
girl.
Her Lancashire dialect betrayed itself in
every word she uttered, as also did her want of
education. That she was a modest, well-dis-
posed girl, I never for moment doubted, for
had never looked into pair of seemingly more
honest eyes than those now looking into mine
All I could CLEAN, however, from her was that
she had been in this country but three weeks,
had now no money, and had been treated
rudely at the place where, until that night, she
had lived, and had now left it forever.
"Have you no friends"
ssNo."
"What do you intend to do?"
81 don't know"
After pointing out to her the alternatives of
her position-either being subjected to insult,
or having to pass the night in the station-house
at last she sullenly agreed that should find
her lodging house, where she would be safe.
At the same time suggested that on the NOR
row l should see her again, and then, If she
would conhne her history to me, would advise |
and assist her in her forlorn condition. After
a moments hesitation led the way to the hum
BILE abode of my laundress-the best place |
could think of under the cireurnstances At |
my boarding house, Nobody's dog might have |
been tolerated for the night and no Questions |
asked" But fancy the eye of my landlady |
were to ask nights shelter for this poor
wsif.
Reaching our destination confded the girl |
TO the care Of a poor soul whose heaviest sin
was the thorough demolition of my linen In the |
shortest possible time, which sin had long
since forgiven those rough but honest hands,
lnasmuch as they had rescued roll of green
backs (left In some vestpocket) from the in
evitaole fate OF my linen, said ereenbacks
being returned to their careless owner quite
safe and sound, to his great amazement. This
kind creature, full Of sympathy when nv pro
.ege's brief recital was over, led the shiyerinr
girl to the fire, and promised to share her
humble room with her for the night. Leaving
! little money with her for the girls necessities,
babe them goodnight and returned to my
home.
That night had singular dream. drsamt
hat the door of my room suddenlyopened, and
he girl whom had left but q short time be-
ore came into It, lighted lamp In her hand,
Ter eyes closed. She was In her night-dress,
nd fast asleep. Behind her came q woman OF
aspect, who seemed to urge the girl
Onward, asleep as she was, by her energetic
ctions and sharp words. The girl came TO the
edside where lay, and there paused. At an
sign from the elderly woman the
trl slid her hand slyly beneath my pillow,
rev forth my watch and pocket-book, and,
efore could utter q cry, watch, pocket-book,
'omen, all disappeared, and was sitting wide |
wake and bolt upright In bed, peering forth
nto the darkened room.
SO vivid had been my dream that instinct
Vely felt beneath by pillow. There, of course,
Iere my watch and pocket hook. Ashamed I
90 childish weakness, turned over on my |
Nov, and was soon sound asleep. But ali ,
1Nfr hal ~