The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1874-02-12

ance, to whom 1 had not said one part
ing word. Confident that had plenty
of time, I diverged a little from the
main road, and chanced to find him at
home. My good fortune was repeated
for his edifcation, mutual good wishes
were interchanged, and with a light
heart, 1 resumed my walk. The dis
tance was at last accomplished.
stepped upon the wharf hurriedly, and
entered the Office to look after my bag
gage, which had been sent on before.
l soon had it in safe keeping, and then
began to make inquiries concerning the
vessel in which I was to take passage.
Judge of my sensations on being told
that the ship had sailed without me
actually left the wharf precisely half
an hour before L arrived He could
wait no longer. Thus were my expec-
tations again frustrated, and my hopes
crushed. 1 had certainly started from
home soon enough it was the llnlucky
call that had done the mischief. In my
excitement accused the captain of un-
fair dealing, denounced myself in no
measured terms, and charged every
body with injustice. I apprehended
nothing so much as facing my parents
detected, humiliated and humbled as 1
was-but there was no help for it ; it
must be done. I reluctantly set my
face homeward, and with dispirited
step moved along at snail's pace. 1
dreaded my mother reproachful glance,
my fathers bitter and cutting words,
but more than all-the mirth and ridi-
cule of my acquaintances, when they
should learn of the downfall of my air.
castles. These reflections were not
very gratifying, yet could not rid my
self of them. 1t was no use trying to
do anything, or to be anybody that
ominous half an hour too late haunted
me at every corner, and met me at
every turn.
"Gilbert % calculated my mother,
looking the picture of astonishment, as
I timidly entered the house, having in
effectually tried to put on an air of
boldness.
"Pm discouraged-it's all to no pur-
pose !" I exclaimed, sullenly throwing
myself into chair.
"The ship had sailed, L suppose ?"
said my father, interrogatively, display
ing no more surprise than though he
had anticipated my return.
nodded in the affirmative.
"No more than I expected" he re-
Joined, taking up his book, and begin
ming to read just where he had left off
upon my entrance.
1t was the most severe remark he
could have made under the circum-
stances. I fathomed the feelings that
gave rise to it, and they were far from
complimentary to myself, and I smoth-
cred my rising resentment, and retired
to my own room. That nj ght my kind
mother talked with me long time /;
but was in no mocd to be benefited
by her words of counsel, and only
grieved her tender nature by my mo-
roseness and ill humor. did not soon
forget the merciless joking of my COM
panions, nor the ridicule they so un-
sparingly heaped upon me. But at last
it grew to be an old story, and I was
gradually freed from their prosecutions.
I was named for wealthy bachelor
uncle, and often had hopes that he
would make me his heir. He visited
our family but seldom knew but little
about my brother and sister, and less
about me, who was the youngest. A
letter came to hand, however, about
twelve months after my futile attempt
at travelling, saying that he should
spend some time with us. He was &C.
centric and whimsical, but good hearted
and benevolent. He observed me
closely, and evidently detected my
weak point at once. By his actions, I
felt sure I did not please him, and
being fretted at his constant watching,
took less pains to secure his good will
than 1 ought. The evening before his
departure, he requested my brother,
my sister, and myself to go up to his
room, as he wished little social con-
versation with us. I anticipated lee
ture on my short comings and staid
away purposely; but afterward, think
ing I might possibly be mistaken, con-
cluded to risk it. Vain attempt I
met my brother and sister on the stairs,
each in possession of hundred dol
lars-a gift from my uncle, who de-
clared that if 1 did not respect his
wishes enough to be present, must go
without my share. 1 was too proud to
tell him the cause of my non-appear-
ance, and with the luckless half hour
vanished all hopes of becoming an heir,
or receiving present.
Well, 1 attained my majority. I was
twenty-one, and must begin to look out
for myself. To be brief, I contem-
plated matrimony. I had long loved
charming girl (she wasn't aware of it,
however), and I decided to pop the
question at once. I intimated the fact
to my father; he liked my choice, and
promised me capital to commence bust
nl, Af
opinion that it would be for my interest
to marry.
Thus encouraged, sought the lady,
whose attractions I have never seen
equaled. found her alone, looking
lovelier than ever. With much trepida-
ton, the all important declaration was
made, and / awaited the issue in des-
perate suspense. My charmer looked
both surprised and perplexed, was
painfully embarrassed, and colored ex-
cessiyely. AS near as 1 could deter
mine, the symptoms looked favorable,
and my heart beat high with hope. But
1 was mistaken; her first words unde-
ceived me. She stammered something
about I" a misunderstanding, wrong i'm
pressions, regret that her conduct had
been so construed, thanks for the
intended honor" and the like, con-
cluding by saying "that she had en-
gagged herself to somebody else half an
hour before"
1 was answered. Half an hour be-
fore If there was ever man to be
pitied, it was surely myself. But I
might have known better than to have
made the foolish trial. The experiment