Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-03-20
II can compose music I" said the young

is of not much account, am sorry to say"
"Where came from," said Wilfred, lit
tie offended, "it was thought of great account.
1t is regular science, the composition of mu'
sic. have been thoroughly grounded in it,
and one of my sonatas was played at Court"
"Did they pay you much for it?" asked
practical Mr.. Clarke.
"They did not pay me anything" replied
Wilfred. "The professor to whom [ showed
it, asked the loan of it, and then he was OBJ
liged to leave suddenly, and did not see him
again while WAS in the place. But he wrote
me that he had played it before the Queen,
and she admired it. was to have an inter-
view with him afterward, on the subject, but
never had an opportunity"
"He was probably mean scoundrel, who
appropriated the merit of the composition to
himself" remarked his companion.
"Oh no." said Wilfred, simply. "He was
an honorable man."
"My young friend" suddenly asked Mr..
Clarke, "do you trust every man as you did
that rascally professor?"
"Allow me to assure you, SIR" earnestly re-
Joined Wilfred, "that he was not rascal.
And trust every man, naturally, unless l
know him to be an unworthy character"
"Then I'm afraid you'll never get on in
New York." exclaimed Mr.. Clarke. "Here
you need to keep your eyes open, and trust
nobody until you find out they are worthy to
be trusted"
"Then, sir" said Wilfred, with twinkle
of fun in his handsome eyes, 81 am afraid /
have made an unwise beginning in trusting
you."
Mr.. Clarke laughed. 81 don't want you to
trust ME just yet" he said. 81 only want
you to give me an opportunity of showing
you whether deserve your confidence or not.
But that was we'll answered-very well; you
paid me off in my own coin. To tell you the
TRUTH" he added, lowering his voice, with
glance around, "though preach caution and
prudence, to an inexperienced young fellow
like you-and believe in them, tool can't
bring myself to admire the suspicious, calcu-
lating natures one encounters continually
here. New York is a sharp place-a very
sharp place. If you make up your mind to
remain here, you will have to buckle your
armor on, and prepare for good many stiff
encounters of one sort or another-6gurative-
ly speaking, mean"
"t am quite undecided yet, as to what I
shall do" answered Wilfred. "For the pres
ent," he added, rising from his seat, 81 think
need little rest. I am pretty we'll tired
ont, and can't arrive at any distinct conclu-
sions until have refreshed my brain with
Sleep"
"You're right there" said his friend.
"Sleep is greae renovator of ones powers,
bodily and mental. I'll see you again to-
morrow, and am willing to act as your escort
about town, if you desire it, for at least
part of the day"
Wilfred thanked him, and bidding him
good night, left him, mentally wondering
what could have induced the old fellow to
take such trouble to find out all about him, a
perfect stranger, and interest himself as
strongly as he appeared to do, in his behalf
AS he was ascending the stairs, he again
met the old lady who had so interested him
in the dining room. She was coming down
slowly with the aid of a stick, and natural
impulse of courtesy prompted him to turn and
offer his assistance
"Pray, madam" he eagerly exclaimed,
"accept the use of my arm; it will be safer
than your stick"
"Thank you, sir" she replied with an in
clnation of her head. Then looking keenly
at him as she accepted the proffered arm, she
continued, "It is not often that young men
think of Offering such attentions to women,
unless they are young and handsome. do
not think you can be an American"
81 ought to be one" said Wilfred, smiling,
"but my parents chose to live abroad. | am
but just arrived from Europe"
"Ah! that accounts for your politeness,"'
said his companion.
care Americans, then, so rude?" asked
Wilfred simply.
"What foreigners consider rude, they do
as matter of course" she replied. "They
have no intention of being neglectful or un'
kind but they either ignore or despise many
of the small courtesies, which people educated
abroad consider part of their necessary
training.
"Have you lived abroad, madam ?" asked
Wilfred.
"Yes, for many years" was her reply.
"But do you not prefer America ?" was his
next question.
"Most certainly not" she rejoined deci-
dedly. "Expediency, not choice, has brought
me back to end my days on American SOIL"
They had now reached the foot of the
stairs, and Withdrawing her hand from his
arm, the old lady made him little oldtash'
ioned courtesy of Acknowledgement saying as
she did 80,
81 have business with the housekeeper in
her room and will trouble you no further.
Please let me assure you ofmy gratitude for
the kindness you have shown me-"
"Don't speak of it" said Wilfred blushing
81 am only too happy to have been of any
use to you"
She was about to leave him, but as if by
sudden impulse, she again turned, and asked
him ifhe was stopping for any time in the
hotel.
81 shall be here probably for some days"