The Portland daily press., 1880-04-10

never have been before in New York, except
once. when passed through without stop
ping: Will you tell me where can remain
for the night?"
had known that there existed some
strange sympathy between that girl and my
self when our eyes had met in passing, and
now as she looked me in the face and ap-
pealed to me, felt that could do and dare
great deal for her sake; but Mrs. Wither-
toms opinions have always strongly influ-
enced me, and knew that she was not put
ting the most favorable construction upon
what was passing at that moment. Still,
there lave been epochs in my life when /
have remembered that am a man and
gentleman, and also an independent one in
my views, however my actions may have
been curbed by circumstances And this
was one of those moments.
''This lady and myself" said l, motioning
toward my wife, care going to the New York
Hotel tonight, and if you so desire. willtake
charge of you, and will also see that Won are
comfortably housed, and tomorrow morning
will attend to your safely getting to the
Eastern train"
Perhaps you may manage to make it, con-
venient to take her to her home YOURSELF
icily suggested Mrs. Witherton.
"Oh, no." cried the girl innocently. ssbut.
if you please, sir, could see you moment
alOne?"
She saw assent IN my eyes, and led the way
to the rear of the car, and turning away des-
perately from Mrs. Witherton's looks I fol-
lowed her.
''When we get to the city, can you take
me to the hotel in the cdrs?" she asked with
great trepidation.
Certainly can in either car or stage.
But do you prefer them to carriage?' I
asked.
''Oh, so much" she said thankfully; and
after moments hesitation she added, "I
have so little money with me that fear to
incur much EXPENSE" and then she turned
away and quietly resumed her old seat.
returned to my wife's side.
"Was her communication state secret?"
said she.
'sCertsinly not. She seems afraid of
hacks, or drivers, or something, really do
not know what; only she begged me to take
her to the hotel in street car" I felt an
invincible repugnance to letting my wife
know the true reason of the request.
We reached the city by 10 O'clock, and
telling my protege to keep close to us. 1 gave
my arm to Mrs. Witherton, and looked
around for a car as soon as we got out of the
depot to carry us to our destination. I had
just signalled one, and turned to my party
to get them in, when caught sight of my
wife stepping into comfortable carriage.
"Why, my DEAR" exclaimed, 81 thought
you were going with u.s." The driver was
waiting, so that was naturally needless of
my phraseolOgy. "Was it not decided that
we should take car?''
81 really am not quite certain of whom
you are speaking, Mr.. Witherton, when YOU
say We 2" she answered; "but /, for one,
do not care to tramp to that vulgar convey
ance over my kid boots in snow and slush.
You may do as you please"
I ssmiUht " aip1u lx3s
who did not care to count the cost; but sage
experience had taught me great deal. How
ever. could not, and would not, even if
could, have left that lovely young creature
alone at night in strange city; so turned
away and stopped another car, and handed
her in.
Seen now in the full light of the brilliant
gas Jets, as we passed along, she certainly
was lovely, with clearness and freshness
OF coloring and brightness in her full haz-
ell eyes and white even teeth. 1t is true that
there was lack of expression, and an alb
sence of all that would be suggestive of in
telligence or quick comprehensiveness but I
confess only thought of this years after
ward. give an opinion, as 1 have always
considered myself judge of feminine beau
ty, although circumstances may not have
permitted me to prove my taste.
We reached our destination at my old head
quarters, the New York Hotel, almost as
soon as my wife did, whose skirts 1 saw
turning the corner of the second-story stair
case as we entered (this was before elevators
became necessity, and then 1 turned to
my companion to learn her wishes.
CONCLUDED MONDAY.1