Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1883-07-27
A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION.


after deviste from this rule.
LETTER OF INTRODUCTION.
I'm sorry | cant go to London
with YOU" said Mr.. Bridgnorth. who
had Just crossed the Channel with
me, as we stood chatting at the Do
yer railway station, whittier he had
come to see me Oft.
Our brief acquaintance, struck up
the night before on the Calais packet,
had been rendered SO agreeable by
Mr. BridSnorth's affability, that l
was more than half prepared, if not
to dispute the dogma that gruff'ness
is the predominating feature of Eng
lish manners, at least to admit that
it is rule not without exception.
1T would afford ne pleasure" he
added, ito act the part of guide, phil
osopher and friend on your first
visit to the metropolis; but since
that cannot tbe-business before pleas
ure, you know-Fve written letter
to a chum of mine in town. which
you would do well to present to him
us soon as possible, for he's con
noisseur in city life, and will see you
suitably bestowed"
thanked my new friend for his
kindness, put his letter in my pocket,
and, bidding him many warm adieux,
hurried at the call Of the guard to
take my place aboard the train.
was followed up the steps by Il
thick-set and rather coarse featured
man, who, beside myself, was the
sole occupant of the compartment.
The door WAS locked, the bell rung,
and the train set in motion.
The. stout. gentleman busted him
self, for time, with his newspaper,
and then threw it down with a grunt.
The next half hour he looked out of
the window, his face betokening any
thing but pleasure at the prospect,
the charms of which were not height
ened by the effect of dull Autumn
Giizzle.
Turning about, with another grunt.
his deep-set, gray eyes glanced me
over keenly.
do you know the-the gentleman
you We're talking with just before the
train started" he asked, in a quick,
sharp voice.
Il do" | answered-mentally add
ing, "Inquisitiveness, see, isn't ex-
clusively Yankee fault"
''Seems to me I've seen him before
what might his maine be?'
''Bridgnorth.''
And your own"
"Hanley"
[ was more amused than annoyed at
this cross examination.
How long have you known Mr..
Bridgnorth?' continued my inquis
itor
''Since we got Oh the Calais boat
together last evening"" l replied.
''Humphr'
l thought it was now my turn.
DO you reside in London?" be
gan.
'Yes.'
May l inquire your name?"
'MacGrumlie.'
Scotch extraction, / presume?"
Cant say-never saw the family
tree"
Nor need You wish to, if it's known
by its fruit" was the retort l had on
the tip Of my tongue, but 1 left it
there.
"By the way" 1 said, after pause,
MIR. Bridgnorth was kind enough to
give me letter of introduction to a
friend of his; perhaps, on our arrival
you can direct me to the place men
toned in the address,
what is it?'
l showed him the superscription.
With another of his 'humphs' he
handed the letter back
DO you want to go there at once?'
he inquired.
Il might as WE'LL" said l Il have
no acquaintances in London, and Mr..
Bridgnorth has assured me of his
friends kindly Offices"
''fll show yon the way" Mr. Mac
Grumlie was kind enough to say;
its on my road home. You can
leave the luggage at the station, and
we IL 'dhc tlie eau tOSetuer-
This agreed to, the conversation
tagged, in spite of all efforts Oh my
part to revive it. l couldn't help
contrasting the hours so lately en-
'livened by Mr. Bridgnorth's wit and
gayety, with those whose tedium had
nothing to relieve it but MacGrum-
hes ever recurring soliloquies of
OF "humphs" and grunts.
1t was dark when we reached the
city. Ny companion hailed a cab,
gave the driver the direction, and,
. jumping in by my side, we were soon
rafting down a shabby, ill-lighted
street.
Here you arem said MacGrumlie,
as we checked up in front of a
somble looking building.
Few words were spent in leave
taking. | got out, paid my share OF
the fare. and having, with difficulty
distinguished the number on the
door, | rang the bell, while the cab
turned the next corner.
Several minutes elapsed, and was
on the point of giving the bell an
other pull, when heard steps inside
The door opened, and not very
prepossessing male servant growled
What do you want?"
Il have letter for Mr.. Fit.
Quagg." l said: lis he in?'
Gimme it, an I'll see,' said til,
lackey, snatching rather than re