The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-09-18

SELECT STORY.
QUITE AN ADVENTURE.
BY JUlT'r.

BY JUiTr.
"A good many years have passed
since.-one bitterly cold night, the last
night in the OLD year-I was taking
the p. M. express train from New
York to Newcastle. The train stood
ready to start, but either there were
few passengers or they did not like
leaving the cheerful warmth of wait
ing or refreshment rooms until the
last moment, for paced the platform
in gloomy solitude, trying TO decide
the momentous question whether to
travel third class, and please the gov
ernor, or frs, and please myself, My
father was a large shareholder, and
took an active interest in the working
OF the line lie was not satisfied with
getting good interest for his money,
but wanted to the very full amount all
the principal was capable Of making.
One of his maxims was, snake the
third-class carriages as comfortable as
you can, and then far greater numbers
will travel
And so l usually followed his ad-
vice, but on this night l felt sorely
tempted TO make an exception to the
rule. remembered, however, with an
uneasy conscience, that was bound to
please the old gentleman just now, if
possible.
"Are these corner seats all taken ?" 1
asked of two ladies who were the sole
occupants of the carriage p
"All but that" said the elder one,
poiting to the one opposite to her
threw in a small satchel and some
wraps.
"You are not going third on night
like this, Mr.. Lawson?' said the guard,
addressing me.
"Certainly! Why not7' demanded l
brayely but felt that l was a self
denying young man, and should most
assuredly, in my first letter home,
make strong note of the sacrifice |
had made.
81 will get you foot-warmer you
will need it to nigh" said the guard, as
he was hurrying away.
Thanks! Bring one for these ladies
as well, returned |.
But travelling was heavy work, as
the rails were encountered with snow.
My companions were not talkative.
The old lady indeed listened to what l
had to say, and now and again ventur-
ed remark on her own account ; but
the young one merely gave monosyl-
Liable replies to any observations ad-
dressed to her. thought, however,
that she had the most musical voice |
had ever heard, md felt provoked with
her for talking so little and keeping
her face concealed by thick Shetland
veil, which made it an impossibility to
see what her features were like.
AT length gave up all efforts at con-
versation and sat wondering who my
fellow-passengers were, and devising a
scheme that would make the young
lady throw back her veil. AsI lay
back with closed eyrs,visions of a fair
haired, blue-eyed, gentle girl foated
before me, and already ] was more
than half in love with her. l was a
young man and had never before felt
the charm of a sweet voice, and de-
termined that / would not lose sight of
the possessor in hurry.
Presently opened the window and
attempted to look out I; but instantly
there was such shower of fine white
snow that was compelled to close it
again quickly. The ladies shivered
and | at once offered my rug to the
elder lady and then more carefully and
tenderly folded my plaid about the
younger one.
AT last we ran into Darlington sta
ton and, as l hastily ordered port
wine negus to be brought to us as hot
as it could be made, l exulted in the
thought that at last / should have &
glimpse of the young lady's face. Bu
| was doomed to disappointment.
"You had better keep down YOU
veil, DEAR" the old lady said, turning
to her companion "this wind vii
make your toothache worse
After this / sat down in sullen 81
lence to brood over my ill-luck.
Travelling grew worse. The old lady
was evidently agitated. She slipped
her hand in the young ladys muff-
evidently for sympany.
81 am afraid we shall not get into
Newcastle tonight" said l, bending
toward them.
"Surely!" burst from both their lip
in such CONSERVATION as made me sorry
to have impaired such disagreeable in
formation.
"But we must be in Newcastle to
night !" said the elder lady irrational
| ly and the tears stood in her eyes a
she added, "Do you really think ther,
is no possibility of arriving tonight
81 am afraid not, madam" said I
"but if your business is very urgent,
will try to get telegram sent for you
| from the next station-that is, if tn
wires are all right"
"There is no need, thank you" re
piled the young lady quickly.
"No, thank you,' echoed the eide
one. 81 was but rejecting on the uu
pleasant position we should be place
in as two unprotected ladies. M
daughter too has not been well fo
some time"
OF course | offered my protection
and secretly felt glad at the probabilit
! of spending several hours in the con
pany of "my daughter"
As finished speaking, we came t
dead stand. In few seconds th
guard opened the carriage door.
4 "We shall be obliged to stay hci
for the night, Mr., Lawson" he said
"there is regular block. Lucky jo
there is some cottages just near.
"Send to engage at least one rool
for me and my friends requested
"This young lady is not we'll, an
/ i L IL l..