The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1885-11-13


After more study over it, it flashed
upon me that I must have gone into
one of the other houses in the block.
This eased my mind little, though ]
still felt anxious about my papers.
There was nothing could do but ex-
ercise patience, so began reading the
lecture. Although somewhat beyond
my requirements, I found it interest
ing and instructive.
Toward O'Clock in the afternoon
we arrived in the manufacturing town
of S., whose inhabitants were of the
wide awake, knowledge seeking class,
so often found in New England vii
lagos AS it was impossible to trans
act my business in full without my pa
pers, and I was weary with the slow
progress we had made, formed asud-
den resolution to stop over night in
s., telegraph for my valise, and 60 to
New York some time the next day,
when it arrived.
The snow about the town was fairly
beaten down, considering the ferceness
of the storm and the short time since
it had abated.
After getting out of the cars did not
hurry, but leisurely passed along the
platform in the rear of the other pas
sengerS.
AS was about stepping off the plat
form to the sidewalk, to my surprise,
two gentlemen of nice appearance,
seemed about to accost me; |, of course,
supposed myself mistaken and passed
on.
In a moment they were by my side,
and one of them said, very politely:
"Excuse me, professor; [ thought it
was you, but did not feel sure until
saw your initials onyour valise. lam
sorry you have made such a rough
journey, but can assure you a good
audience, despite the storm"
Twas so dumbfounded that I could
not resist his efforts as he and his
friend escorted me to the carriage,
placed me in it, and then entered them
selves. Before l had O. chance to
speak, tie elder gentleman said:
II trust, professor, you will at once
feel at home with us. Youhav many
warm friends in town, though person
ally you are q stranger to us"
"Yes," broke in the other man. ~
am Mr.. Alderman, chairman of the
lecture committee, and my friend here
is Judge Lincoln, who would assist
you should you make your headquar-
ters at his house."
I saw where the mistake was; but
how to get out OF the matter caused
me to fall into a reverie, during which
my companions politely ceased to talk
with me. A few minutes thought, and
l determined to perform the part so
unexpectedly thrust upon me, and give
the lecture as best / could. Thanking
the gentlemen, and fearing the CONVEX
sation might drift into channels where
1 could not creditably sustain it, 1
begged permission to remain quiet, as
my journey had been very fatiguing.
We speedily arrived at a handsome
residence, which l gladly entered.
was ushered into a warm, pleasant
sitting room, and when left alone my
conscience began to smite me. l had
not long to reproach myself when Z
heard lady,s voice, and the judges
wife entered and cordially bade me
welcome In conversing with her [
discovered tnat was q very learned
and eloquent professor, and that the
public was very eager to hear me. l
trembled at my audacity; but l could
only carry out the character | had as
sumed. The lady informed me that
her son, who was very intimate with
me, (then i Ishuddered) was away (then
| breathed easier but | should meet
her daughter, Lily The lady left, and
after brief interval, which seemed
hours to me, 1heard voices in the hall.
There was evidently an intention to
speak in a low tone; but nevertheless,
1 distinctly heard all that was said,
as the door was slightly ajar
'What is this wonderful prodigy of
learning like mamma? Is he solemn
faced man, with sleek hair and spec
tacles, and erudition written on every
feature? Have drawn q correct pic
ture, mammal"
''Oh, no indeedl" was the answer.
''He is much unlike what Charles
letters led me to suspect. Heis really
a fine looking man, very gentlemanly,
and very pleasing to converse with;
but must say l should never have
supposed he was such q learned man
as he undoubtedly isl
l began to feel doubly guilty, and
had not recovered my composure when
Miss Lilysentered the room. She was
such a vision of loveliness that my
was increased. [ know I
must have seemed really stupid, but
my supposed wisdom doubtless encour-
aged her to- overlook it, and the grace
OF her welcome completed the fascina-
ton her first appearance had created. |
We were soon talking so eagerly that |
forgot my embarrassment. | was
delighted 30 find that her rarge of
thought ana reading were such ths. e
could talk very intelligently tog,:-' II.
[ pretended to be a great lover raf |
music, and conversation turned upon
that topic, SO that, when her motiser
came to call ms to tea, we were singing
together and enjoying each others So
,iety as though we had been friends
oryears.
Tea was soon over, ami the event
ul ssnoment was near. & overheard |
MissLily saying to her mother in a
whisper; Mamma, he is Splendid
This infused me with fresh courage for
he oHdeal. The Judge ana wife, Miss
lily and I, rode to the h,all The
dght az the brilhently liglgted room