The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1885-04-24

i progress l had made, formed q sudden
resolution to stop over night in s.,
telegraph for my valise, and 60 to New
York some time the next day. when II
arrived.
! The snow about the town was fairly
beaten down, considering the tierceness
of the storm and the short time since it
had begun to abate. After getting out
of the cars did not hurry. but leisurely
passed along the platform in the rear
of the other passengers. As / was
about stepping of the platform to the
sidewalk, to my surprise. two gentle
men, of nice appearance. seemed about
| to accost me; but. as they were total
strangers to 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; l thought it was sure,
but did not feel sure until l saw your
initials upon your valise. / am sorry
you have had such rough Journey; but
l can assure good audience, despite
| the storm"
was so dumbfounded that l could
not resist his efforts as he and his
friend escorted me to a carriage. placed
me in it, and then entered themselves.
Before had chance to speak, the old
er gentleman said: II trust. Professor,
you will at once feel at home with us.
You have many warm friends in town,
though you are stranger, personally,
to US.
Yes" broke in the other man. 81
am Mr.. Alderman, Chairman of the
Lecture Committee, and my friend here
is Judge Lincoln, who would iisist you
should make your headquarters at his
house"
Isaw what their mistake was; but how
to get myself out of the matter caused
me to fall into reyerie, during which
my companions politely ceased to talk
to me. A few minutes thought, and |
determined to perform the part so I'M
expectedly thrust upon ne, and give
the lecture as best | could. Thanking
the gentlemen, and fear ng the con-
versation might drift into chanrels
where | could not sustain it creditably,
| begged perm ission to remain quiet, as
my journey had been very fatiguing.
We speedily arrived at handsome
residence, into which gladly entered.
/ was ushered into a warm, plea amt
sitting room, and, when left alone, my
conscience began to smite me. l had
not long to reproach myself when l
heard the sound of woman's voice.
and the Judges wife entered and
cordially babe me welcome. In con-
versing with her discovered l was n
very learned and eloquent Professor,
and that the public was very eager to
hear me. | tremb!ed at my audacity;
but | could only carry ont tie character
| had so rdshly assumed. The lady in
formed me that her son, who was very
intimate with me Chen l shuddcred)
was away (here | breathed easier), but
| should meet her daughter, Lily. The
lady left, and, after brief quiet. which
seemed hours TO me, heard voices in
the hall. There was evidently an in
tention TO speak in low tone; but.
nevertheless. heard all that was said
distinctly, as the door was slightly ajar.
'What is this wonderful prodigy of
learning like, mamma? Is he a solemn
faced man, with sleek hair. spectacles
and erudlt:on written on every feature?
Have l drawn correct picture mann
ma?'
.'Oh! no. indeed" was the answer.
HE is much unlike what Charlcy's let
tiers had led me to expect He is really
fine-looking man. very gentlemanly,
and very pleasing TO converse with;
but l must say should never suppose
he was such learned man as he I'M
doubtedly is" l began to feel doublg
guilty, and had not recovered when
Miss Lily entered the room. She was
such vision OF loneliness that my dis
comtiture was increased. | knew /
must have seemed really stupid; but
aged her to overlook il, 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 de-
lighted to find that her range CT reading
and thought We're such that we could
talk very inte,ligently together. / pre-
tended to be grea. lover of mus C, and
our conversation turned upon that
topic, SO that, when her mother came
to call us to tea, we were singing to-
gether and enjoying each others So
ciety rs though we had been friends for
years.
Tea was soon over, and the eventful
moment was near. / overheard Miss
Lily say to her mother in whisper:
Mamma. he is splendid This infused
me with fresh courage for the ordeal
The Judge and wife, Miss Lily and /.
rode together to the hall The sight of
the brilliantly-lighted loom and the ex-
pectant faces of the people made my
knees tremble and my heart beat
quickly; but left the Judge and his
family and made my way to the ante
room, where L found my friend the
chairman. In few moments l was
upon the platform. facing hall full of
intelligent-looking people. and con-
spicuous among them the bright eyes
and charming face of Miss Lily. do
not know what it was the chairman said,
l only know it was panegyric upon
me. and that when he said: Il now
have the honor and the pleasure of pre-
senting 10 you the celebrated lecturer
and scholar, Prof. Richardson, arose
and stood before them, undecided
whether to speak or to turn and run.
The applause which followed gave
me little time to brace up. So,
spreading the manuscript upon the
desk, began. had devoted little
time to elocution, and had locked over
the manuscript in the cars, 20 that
was fairly familiar with it. and, as 1
proceeded. l kept gaining additional
courage. and the lecture was delivered
in way that aStonished myself and
won r.naatad pIouJits A rnfo Of