Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-09-13
ON THEIR TRAVELS.
Amusing Incidents of Self-conceit, Ingrati-
tude, and Selfishness.

In the Tennessee Mountains few
summers ago we saw in the hotel
dining-room lady who seemed to ex-
cite a certain amount of amused in
terest. She had way of hurrying out
of the room after meals. and gathering
her children round her like hen guard
ing her chicks from the approaching
hawks. The little family party spoke
to no one and flocked by themselves in
corners. When she saw us she hasten
ed up: 20! how glad / am to meet
some other Charlestonian. These bar
barians here. a semitone lower, 'near-
ly kill me! What a mistake for any of
as to come here" She forgot the de-
lightful air, fare, and scenery of the
place; also that no coercion was used to
keep her there, and finally that she was
inspiring those around her with any,
thing but affection for her native place.
That afternoon we heard her telling a
new arrival, foreigner travelling on
scientific errand, that he really should
go out of his way to visit F, in
Carolina. You would meet our best
people there in the summer" she as
sured him. THAT would be pleasant"
said the foreigner, bowling politely.
We learned incidentally that this gen
tleman was habitue of very brilliant
literary circle in Vienna
Again, IN Virginia, a party was once
made up to cross the lake and dine at a
neighboring hotel. An elderly fellow
citizen, staying at our inn, went over
also, but in smaller boat belonging to
the friend at whose house he was to
dine. 1t was understood by himself
and friend that he should return with
us at night, but not knowing this we set
out on the return trip and were half
way across before his son, a pleasant
lad who was with us, wondered why the
friend had not vet rowed his father
over. We Immediately returned and
found the old gentleman at the landing
in state of indispensable offended
dignity. Our explanation was received
in implacable silence, his only remark
on the way being n sarcastic one to his
son: II understand. A De Brown was
forgotten His wife was almost tear
full on hearing of the incident, and told
her son she could not forgive the gem
tleman of our party, who "well knew
MIR. De Browns position at home"
They both absented themselves from
the evening meal, though it did not
seem to interfere with the general
gayety.
1t was only the other day that a
Northern friend told us of meeting in a
sleeping-car going somewhere IN his
region lady who insisted on having
section not previously telegraphcd for
She kept repeating to the distracted
conductor: Perhaps you do not know
that am Mrs. John Smith, of Charles
ton, S. c." while he endeavored to
make her understand that ''all the
blood of all the Howardsn could not
procure for her in that crowded sleeper
bcrths which she had not secured be-
forehand.
One more illustration to conclude: A
youth among us recently returned with
his family party from Western tour.
They had received, through I'm accl-
dental Introduction. some kindly civili-
ties from gentleman there OF high
position. intellectually and socially.
This young man, describing the trip,
spoke OF the circumstance, saying that
MIR. -- was SO pleased to meet his
family. Put himself out in every way
for them. Was evidently glad to get
the opportunity He knew of course,
who we were" One of his hearers
observed that the gentleman in question
was known to him by reputation. HE
has been very well spoken Of" replied
the youth, condesccndingly. He really
deserves. pulling up his collar with a
fatuous air, great credit. Has worked
himself up wonderfully. Very low
origin, | hear. Carpenters or some
thing of that sort" His much amused
listeners neglected to inform him that
Mr.. - was of antecedents, education,
and position infinitely superior to his
own. Certainly. modesty and gratitude
for kindness received are attributes Of
the highest form of breeding.
Had the Pass Word.
The demons of mischief were let
loose in camp. There was plenty of fun.
1t began with the big. fat drum-maior
He was ont late and when he returned
he could not give the guard the counter
sign He tried to push HIM. but the
guard accurately pinned him in the belt.
After gazing ut him sadly for Il mo-
ment, the drum-major sighed, Il give it
CUP" and dropped hclplessly on the
guard. The guard yelled for the corpo-
raj to come 10 his assistance. When
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