The Lebanon express. (Lebanon, Linn County, Or.) 1887-1898, 1893-04-21
MY MISS SMITH.

When i was about to come 10 America
for though was born here, had lived
most Of my life in London-every one who
spoke TO me on the subject told me that
should find young girls had much more
liberty in the United States, and that this
made IL pleasanter for young men who de-
sired TO pay them attention. Whatever
else they said, they were sure to say that
was very young-barely large enough
as yet TO wear high hats and dress coats on
occasions of Importance though sol
emnly shaved twice n week, all that ap-
peared on the edge OF the razor was little
pale yellow down
was to go into business In New York,
TO take the place Of IL son OF certain Peter
Smith, who had insisted upon going upon
the stage instead Of into the cotton bust
ness.
Old Mr.. Smith was, | had heard, con
stantly prisoner in his own room In con
sequence OF the gout, and his daughter,
Miss Smith, was to comeon board the ves-
sel to receive me. | remembered afterward
that had never heard Miss Smiths age
mentioned, but supposed her to be ma
ture Hpinster,
"You can't remember Miss Smith, am
sure" said my elder sister, who had
brought me up, our parents having been
taken from us while | was yet child
But she used TO come to see us often when
you were four years old, and admired you
greatly, 1t is likely that she will think
you ought To have some recollection Of II
little horse and wagon she gave you"
"A horse and wagonS" said l.
"Yes," said Sophia "and you'd better
pretend TO remember IL, for know she is
very touchy-very touchy indeed"
promised TO do So As my sister and
her husband intended following me In six
months our parting was not melancholy
one. My voyage was pleasant, and ! ar
rived In New York without having met
with any unusual experiences.
1t appeared 10 me absurd that | should
have been sent over to he called for as il |
were a parcel, but as it had been done
waited n the cabin like lamb until one
OF the walters appeared, bearing upon Il
salver card which he presented to me,
read 1t and started to my feet
Miss Smith IL here then2' said |.
ayes, sir, replied the waiter
And followed him into the presence Of
lady in gray walking suit, who came
running toward me, holding out both
hands.
II was so afraid you would not wait for
mel' she said
| had expected an elderly lady. The per.
son who addressed me was both young
and pretty, and hesitated moment be.
fore returning her greeting,
"This IL Miss SmithS" asked.
YES" she answered And this Is Mr..
John Smith,"
| bowed and held out my hand.
at Is albright, Johnny" she added "lIet
us get into the carriage at once, Is every
thing arranged about your baggageS Dear
me, how strange to see you again after all
these years. How you have alteredp'
"Naturally,h said Il was such a little
fellow when you saw me last
II am older than you, you know" said
she, ~ we took our seats In the carriage
"Yes, your hair used to curl, but suppose
you have forgotten me entirely"
Her lip quSvered, She was touchy, as my
sister had said hastened to soothe her.
Forgotten your No, indeed" said l.
81 was speaking only yesterday of the TOY
horse and wagon you gave me
"Did I2n said she II had forgotten al
about that What sort Of n horse was itp'
"Oh, brown" said mendaciously "ant
little wagon with wheels"
She nodded
Eyes, think family remember sale
she. at has been sad, has 1t not, never Il
see each other all these years."
As had no remembrance whatever o
Miss Smith, 1 knew that spoke in some
what formal aud conventional tone when
replied Extremely 10. and in momen
more saw that tears stood in her eyes
and that she was trying to wipe them ava.
with her handkerchief without letting mi
perceive the fact,
She was so pretty and so sweet that
really felt myself quite II brute, drew
near to her and began!
"My dear Miss Smith,
She suddenly sat bolt upright her cheek
flaming and her lip quivering
England must be the stitfest, meanest
most dreadful pace" said she. "You ar
like poker, or column of ice, or some
thing Miss Smith to mel suppose the
do 30 over there, but 1t enrages me- Nv
been longing to see you-thinking of you
remembering how nice you were, feelin
.as if the world would change for the bette
as soon MS saw you, and you call me Mis-
Smith, as If we had had u quarrelp
~ suppose we are more formal on th
other side" said 1T is the custom owe
there"
IAN abominabe custom" said sh'
"Therel am not angry, but Oh, John
my, Johnny | suppose ought TO have n
membered how long it was"
"You see" said l. 81 felt surprised.
expected to see a spinster; | had no ide
you were SO young haven't got owe
the surprise :"
"How queer men are" said she. &C
course / am older than you, but we ar
Just Of an age to enjoy ourselves togethe
Nov. aren't weY'