Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/371

Rh “Oh, yes, he would like, Ma'am, I assure you he would like it! And perhaps you have a thousand dollars on which you would maintain him, Ma'am.”

“But, Jim, I should not like to have a husband who would merely have me for the sake of my dollars.”

“You're right there, Miss, very right. But you would be so very much happier with a nice young man who would take care of you, &c.”

“Look here, Jim,” said I, finally, “up there, above the clouds, is a great big Gentleman who takes care of me, and if I have him, there is no need of any one else.”

The thought struck my warm-hearted Irishman, who exclaimed:—

“There you are right, Miss! Yes, He is the husband after all! And if you have Him you need not be afraid of anything!”

“Nor am I afraid, Jim. But now,” said I, “go-a-head, for the path is too narrow for two.”

And we separated. What now do you think of your proposed brother-in-law?

The third day of my stay people began to have some knowledge of who was the solitary wanderer in the neighbourhood, and kind visitors came with invitations, which I regretted not being able to receive and accept, in consequence of an attack of toothache. The heat, too, was again oppressive, and affected both soul and body.

From Harper's Ferry I proceeded to Philadelphia. The day was beautiful, but the journey was fatiguing, from the many changes which were requisite from steamboat to railway and back again, and because I, being alone, without a gentleman friend, had to carry my own luggage, being unwilling to trouble any stranger. In my case, however, it mattered little, as I was strong and well; but I was really distressed for a lady, solitary like myself, but an invalid and suffering, who did not seem able to carry