The Erie Train Boy
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His wealth and high social standing led him to be considered a "catch," in the matrimonial market. It is safe to say that at least half a dozen young ladies had set their caps for him. Among these was Luella Ferguson, and there were those who considered her chance of landing the prize the best. At any rate Mr. Lindsay, who had been employed by the elder Ferguson in some legal matter, became a frequent caller, to the great satisfaction of Luella Ferguson. It may not be considered a mark of taste on the part of the young man to have fallen a victim to the young lady's arts, but in his presence she was all that was amiable. She was not without a certain attractiveness of face, which, had it been joined to an equally agreeable disposition, might have proved a good excuse to any young man for succumbing to her fascinations. Never for a moment had he cause to suspect that she was otherwise than she seemed. Kind and sympathetic himself, the absence of these qualities, if known to him, would have rendered her repulsive to him.
He conducted Ruth to a drug store, and the druggist administered restoratives that soon brought back her strength and color, but not her cheerfulness.
"I am strong enough now to go on my way," she said rising. "How can I thank you, sir, for your kindness?"
"By allowing me to see you to your own door," and this he insisted on despite Ruth's protest.
"Would it be indiscreet," he asked, when they had set out on their way, "to ask if you can account for your sudden illness?"
"I had a shock," she answered.
"Of what sort? Are you willing to make me your confidant? I do not ask out of curiosity, but because it may be in my power to serve you."
"I have so few friends that I will not decline your kind offer."
"You were coming from the house of Mr. Robert Ferguson?"
"Yes, sir; do you know him?"
"Quite well. I was myself going there."
"Is he considered – an honorable man?"
"Why, surely. What can lead you to doubt it?"
In answer Ruth told her story. The young lawyer listened in pained surprise. Strictly honorable himself, he found it hard to believe that a man whom he knew so well could be guilty of the meanness of defrauding two women whose interests had been confided to him. Yet the story seemed probable. Moreover, even had matters been as Mr. Ferguson represented, his want of feeling seemed almost as bad as absolute dishonesty. He asked Ruth several questions in order that he might become fully possessed of all particulars.
"This, then, was the cause of your agitation?" he said at length.
"Not wholly. It was the treatment I received from Miss Ferguson that affected me most."
"Miss Ferguson! Do you know Miss Ferguson?" Lindsay asked quickly.
"I met her for the first time yesterday afternoon."
"Where – may I ask?"
"In the Erie train. I entered the cars at Port Jervis. She was already on board, but I do not know from what point she had come."
"I think I know. She had been visiting a school friend at Binghamton."
"You know her, then?"
"Yes. I met her at a party about a year since."
"If she is a friend of yours I will not say anything to her disadvantage."
"But I want you to tell me all there is to tell. I have a special reason for learning all I can about her. You say she treated you ill?"
"She treated me cruelly. She took offense in the cars because the conductor removed her dog from a seat in order to make room for me."
"Was there no other seat in the car?"
"None, or I would not have disturbed her. I did not like to stand all the way from Port Jervis to New York."
"Of course not. Please favor me with the particulars."
The young man listened attentively while Ruth in simple language – not exaggerating in any respect – told her story. Young Lindsay's brow contracted, for he felt indignant at the cold selfishness shown by the young lady who had hitherto attracted him. He felt that, if it were all true, he could never again look upon her even with ordinary friendship.
"She feigned to look upon me as a servant," Ruth concluded, "and sharply rebuked me for thrusting myself upon her. I would gladly have taken another seat had any been unoccupied, but the car was full. I heard from the train boy that it was on account of an excursion to Shohola Glen."
"I confess, Miss Patton" (Ruth had told her name), "I am surprised and pained by what you have told me. I never knew that Luella – Miss Ferguson – had such unlovely traits. To me she has always seemed kind and considerate."
Looking in the young man's expressive face, Ruth Patton felt that she understood better than he why Miss Ferguson had assumed to be what she was not. She was not surprised that Luella should desire to make a favorable impression upon one who seemed to her the most attractive young man she had ever met. But of course she could not give utterance to the thought that was in her mind, and remained silent.
"To change the subject," said Lindsay, after a pause, "may I ask what are your plans if you have any?"
"I must try to earn some money. If – if you would advise me."
"With pleasure. Let me ask, first, what you can do."
"I used to do some copying for a lawyer at Port Jervis."
"You are used, then, to copying legal documents?"
"I have done considerable of it."
"You do not use the typewriter?"
"No, I have never learned."
Alfred Lindsay paused, and his expressive face showed that he was busy thinking.
"I am a lawyer," he said at length, "and I have copying to do, of course. Would you mind calling upon me at my office to-morrow morning?"
"I shall be very glad to do so," answered Ruth, her eyes lighting up with new-born hopes.
"I think I can promise you something to do."
"Oh, sir, you don't know how your words cheer me. This is where I live.
Thank you very much for your kind escort."
"Don't mention it. I will expect you to-morrow," and the young man took off his hat as respectfully as if Ruth, instead of being a poor girl in search of work, were a lady in his own set.
CHAPTER XXI.
LUELLA'S PAINFUL DISCOVERY
"What business had that girl with you, papa?" asked Luella Ferguson, when, stung by her insolence, Ruth had left the house.
"She told you," answered the father evasively.
"Is it true that you were trustee of any property belonging to her?"
"Well, there is some truth in it. Her father was an old schoolmate of mine, though we were never intimate, and when he died, considerably to my surprise, he asked me to settle his estate."
"How much did it amount to?"
"After paying all bills, including funeral expenses, there was seventy-five dollars left."
"A fine estate, upon my word!" said Luella with a scornful laugh.
"Really, the girl is a great heiress."
"She thought she ought to have been. What do you think she and her mother expected?"
"Something amusing, no doubt."
"They thought that they would realize ten thousand dollars, and be completely provided for."
"They must be fools!"
"We won't use so harsh an expression. Women know very little about business."
"Some women, papa. You will please make an exception in my case."
"Well, I admit, Luella," said her father complacently, "you do seem to have a sharp eye to your own interests."
"Why shouldn't I? I come honestly by it, papa, don't I?"
"Well, perhaps – "
"You have been pretty sharp yourself, eh, papa? I fancy you have a pretty good sum of money salted down – that's the term, isn't it?"
"Well, I have something, but I don't care to make a boast of it. There would be plenty who would want a share – for instance, Mrs. Fenton."
"That reminds me; her son is a train-boy on the Erie road."
"Did you see him?"
"Yes, he made himself very obnoxious by his impertinent intermeddling. He insisted upon my removing my poor Fido, in order to give that girl a seat."
"What concern was it of his?"
"None at all, but he made such a fuss that I had to do it."
"You need not have done so. The train boy has no authority in such matters."
"He called the conductor, and he took my poor darling into the baggage car. Papa, can't you get him discharged?"
"I have no influence with the Erie officials, my dear. Besides, if I deprive him of his chance to make a living, he and his mother will be importuning me for money. Better leave well enough alone!"
This was the sort of argument that weighed with Luella Ferguson. She was meanness personified, and would rather save money than be revenged upon Fred.
"Do you think you will have any more trouble with this girl who called to-night?"
"I should not be surprised if she called again to ask me to help her to employment."
"If she does, advise her to go out to service. She could get a position as chambermaid without difficulty."
"Remember, Luella, that in her own town she has held a good social position. She may have too much pride."
"Then let her starve!" said Luella, harshly. "It is preposterous for a pauper to be proud."
"She is not exactly a pauper," said Mr. Ferguson, who was not quite so venomous in his hatred as his daughter.
"I forgot – she has a fortune of seventy-five dollars. Will you do me a favor?"
"What is it?"
"If the girl comes again, turn her over to me."
"Very well, my dear. I shall be glad to do so. It will relieve me from embarrassment."
"I shall feel no embarrassment. I shall rather enjoy it."
"By the way, Luella, how are you getting on with young Lindsay?"
Luella flushed a little, and a softer light shone in her eyes. She had very little heart, but such as she had was given to Alfred Lindsay. At first attracted by his wealth and social position – for on his mother's side he belonged to one of the Knickerbocker families – she had ended by really falling in love with him. In his company she appeared at her best. Her amiable and attractive manners were not wholly assumed, for the potent spell of love softened her and transformed her from a hard, cynical, selfish girl to a woman seeking to charm one who had touched her heart.
"He comes to see me very often, papa," she answered, coyly.
"And he seems impressed?"
"I think so," said Luella, lowering her eyes, while a gratified smile lighted up her face.
"He has never actually proposed?" asked Ferguson eagerly.
"Well, not exactly, but from his manner I think he will soon."
"I hope so, Luella. There is no one whom I would more prefer for a son-in-law."
"I shall not say him nay, papa."
"Of course not. He is rich and of distinguished family. He will make a very suitable mate for you."
"Yes, papa, I appreciate that, but you too are rich and of high social position."
"Well, daughter, I stand fairly, but as to family, I can't boast much. My father – your grandfather – was a village blacksmith. I have never told you that before."
"Horrors, papa!" exclaimed Luella. "You cannot mean this?"
"It is a sober fact. I have never told you, for I knew it would shock you."
"Does any one know it in our circle?"
"No. Indeed, the only one who is likely to have any knowledge of it is Mrs. Fenton and her son."
"The train boy!"
"Yes."
"If it should get out I should die of mortification."
"Neither you nor I are likely to mention it. I only referred to it to show the advantages of marrying a man of high lineage like Alfred Lindsay. I have money, but I have never been able to get into the inner circle to which the Lindsays belong. Money will buy much, but it won't buy that. I hope yon will do your best to bring the young mail to the point."
"I will manage it, papa," said Luella complacently. "Do you know I have made up my mind to go to Europe on a wedding trip?"
"If Lindsay consents."
"He will do whatever I wish. I expect him to call this evening."
"Do you?"
"Yes, and – papa, something might happen," added Luella playfully.
"I hope so sincerely, my dear."
"Mind, if he comes to you, not a word about the blacksmith! I wish you hadn't told me."
"Forget it then, Luella. We will keep it a profound secret."
Luella left her father's presence with a smile upon her face. It was already eight o'clock. Half an hour passed, and she became anxious. Fifteen minutes more clipped by, and still the welcome ring at the bell was not heard. She was ready to cry with vexation, for she had made up her mind to lead the young man to a declaration that very evening if it were a possible thing.
She summoned a servant.
"Jane," she said, "Mr. Lindsay has not called this evening, has he?"
"No miss. If he had of course I would tell you."
"I thought perhaps there might have been some mistake. If he should come – and it isn't very late yet – let me know at once."
"Surely I will, Miss Luella."
"She's dead gone on that man," said Jane to herself. "Well, I don't wonder, for he is awfully handsome, that's a fact. But my! if he could only see her in some of her tantrums, he'd open his eyes. He thinks she's an angel, but I know her better."
Several days passed and still Alfred Lindsay did not call. Luella became alarmed. Was she losing her hold upon him? She was considering whether it would be proper to write a letter to the young lawyer at his office, when she chanced to make a very painful discovery.
About five o'clock on Saturday afternoon she was coming out of Lord & Taylor's up-town store when in a plainly dressed girl who was just passing she recognized Ruth Patton. Curiosity led her to address Ruth.
"So you are still in the city?" she said abruptly.
"Yes, Miss Ferguson," answered Ruth calmly.
"Of course you are very poor. I think I can get you a place as chambermaid in the family of one of my friends."
"Thank you, but I have a position I like better."
"What sort of a position?"
"I am in a lawyer's office, copying legal papers."
"Indeed! I suppose you are poorly paid."
"I receive ten dollars a week."
"That is ridiculously high pay. Of course you don't earn it."
"Mr. Lindsay fixed the salary – I did not."
"Lindsay!" gasped Luella, "what Lindsay?"
"Alfred Lindsay. He has his office in the Mills Building."
Ruth Patton passed on, having unconsciously given poignant anguish to the haughty Miss Ferguson.
"Where could she have met Alfred?" Luella asked herself with contracted brow. "I must get him to discharge her. I had no idea she was such an artful minx."
CHAPTER XXII.
MISS FERGUSON WRITES A NOTE
It was indeed true that Ruth Patton had found employment at ten dollars a week. Her services were scarcely worth that sum to her employer, but Alfred Lindsay was not only rich but generous, and was glad to believe Ruth's anxiety by insuring her a comfortable income. She was still at Mrs. Fenton's rooms, being now able to contribute her share of the expense incurred. The widow was willing to accept only three dollars per week, so that Ruth had the satisfaction of sending a weekly remittance to her mother. She was very grateful for the change in her circumstances, and, notwithstanding the disappointment about her father's estate, felt that there was reason to hope.
Two days later Alfred Lindsay found a letter upon his desk addressed in a delicate female hand which he did not recognize.
"A lady client!" he thought. "What does she want – a divorce?"
When he opened the envelope he read the following note, written on a highly perfumed sheet:
MY DEAR MR. LINDSAY: Pray don't be shocked at my boldness in writing you, but it is so long since you have called that papa suggests sickness as a possible cause. I do hope that this is not what has kept you away. I confess that I have missed you very much. I have so enjoyed our conversations. You are not like the fashionable butterflies of whom we meet so many in society. One must tolerate them, of course but it is a comfort to meet a man who can talk intelligently about books and art. Apropos, I have a new collection of etchings that I want to show you. Won't you name an evening when you will call, as I want to be certain to be at home when you really do come. I should be desolated, as the French say, to be absent.
Now don't fail to answer this screed. Otherwise I shall certainly manage to have some law business that will give me an excuse for calling at your office.
Very sincerely yours,
LUELLA FERGUSON.
Alfred Lindsay read this note slowly, and there was a smile upon his face, for he fully appreciated Luella's motive in writing it. A fortnight since he would have been charmed, but his feelings with respect to Miss Ferguson had undergone a change. The revelation of her real character had shocked him, and served effectually to kill his growing attachment. Beauty of face could not make up for deformity of character. On the other hand, he was beginning to be attracted by Ruth. She lacked Luella's regular features and cold, classic beauty, but her sweet face revealed a disposition warm, kindly, and sympathetic; and when her deep, serious eyes rested upon him, he felt that she was far more attractive than her showy rival.
"What shall I do?" he asked himself as his eyes fell upon the note. He must of course answer it, but should he accept the invitation? Upon the whole he decided to do so. There was no reason which he could allege for declining, and, though it would be to sacrifice an evening, he would go armed against Luella's fascinations by the knowledge he had acquired. He drew out a sheet of paper from a drawer in his desk, and wrote as follows:
MY DEAR MISS FERGUSON: As I am writing in my office, you will understand and excuse the unfashionable business paper which I am using. I am flattered to find that you miss me, and still more at the reason you assign for preferring my company to that of the gilded young men who worship at your shrine. I am but "a plain, blunt man," as Shakspeare has it, and cannot vie with them in compliment. I shall no doubt find pleasure in examining the etchings which you hold out as an inducement to call. I will name Thursday evening, but should you have a previous engagement, don't scruple to notify me, as I can easily postpone my visit to another date.
Yours sincerely,
ALFRED LINDSAY.
Luella Ferguson read this note with mingled pleasure and disappointment.
"It is very cold," she murmured, "almost as if I were an ordinary acquaintance. I suppose men feel hampered when they try to express themselves upon paper. I will not believe that he is less friendly, or admires me less than he used to do. At any rate he is coming, and I must make myself as fascinating as possible. I have a chance to win him, and I mean to do it."
"Papa," said Luella on Thursday morning, "Mr. Lindsay will call here this evening."
"I am glad to hear it, Luella. I hope he is coming – on business."
"I don't know," she answered demurely.
"You know my wishes on the subject?"
"They accord with mine, papa."
When Alfred Lindsay was announced, he found Luella resplendent in a new dress, and bedecked with jewels. She intentionally made herself as attractive as possible.
"Really. Miss Ferguson, you are radiant tonight," he said.
"Do you think so?" she asked.
"There is no doubt of it. Are you expecting other company?"
"Only yourself."
"Then I am to consider it a special compliment to me."
"If you like."
"Then I must express my acknowledgments."
Yet as he spoke, his thoughts reverted to Ruth Patton, with her lack of ornament and severe simplicity, and he felt that her image was to him the more attractive of the two. It was fortunate for Miss Ferguson's peace of mind that she could not read his thoughts.
"Now, you bad boy," she said playfully, "you must tell me why you have stayed away so long."
"Perhaps to see if you would miss me."
"I have missed you so much."
"That is certainly a compliment to me as a conversationalist, As you wrote in your note you appreciate my sensible conversation I am afraid you overestimate me. I have a friend who is really brilliant, and can converse eloquently upon any subject. May I bring him with me?"
"Who is he?" asked Luella hesitatingly.
"Professor Grimes."
"What, the lecturer?"
"Yes."
"Why. he is grotesque in appearance. I heard him lecture once, and thought he wore a mask, so ugly was his face."
"You admit his eloquence, however?"
"Yes; but from such a mouth even pearls cease to attract. Pray don't bring him! He positively makes me shudder, I assure you."
Luella did not like the turn the conversation had taken. There seemed no chance for sentiment, and she wanted to bring all her fascinations to bear.
"You have some etchings to show me; Miss Ferguson?" said Lindsay, after a pause.
"Yes; but I want to show them to you myself. You will have to come and sit beside me."
"Willingly," answered Alfred, but his tone was conventional, and lacked the warmth it had formerly shown.
Together they looked over the collection. Luella saw, however, to her mortification, that Lindsay was calm and cold. It seemed clear that she had lost her power over him. What could be the reason?
"Can it be that girl, Ruth Patton?" she asked herself. "Is it she who is drawing Alfred Lindsay away from me? I must warn him against her."
"By the way, haven't you a copyist in your office named Ruth Patton?"
"How did you know?" asked Lindsay.
"I met her the other day on Broadway. Perhaps you don't know, but she is an humble protegee of my father's."
"A protegee?"
"Yes; papa has been very kind to the family. He took charge of their affairs on the death of her father, and, though there was not enough property to pay the debts, he paid them all, and sent a check to Mrs. Patton besides."
"That was certainly considerate!" said Lindsay; but from his tone it could not be discovered if he were speaking in earnest or ironically.
"As you say, it was considerate, but this Ruth is very ungrateful. She was actually ridiculous enough to think they ought to have had a fortune, and I believe blames papa for the way things have come out."
Alfred Lindsay listened politely, but did not express an opinion.
"She is a very good copyist," he said.
"I am glad she is earning a living, though I think it would have been better for her to remain in the country, don't you?"
"Really, I can't judge for others, not knowing all the circumstances."
"The girl is ill bred, I am sorry to say. She treated me rudely in the cars."
"She gives me no cause of complaint," said Lindsay shortly. He understood and despised Luella's attempts to prejudice him against the copyist.
When he rose to go, Luella was disappointed. She felt that she had brought him no nearer, and had not strengthened her hold upon him.
As the young lawyer descended the steps he met a man coming up whom he recognized as a dealer in worthless mining stock, who was looked upon by reputable business men with doubt and suspicion.
"What business can Orlando Jenkins have with Mr. Ferguson?" he asked himself.
CHAPTER XXIII.
ANOTHER RAILROAD ADVENTURE
Six months have passed and brought with them some changes. At the end of two months Ruth Patton sent for her mother, who was feeling very lonely at Port Jervis, and engaged a suite of three rooms over those occupied by Mrs. Fenton and Fred. Though she was away during the day, the two ladies, living so near together, were company for each other. Ruth had now become advanced to twelve dollars a week, not out of charity, but because Alfred Lindsay's business had considerably increased and gave his copyist more to do.
Fred was still on the Erie road, but it was now winter, and the travel had so much diminished that where he had formerly earned seven or eight dollars a week he now averaged no more than four. He began to be dissatisfied, for his income now was inadequate to meet his expenses, and he had been obliged to spend twenty dollars out of the two hundred which he had received from Mr. Lawrence at Niagara Falls. He was now seventeen, and he felt that it was high time he had entered upon some business in which he could advance by successive steps. On the road, if he remained till he was thirty years of age, he could earn no more than at present. He answered several advertisements, but secured nothing likely to be an improvement upon his present place.