Library Collections: Document: Full Text

I had just removed my bonnet and shawl, when the bell rang for dinner. No one offered to assist me, and touching a gentleman, (if such I may term him,) on the arm, I asked him to assist me to the table. He walked away without taking any notice of my request. I spoke to five or six others, all of whom treated me in a similar manner. I then sat down, thinking I would go without my dinner; but I found this would be impossible, for I was very weak for want of refreshment, having eaten nothing since the night before. All had left the parlor except one lady. I asked her if she would lead me to the dining-room; she replied very coolly and indifferently: "I am not going out to dinner." I told her I would pay her for her trouble if she would take me out. She said she wanted no pay, and then walked with me to the dining-hall, and left me in care of one of the waiters who, by the way, paid me every attention. 'Tis not always the finest broadcloth covers the most noble or manly heart. A lady who sat next me at table was very kind; after dinner she took me to the ladies' dressing-room, where I arranged my toilet, and we then went again to the parlor. The conductor came to me, saying I must excuse him having neglected me, he thought I was in care of the lady and gentleman sitting near me, and did not require his services. He offered to send a gentleman to wait upon me across the river to the cars. At three o'clock this gentleman came, and the instant I heard his voice I felt I had a friend. He kindly inquired if my journey had been pleasant? I told him how neglected and lonely I had felt. He said he was not surprised at this, for a rougher or more uncivil set of persons he had seldom seen. I could not forbear repeating to him the opinion of my travelling companions which I had formed from overhearing their conversation. I really thought them extremely domestic and rural in their predilections, as they had talked of nothing but their pigs and potatoes all the way.

We had now reached, the cars; my friend informed me he was agent on the railroad, and would be able to remain with me the distance of sixty-five miles. I was much pleased with this intelligence; for though sister had been prepossessed with the appearance of the gentleman and lady, under whose charge she left me at Chicago, I felt sure Mr. Dennison would prove far more agreeable and attentive. He was during the short time we travelled together all I expected he would be from my first impressions, and I was really very sorry when, arriving at his destination, he bade me adieu.

He advised me to remain in Cleveland a day or two, as I would be exhausted from my jaunt thus far. He introduced me to a friend of his, whom he said would render me any service I required; he also gave me his card to hand to a Mr. Chase, when I reached Cleveland. I invited Mr. D. to call and see me if ever he came to Baltimore, which he said he should certainly do. I felt grateful to him for his kindness, and did not wish him to think I should soon forget it.

Upon arriving at Cleveland, which we did at nine o'clock in the evening, I acted upon Mr. D.'s advice; and desiring a carriage, the friend with whom he had left me called one, and we drove to the Chase House. The proprietor met me at the door with a cordial "How do you do?" Indeed, so cordial was this inquiry, I almost fancied he must be some old but half-forgotten acquaintance. Leading me into the parlor, he asked where I was journeying. I told him to Baltimore, to have my eyes examined and to undergo treatment, hoping to recover my sight. He said I need not go any further than his house for that purpose. I asked him if he was a doctor; he told me no; but that his son had performed some wonderful cures. He then gave me a room, and in half an hour returned and waited upon me to supper. Supper over, I was introduced to his son, of whom he had spoken. I was equally well pleased with him as I had been with the father.

He proposed examining my eyes in the morning, to which I assented. They then kindly invited me to spend the remainder of the evening in their private parlor with their family. Upon examination the day following, the doctor pronounced my eyes as being curable, stating that in a few weeks, if I would delay my trip to Baltimore that long, he thought a restoration of my sight could be effected; but this was impossible, situated as I then was.

The doctor inquired if I was fond of music. On my telling him I was passionately so, he seated himself at the piano and performed most delightfully. All the family treated me most kindly, and I shall ever cherish for them sentiments of lively gratitude for their many attentions to me during my brief stay with them.

CHAPTER XV.

"I MAY be kind,
And meet with, kindness, yet be lonely still." LANDON.

"I KNOW not how it is;
But a foreboding presses on my heart,
At times, until I sicken." PROCTOR.

"WHY didst thou fling thyself across my path?
My tiger spring must crush thee in its way,
But can not pause to pity thee."