By the Way: Travel Letters Written During Several Journeys Abroad

by Agness Greene Foster

BY WAY
OF PREAMBLE

Ah me, ah me, that I should be

So torn by my inconstancy;

I fain would go—I tarry so,

But see the world, I must—heigh-ho.

WASHINGTON:

Indeed, and in truth, one is rarely natural save under deep emotions. After all my resolutions and determinations, I found I was not able to part from those I love with any degree of composure.

I assure you that I did not stay composed very long, for as the cruel train pulled out, and I saw, through a mist of tears, that dear form fade from sight, I broke down, and remained "down" all the afternoon and evening. With this morning's bright sunshine, however, I am a man (?) again.

The first sound I heard this morning was, "Here's a message for you, Miss" and straightway that porter's name goes rattling down the rocky road of history as a discerning and right-minded person. What married woman of, well, let's say thirty, does not enjoy being called "Miss"? But to go back to my telegram,—it served as my déjeuner à la félicité. From that moment I was happy, and peace has taken possession of me since the coming of that dear message.