Travellers in the buffet-car of the Chicago Limited have provided many good stories for the delectation of readers. The following is a good instance.
As the train pulled out of Chicago, a quiet, gentlemanly-looking man entered the buffet-car, and ensconcing himself in a comfortable chair, drew out a long cigar, and entered deeply into his paper. He remained so quiet and retained his seat so long that another passenger, whose hearing distinctly stamped him as a commercial travelling man, one of the kind full of chatter and curiosity, could no longer restrain himself. Addressing the quiet gentleman, he inquired, "Travelling East?"
Slowly removing his cigar the gentleman turned and looked at his questioner with slightly elevated eyebrows, replying, "Yes."
"New York?"
"Yes."
"Pleasure?"
"Yes and no."
"Great place, New York. Ever been there before?"
"No."
"I'm going home this trip—New York, you know."