It’s a small matter, but a gentleman always feels angry at himself after
he has given up his seat, in a railway car, to a female who lacks the
good manners to acknowledge the favour. The following “hint” to the
ladies will show that a trifle of politeness properly spread on, often
has a happy effect.
The seats were all full, one of which was occupied by a rough-looking
Irishman; and at one of the stations a couple of evidently well-bred and
intelligent young ladies came in to procure seats, but seeing no vacant
ones, were about to go into a back car, when Patrick rose hastily, and
offered them his seat, with evident pleasure. “But you will have no seat
yourself?” responded one of the young ladies with a smile, hesitating,
with true politeness, as to accepting it. “Never ye mind _that_!” said
the Hibernian, “ye’r welcome to ’t! I’d ride upon the cow-catcher till
New York, any time, for a smile from such _jintlemanly_ ladies;” and
retreated hastily to the next car, amid the cheers of those who had
witnessed the affair.