The Caledonian

An Incident in Real Life.

A MYSTERY.

The Boston Transcript relates the following incident in real life :—

Not many months since, a lady, who resided in Providence, encountered in the railroad cars an old gentleman, who seemed to regard her with an air of interest. Finally assuming the privilege of age, he ventured to accost her, and they entered into conversation. Before parting, he begged permission to call on her at her house. His deferential manner, his advanced age and his frank expression of interest, though a stranger, in her welfare, were so many pleas in his favor, and she replied to his request, that she would be very glad to see him, and did not doubt her husband would also be. "What is your address?"

She gave it and they parted. He called on her the next day, had an interview with her in the presence of her husband, and asked the lady's permission to send her his miniature. She turned to her lord and master, who at once acquiesced in the stranger's proposal. Not many days afterwards the miniature was sent—an admirable work of art, set around with costly diamonds, and accompanied with a bracelet of great value.

Husband and wife were astonished, as may be supposed. Some weeks elapsed before they heard again from the stranger. A short time since he called, and the interview was to this effect:-"Have you any objection to moving to New-York ?" he asked, "None at all, if we could better our situation." "What is your present income, Mr. T.?" A very moderate sum was named. "Humph! I have a house in New-York, for which I want occupants. I sail for Europe next week; and you shall come and take possession."

"You are very kind, my venerable friend," said Mr. T. "but we are very comfortable here; I don't know that I could afford to enter into the arrangement you propose." "I will very soon obviate that objection," replied the old gentleman. "Come to New-York and live, and I will at once make over to you the sum of two hundred thousand dollars."

His hearers looked at him as if they half suspected they were dealing with a fugitive from some insane asylum. But there was no insanity about it. The offer was made in good faith—was accepted—and has been redeemed to the letter. Mr. and Mrs. T. have removed to New-York, and taken possession of a fine house in -st. Their benefactor has gone to Europe. He will probably make his newly made friends the heirs of his large wealth. Mrs. T. was, we learn, an instructress in one of the public schools of a neighboring city. The character of the parties and the history of the affair thus far preclude the imputation of any improper motive. The cause of the old gentleman's conduct is as much a mystery to the lady herself as to her friends. He seems to have taken a whim, and to have carried it out. So much only is apparent. But time may throw more light upon the affair.