THACKERAY’S GALLANTRY.

Southern Cross, Volume 5, Issue 37, 18 December 1897, Page 7

THACKERAY’S GALLANTRY.

Mrs McLean, of Brooklyn, H.Y, <was a short slight woman, and when -she reached the Crystal Palace on the day of the opening the crowd ■completely hemmed her in. She conld not catch a glimpse of a single ■royalty or celebrity. Tears of chagrin sprang to her eyes as she realised her disappointment and the price of it. ‘ A distinguished-looking Englishman,’ as she afterwards described him, who stood beside her, grasped the situation at a glance, and saying, ‘ permit me, madam,’ he closed his hands around her waist and lifted her as he would a child above the crowd, holding her there as long: as he could, and pointing out the Queen, the Prince Consort, and the other royalties and celebrities. After he had set her down and rested himself, he raised her again, and then a third time. When she thanked him, be said simply, ‘ I am always glad to do ■a favour for an American.’ All that summer she tried in vain to identify her ‘distinguished Englishman,’ but finally came home without learning who he was. Years afterwards in Plymouth Church, when the lecturer of the evening entered with Henry Ward Beecher, she turned to her husband and exclaimed, ‘ That’s ray Englishman.’ It was Thackeray, whom she met later and entertained at her home, recalling the incident to their mutual satisfaction. Who but the creator of Colonel Newcome could have dared to attempt so unconventional a kindness ; or have done it with a quick tact and delicacy that gave no offence. —Bookman.