Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-05-05
no. $50

very slender materials I had to work upon is
saying great deal. At last cont1ived to
make the conversation glide away to Aud Ro-
bin Grey and the drawing of Apollo, which
l pronounced to be chefFeuws 'tPermit
me, however, to suggest that the symmetry
of the figure would not be destroyed by little
more Of Hercules in the shoulders, which
would make his life worth much longer pur-
chase. A little more amplitude in the chest
too, and tribe stronger in the legs, as they
say at the Insurance Office The widow
looked comically at the recollections which
brought to her mind her rosy lips began to
disclose their treasures in half smile and
this, in turn expanded into laugh like the
laugh of Euphrosyne. This was the very
thing for me- was always rather dashed by
beauty on the stills but put us upon fair
ground, and never supposed that could be
otherwise than charming l ran over all the
amusing topics of the day, expended thou
sand admirable jokes, repeated touching pas
sages from new poem which she had not
read, laughed, sentimentalzed, cuddled the
kitten, and forgot to go away till had sojourn-
ed full two hours. Euphrosyne quite lost
sight of my questionable Introduction, and
chimed in with wit as brilliant as her beauty:
nor did she put on asingle grave look when
volunteered to call the next day and read the
remainder of the poem.
II is impossible to conceive how carefully
walked home. My head and heart were full
of the widow and the wager, and my life was
more precious than the Pigot Diamond.
kept my eye sedulously on the pavement, to
be sure that the cole-holes were closed, and l
never once crossed the street without looking
both ways, to calculate the dangers of being
run over When arrived, was presented
with letter from my attorney, giving me the
choice Of an ensigncy in regiment which was
ordered to the West Indies, or Of going mis-
sionary to New Zealand. Iwrote to him, in
answer, that it was perfectly immaterial to me
whether was cut off by the yellow fever or
devoured by cannibals, but that had business
which would prevent me from awaiting myself
ofeither alternative for two months at least.
The next morning found me at the door of
Euphrosyne, who gave me her. lily hand, and
received me with the smile of an old acquain.
lance. Affairs went on pretty much the same
asthey did on the preceding day. The poem
was long, her singing exquisite, my anecdote
of New leland irresistible, and we again tor.
got ourselves till it was necessary, in COM
mon politeness, to ask me to dinner Here
her sober attire which for some months had
been apiece Of mere gratuitous respect, was
exchanged for a low evening dress, and my
soul, which was trimming before, was in an
agony to find room for my increasing trans
ports. Her spirits were sportive as butter
flies, and huttered over the flowers Of her inn
agination with grace that was quite miracu-
lous, she ridiculed the rapidity Of our acquain-
lance, eulogised my modesty till it was well
nigh burnt 10 a cinder.; and every now and
then sharpened her wit by q delicate recur-
renee to Appollo and the shoulders OF Hercu'
les
: The third and fourth and the fifth day, with
twice as many more, were equally productive
of excuses for calling, and reasons Tor remain
ing, till at last took upon me to call and re-
main without troubling myself about the one
or the other / was received with progress
sive cordially. and, at last, with mixture Of
timidity which assured me of the anticipation
of a catastrophe which was, at once, to decide
the question with the Insurance Office and
determine the course. of my travels. One day
| found the Peri sitting rather pensively at
work, and, as usual, I took my seat opposite
to her. ~, 70.
Ghave been thinking said she, that have
been nightly imposed upon.'
by whom enquired.
'By one ofwhom you have the highest OPT
nion-by yourself
in what do you mistr,ist me"
: Come now, will it please you to be candid,
and tell me honestly that all that exceedingly
Ineligible story about your father and the
liver complaint, and Heaven knows what, was
a mere fabrication
will IT please you to let me thread that
needle, for see that you are taking aim at the
wrong end Of it' ~
Nonsense! Will you answer me
4 think could put the finishing touch to
that sprig. DO you not see continued,
jumping up and leaning over, 1T should be
done so-and then So What stitch do you
cali thatn
The beauty was not altogether in the mood
for Joking. / took her hand-it trembied-
and so did mine.
FsWill YOU pardon mep whispered. = am
a sinner, counterfeit, apoor, swindiing, dis
reputable vagabond, - but love you to
my soul.'
The work dropped upon her knee
In about fortnight from this time, address
sed the following note to my friend:-
Dear Sir,
It will give you great pleasure to hear that
my prospects are mending, and that you have
lost your wager. Asl intend settling the in
surance on my wife, shall, Of course, think
you entitled to the Job. Should your triHmg
loss in me obhge you to become an ensign in
the West Indies or missionary in New Zea'
land, you may rely upon my interestthcre
FRUGALITY.
Frugality maybe termed the dalgh-
ter of prudence, the sister oil tempe
rance, and the parent OF iiberty. ne
that Is extravagant will quickly become
Door, and poverty will enforce Deepen.
dence. and invite corruption. It will
almost always produce a passive COM
nliance with the wickedness OF others,
and there are few who do not learn by
degrees to practice those crimes which
thew cease to, censure.s ~ -
Without frugality none can be rich,
n