The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1848-02-22
A Story of Leap Year.
BY JOE MILLER, JR.

- 1890 $3.50
hair was uncombed, his boots were unblacked,
and he was leaning back in picturesque at
titude, with his heels against the mantelpiece,
smoking cigar. Sam thought to himself
that it was leap year, and how glorious it
would be if the ladies could only be induced
to pop the question, in accordance with their
ancient privileges. AS he sat watching the
smoke which so gracefully curled, his fancy
glowed with the idea. How delightful it
would be to have the dear creatures fondling
ON him, and with tender glances endeavoring
to do the agreeable AS he mediated his
heart softened, and he began to feel
squeamish, womanish sensibility diffuse it.
self over his feelings, and thought he would
faint with propriety the first time a young
lady should squeeze his hand.
" Rap, rap, rap sounded at the door,
Sam peeped through the Venetian blinds.
=" Mercy" exclaimed he, " if here isn't Miss
Jones, and all in dishabille, and looking
like fright-goodness gacious must 60,
right away, and fix myself up
AS he left the room Miss Jones entered,
and with composed air intimated that she
would wait Miss Susan Jones was firm
believer in woman's rights, and now that the
season was rropitious, she determined to take
advantage thereof, and do little counting on
her own hook. 1t was one of womans priyi-
leges, which had been usurped by the tyrant,
man, and she was determined to assert her
rights, in spite of the hollow formalities of
false system of society.
Meanwhile, with palpitating heart, Sam
Smith went through a series of personal adorn-
ments. The last twist was given to his collar,
the last curl to his whiskers, and, with white
cambria in hand, he descended to the parlor,
Miss Jones rushed to receive him, and grasp
ing his hand with fervor said "Dearest,
how beautiful you look" accompanying her
words with glance of undisguised admira.
ton.
"Spare the bushes of a modest young
man," said Sam, applying his cambria to his
face to hide his confusion.
"Nay, my love. why so coy;" said Susan;
turn not away those lovely eyes. dark as the
jet, but sparkling as the diamond. Listen to
the vows of fond affection. Here let us rest"
said she, drawing him to sofa +" here with
my arm round thee, will protest my true af-
fection."
Leave me, oh, leave me-" murmured Sam;
" think of my youth, my nexperience-spare,
my FACILITATING heart a..
"Leave thee said Susan, pressing him
closer to her; never, until the story of rest
less nights, of unquiet days, of aspiration,
fond emotions, and undying love- is laid be-
fore thee. Know that for years have nurs-
ed for thee a secret passion. Need tell how
each manly beauty moved me; how / worship
ped like sun flower in the lurid light of those
scarlet tresses; how my fond heart was en-
trapped in the meshes of these magnificent
whiskers; how I was willing to yield up to
the government of that Imperial : thy man.
ners, so modest, so delicate, enchanted me-
joy to me-for thy JOY was my JOY. My
heart is thine-take it-take it-but first let
me snatch one kiss from those ruby lips"
The over-wrought feelings of the delicate
youth were too strong, and he tainted from
excess of joy. Meanwhile the enamored
maiden hung fondly over him, and
Slowly the eyes of Samuel Smith opened
he gazed wildly round him-then meeting
the ardent gaze of his lovyer,' he blushed
deeply, and behind his kerchief family fall
tered out" Ask mig pa."-St. Louis ReciHe.
Hibernianism.