Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-03-08
M | S C Il l. L. A N Y.
FOR THE SPECTATOR.
SCRAPS FROM MY NOTE BOOK,
n fREDICANIENT.
FOR THE SPECTATOR,

Fond Mem'ry brings the light
OF other days around mc.-OLp SoNa
love TO look back upon the past, checquered as
1t is with bright and joyous scenes and solemn,
saddening memories. Often when wrapt in drea-
my contemplation visions of the past tinged with
pleasurable melancholy, rise up before the eve of
"h1nd me of departed joys,
Departed never to return"
Visions OF childhood's happy hours, when,
surrounded by troop Of gay companions, | shared
their innocent pastimes, unmndful of the breakers
ahead upon the broad ocean OF lfe-chdhood's
blance OF care,
we laughed and sung the jocund song
Upon the village green
And naught but mirth and ioty
Around could be seen"
Visions OF later days, when just entering upon
manhood, felt my young heart swell with hiob
and holy emotions at the sirht of 4 lovely lassie
and launched fearessly into the whirlpool OF pavety
ana lashion Now, when my hair is silvered by
tne relentless touch of time, and the burrows of nv
cheek afford channel for MANY sorrowino tear
look back with pleasure upon the freaks of
my younger days Among the SOuuenirs of this
portion OF my life one picture presents itself with
peculiar vlvidness, and recalls the memory of one
VINO is now rePosng in the grave-a flower trans
panied In the morning of its existence to bud and
blossom In heavenly cline. The chillinr breezes
and sterile soil of this world afforded no nourish
ment to the frall and tender plant Well do re-
member the coal-back, beamng eve and ever
cheeriul smile OF sweet Kate Coleman, rs she NOV
ed peerless beauty amid the circle of fashion, and
by her winning manners, high intelligence and ex-
qusiie loneliness captured the tickle affections of
my ooylsh heart. With such feelings toward Kate
accepted, On one occasion, an invitation to an
evening party. oveEoyed the thought of an hours
converse with the idol of my heart Burning with
excitement arrived at the Judges before the COM
Pahy mad assembled, and being sorely addicted to
Inc use OF tobacco, t. while away time, filled NV
mouth with large quid of the vile narcotic. Such
monster was the chew, that with a most vpor-
Gus use OF my grinders, had not exhausted half
us virtues before the Illuminated parlor teemed
with beauties, of whom, to my eyes, Kate Coleman
seemed the queen
where can Mr.. Herbert be, !" inquired a starch
cd and RULED dandy ofmy hearts first love, as she
cast one OF her own bewitchng smiles over the CAV
assembly and seemed to derive half her enjoyment
rom the happy, Smiling faces around. Thinks |
10 myself, "oid fellow, III soon let you know his
whereabouts" and hastily disgorging the great
mountain oil tobacco qud, rushed into the parlor.
should be much disappointed if he does not
come, replied the fair girl just as entered the
door. L thought at the time, as my bosom heaved
win delight, that never had seen man look so
ss.ulPeria'ively mean. Without word he skulked
me whipped dog, INTO another part of the room,
ana look MS seat. With Slaughtered collar and
expanded chest marched up to the deserted belle
ana saluted her with Good morning, Miss Kate"
CIood evening, Mr.. Herbert" was the reply. I
iet most woiuly confused but was destined 10 feel
still more so. 1t is very difficult to commence
| conversation with lady one loves. I stood for
some time without opening my mouth. The eyes
3 nj both ii, Al 4
Around us was heard the merry jest aud ringing
peal OF laughter, and there we stood as mute as
Inummles. Little did thnl; that my foolish ST
lence was working for me sad and Notifying dis
aster. Whilst we were thus situated the starched
dandy passed by and significantly inquired, chow
we liked the carpet" Kate raised her eyes, but
mine seemed drawn TO the carpet by IN irresistible
attraction, and | inwardly bewailed my lack Of
fortitude in thus quailing before ecoman.
Bear it in mind, reader, that in my hurry TO get
beside my darling had not entirely disIocated the
vile tobacco, and the semi-maslicatcd remains Of
the Immense quid were concealed between my lips,
which had not been opened for some ten minutes.
just at this juncture the large folding doors
opened, and table groanng with dclicaces pre-
sented TO my view. | knew that must offer TO
conduct Miss Kate to supper, but knew just
wen that couldn't open my mouth for 1t had been
so long closed the attempt must have been followed
by deposit Of saliva upon the fine Turkey carpet.
had looked at ii too long 10 deface it by an I'M
genieel ACT Of that kind and in the presence Of my
sweetheart TOOL felt for my handkerchief but
IN my haste had left il at home. | was tempted
TO swallow, but this might have been productive Of
still more disastrous Consequences | knew not
what to do but at last determined on one desperate
attempt. Throwing my head back craved per-
mission to Conduct Miss Kate to supper, but in the
midst Of the query swallowed portion of that
powerful emetic called dnbeer, which resulted int
most sonorous cough directly in the dear girls face.
No doubt both Of US felt queer, but | finally con
Quoted her TO the supper table and unfortunately
stopped just before large bowl ofdelicous looking
zee cream. Every ono fell to work, but how