Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1848-04-06
A Story Of Leap Year,
by JOE MILLER, JR.

Sam Smith sat at home on New Years day, in
deshabe His beard was unshavcd, his halt was
uncombed, his boots were unblackened, and he
was leaning back in picturesque attitude, with
his heels against the manlel-picce, smoking CT
gar. 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 cured his fancy
glowed with the idea. How delightful it would
be 10 have the dear creatures iondlng on him, and
with tender gIances endeavorng TO do the agreea.
BILE! As he medtaed, his heart soitened, and he
began to feel squeamsh, womanish sensbility
ditluse itself over his feelings, and thought he
would faint with proprey The first time young
lady should squeeze his hand.
Rap, rap, rap sounded at the door. Sam pceped
through the venetian blinds. "Mercy," exclaimed
he, "ir here is mt Miss Jones, aud all in disha
billie, and looking like fright goodness gracious
must 60, right away, aud fix myself up
As he left the room, Miss Jones entered and
with II composed air minated that she would wait
Miss Susan Jones was firm believer in woman $
rights, and now that the was propltious, she
determined TO take advantage thereof and do a
little counting on her own hook. 1t was one OF
womun's privileges, which had been usurped by
The tyrant, man, and she was determined 10 assert
her rights, in spite Of the hollow iornatles Of IA
false system OF society.
Meanwhile, with palpliating heart, Sam Smith
went through series OF personal adOrnmenls.-
The last twist was given to his collar, The last curl
to his whskers, and, with white cambria in hand
he descended TO the parlor Miss Jones rushed to
receive him, and, grasping his hand with iervor,
she said-"Deares, how beautiful you look ac-
pnn hfr ,vnrlc ,th ulnnpn nf upbic1uis
ed admiration.
"Spare the bushes Of a modest young man.
said Sam, applying his cambric TO his face 10 hide
his confusion.
"Nay, my love, why so coy?' said Susan, turn
ing not away those lovely eyes, dark as the jet but
sparkling as the diamond Listen 10 the vows of
fond affection. Here lei us rest, said she, draw
ing him to n sofa; "here, with my arm around
thee, will protest my true affection"
LEAVE me, oh. leave me" murmured Sam;
'lhink of my youth, my xperience-spare, oh
spare my palpltaling heart"
"Leave thee, said Susan pressing closer 10
him, "nevcr until the story OF restless nights, of
unquet days, Of aspirations, fond emotions, aud
uRdyns love, is laid before thee. Know that for
years have nursed for thee a secret passion
Need tell how each manly beauty moved me;
how wor>hpped like sun-hower in the urid
light of those scarlet tresses; how my fond heart
was eulrappcd in the meshes Of those magnificent
whskers; how | was willing TO yield up TO the
government, of that imperial; thy manners, so mod
est, so delicate, enchanted me-joy to me for thy
10y was my joy Ny heart is thine take t--take
it-but first let me snatch one kiss from those Tub
BY lps.'
The over-wrought feelings Of the delicate youth
were too stong and he ialu'ed from excess Of JOY.