Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-11-16
Plcking up an Appropriateness.


tonally detained at the house of friend not far dis
tant from her fathers house. one evening and before
she was of the fact scarcely night had set IN
The distance to her own home was but few blocks,
however, and she expected little gathering of la
dies and gentlemen that evening at her fathers she
determined ON returning home unattended and, bid
ding her friends good night she hurried along upon
the walk towards her residence, into which her fam
lily had quite recently removed from another part OF
the city. ia tsse,
Upon turning the first corner, she was suddenly
startled by the approach of aweH dressed young man.
who accosted her with a. good evening" and offered
his services to escort her home! Alarmed, for an
lnstant she would have avoided the stranger but as
he advanced to her side she ventured to turn towards
him, and a glance satisfied her-she recognised the
young gentleman familiar acquaintance. Dis
guising her voice, and replying in tmid tone. she
accepted the profered galantry determined at once
to administer lesson to her young FRIEND which he
should not forget. The conversation which passed
was BRIEF and the beau suspecng nothing as he was
not that the family had changed their quarters
tripped along at the young lady's side apparently
very well pleased with his companion In few min
utes they halted before modest brick house, in a
somewhat retired street at the west end and the lady
reIinquished her attendants arm
"Will you come in 2" whispered the lady, softly
Thank YOU. was the reply and his fair compan-
opened the front door, Closing it carefully they
found themselves in the entry, in total darkness.
'Wait moment }" said the young woman, and
be perfectly quiet. will return instantly - and
with these words she assembled the stairs which led
to the parlors. - ~ a~a
The first thought of the young man, as he retired
was to open the front door and move for he suspec
ted all not he at first anticipated He turned
to the door it was fast He fumbled for the latch
lock, whatever secured it, but it was not to be
found and instant afterwards, he heard footsteps
approaching, in the darkness His heart thumped
against his ribs, and he began to wish himself safely
out of doors again but he quickly treasured by
the encouraging whisper of his new-made acquaint-
ance, who approached him apparently with great
/ caution. T..f--3. 's,... ri ~
" Hush !" she said, I" all is safe. Be quiet now a
moment-remove your boots from your feet will
return in an Instant e
Our hero was content, and drawing off his boots,
he secured them together and held them in his hand
to await the return of his lady friend who had again
assembled the front stairs.
Entering the parlor, moment afterwards, the fe-
male rogue found some half score of young lady
friends, with her brothers and beaux present to
whom she quickly and briefly communicated the ad-
venture.
eve got him in the entry, down stairs" she said
Put out the lights keep perfectly STILL don't betray
the slightest breath of sound, and will show you
some sport in a moment"
The lights We're removed the party arranged them
selves around the room-the bulk of the company
knew the victim intmatel y-and again the lady de-
scended the stairs and approached her friend.
Softly, now" she said, taking the hand which
was unoccuped with the boots softly. All is quiet
gallant shyy along up the stairway. His boots dang
led against the railing Sh! !" exclaimed the fan
one for PHYS sake make noise or all is lost ~
The beau moved on, grasped his boots more secure
y at his side, nor dreamed of anght save bliss Leas
OF all did he suspect the existence of huge rent il
his stockings-but he was bachelor, and this wa.
but a trife
They entered the parlor. All was darkness and
silence. The lady closed the door behind them,
led her companion into the centre of the room No
10 hrao ovoa flo Aho1
pect that he was at the moment surrounded by do
zen of his acquaintance.
"Remain here, one moment" said the girl, g vii
get light"
The gallant raised the soft hand which had con
1ducted him thus far toward he knew not what
and ventured to press upon it kiss but it was dex
terously withdrawn at the very "nick Of time," ant
his lips came in contact with his own fingers
"Wait moment added his inamorata, leayn,
him quickly-and then passing through door at tn
} farther extremity of the room, she disappeared
minute had scarcely elapsed, but it seemed montl
to the little party, who nearly choaking witt
suppressed merriment; it was age to the victim
But the gentle footsteps heard again. the bea
gazed anxiously towards the direction of the door
3 it opened with single movements blaze of ligh
rushed into the parlor, and behind it the face of
old and familiar acquaintance!
Ladies and gentleman" she said, s this is MI
Smith,
! Such I" ha ha !" as went up from that little CO
terie at that moment seldom heard in the neigh
borhood before since. Poor Smith stood for me
ment, not exactly paralyzed-that would be fain
term of expression he frozen-actually statu-ize
in his tracks; and he Rugged his boots to his side
" coughed, sneezed, choked-then grinned ghastl
" smile - -.
: AS soon as the paroxysm of laughter was over, tn
lady brought forward chair, and placing it befor
$ the victim, said:
pray, be seated Mr.. Smith"
= He turned upon his tormentor look of comical re
= cognition, and like Falsta his wits coming quickl
= to his relief, he replied:
g Did you think, Cally, didn't know you? 2"
Another roar followed this remark, and the compa
y ny were very soon upon good terms.
| This was his first and last effort at picking up a
n acquaintance and it proved cure for sparkling
g with him. Within six months he made ample apole
i gy for bis error by making Miss Cally-Mrs. Smith
h Flag of our Union
WHAT DID MARY SAY ?-The Richmond Republ
can tells capital anecdote in illustration of the quee
. occurrences that are sometimes met with in th
. courts -
During the trial of Cogzell for kidnapping, whic
e took place few days since at Klsborough an inc
dent occurred which created considerable fun at til
: expense of big wigs and counsel. Miss Sloan wa
testifying, and was requested to state all she kne
about certain transaction.
WitnessI was in the sitting room when Mar
came from the kitchen hurriedly and Cogzen afte
her He caught hold of her at the sitting doc