Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-08-30
CURIOSITY REWARDED.

tently watching the motlons OF two ele-
gantly dressed ladies, who at the moment
were passing up the street. After watch
ing them for some time, until they dis
appeared in the distance, he turned round
and addressed an acquaintance standing
near, asking him il he knew the hand
some ladies who had just attracted the
attention of the number of admiring gen.
tlemen who were then Gt was dinner
hour congregated in that vicinity
"Know them! of course do" replied
the person addressed.
"What are their names!'
"'rhey are the Misses -, and, by
the way, very fine girls they are, and
| fortunes too"
"Can't you introduce friend!" asked
the first speaker.
"Well," said the other, 81 don't know
that mightn't; particularly as | have
heard them speak of you. They say
you were remarkable good looking fell
low
"No! really now! did they? declare
you quite ffatter my vanity" said our
friend, Strengthening himself little, CIV
ing his shirt cola. little more altitude,
and then twisting his delicate moustache
with his gloved fingers. "Dd they say
anything more?'
"Oh! yes, they said good deal, but !
don't think / can tell you the rest; il
would be a violation of confidence, You
know, and ] am sure they would never
forgive me if they should find out that
had betrayed them. Such things should
be kept sacred, you know"
This excuse did not by any means sat
isfy our friend. In fact, as was always
case when he himself was in question,
his curiosity was aroused; he was anx-
ious to know what the ladies had said
about him; he couldn't rest till he found
out; he coaxed; he persuaded, he solicit
ted, but all in vain-the obstinate distur-
Der of his peace would not give any sat
isfaction. AT last, after exerting every
expedient to extract the desired infor-
nation, our friend invited his compan-
ion to take drink, then second, then
third, and finally the gong sounded Tor
| dinner and found his curiosity ungrati-
fed. Selling his obstinate tormenter by
the arm, the inquisitive individual said,
"Come, Tom, let's go to dinner, and
we'I discuss that matter over some fine
champagne"
"Wilh all my heart. never refuse a
good offer, and as know the quality of
Nudge & Wilson's champagne, don't
think ! can let this opportunity slip"
Up stairs they accordingly went, and
seated at the dinner table the cross ques-
ton was put in operation with redoubled
vigor. Claret and Burgundy and Cham
payne were ordered; the most delicate
dishes were placed before the posessor
of the precious information. But all
the temptations failed. He would not
sacrafce his honor by disclosing pri-
vate conversation; besides, it might have
bad effect, and in short it was altogeth-
er impossible. Our friend. however,
was not TO be discounted in this way;
he continued his attentions and his per-
secutions till the cloth was removed, till
the desert was placed on the table and
demolished, and till at last he and his
companion were the only persons renal
ming. Finally the latter arose sauntered
to the door, and stepped out on thecapa-
cious portico, where, tooth pick in hand,
he took a seat in order that he might quiz
city enjoy The remembrance of his fine
dinner. Our friend, though, was not
disposed to let the matter drop; he drew
up chair, deliberately sat down and ex-
pressed his determination not to stir till
he should find out what these ladies said
about him.
SWELL" said the other il you are re-
solved, l might as well tell you; though
couldn't have done SO before, for fear
Of spelling your appetite.
Those ladies' said that you were fine
looking fellow, and | agreed with them
in that"
"Well, well; what then! You told
me that before"
"Well. in the next place they said it
was pity you were good looking, for
you were the greatestsimpleton they ever
Knew"
On hearing this reply our friend rose
from his seat, bowed politely, remem-
bered that he had an appointment at
L