Democratic banner. (Bowling Green, Pike County, Mo.) 1845-1852, 1851-04-21
to make fun of my mask, proposed an ex-

not intend to wear it 70 bed, do you"
"Far from it" replied, sit is You should
wear the mask mot l; am quite ape enough
without it.
"a very just remark, indeed" he added
gravely.
had never seen him in better hunor, and
Il thought it best to unfold my plans at once.
At our next door lived a worthy gentle
imam, with whose daughter my bashful cous-
lin was already sn.i,ten. That very night,
Ias e'passed by, on our return home from
the village, be had called and bsds her good
might, and received in return one Of the
sweetest smiles from the happiest eyes and
imost charming lips Fever beheld. l was
Ibis bosom friend, and 10 me he always en-
l,rus,ed his secrets, (alas! how little did Il
deserve such confidence yet he always
blushed when spoke of Julia.
Some evil spirit, know not what else it
could have been, prompted me when pro-
lposed to have little sport at her expense.
MY plans were these:-He was TO dress
himself in suit Of clothes to correspond
with the mask, which, by the way, was the
most frightful looking thing ever saw, re-
pair to the dwelling Of his friend and call
l.rI to the door by rapping. was to stand
near to witness the result, and participate
ia the Joke.
He bIusied, hung his head, and of course
refused. had expected this, but hattered
myself that could easily persuade him to
the contrary. 1t was, however, harder
task than had anticipated, for his unwilI-
Iiugn.ss seemed greater than ever; the res-
son readily understood.
! Ipoh'd and pshsw'd, and finally threaten
ed TO expose to ell the boys his cowardly
disposition, as pleased to term it. and ten
der feeling towards Julia, which as yet,
none of them had discovered. This last
argument proved more successful than the
other, far he we'll knew W that never suffer
I'd the idlest threat to remain unfulfilled;
aud the fear Of being laughed at, besides
Ibetraying that which he most wished 10 con-
icesI, conquered, and lie yielded. tLOug b re-
Iiuctsnt,y. his consent. Al that moment ]
even exulted over my triumph, though
have often since wished that NY lips had
been struck dumb before had uttered those
words that sealed The after fate Of two pure
beiugs. But, in my tlIoughtIessness, lrush-
ed msdIy on in whatever | undertook, re-
gard!eks Of ofconsequences. My wild, wreck.
less spirit had never been tanned.
Finding that there was but one alterna-
hive, and that, TO submit cheerfully TO my
whim. he suffered himself to be arrByed ss
my fsncy suggested, with good grace, and
even laughed quite heartily as added gar
ment after garment, IN order 20 make him
look a. frightful as possible; yet, after all.
i could see that his mind was i'll at ease, and
half condemning me for being the cause Of
Ibis unhappiness.
Wien al length all was arranged to my
satisfaction. placed the horrid mask over
his face, and led him to the mirror. He
started back and invo!untsrily placed his
head, as if TO take it away, but my inter
Iference prevented. He even pleaded that
the penalty had thrsateaed to inAict, in
case he refused to 60, might be spared him.
But was inexorsble; ! was anxious to see
the result, and the delay caused BY his un-
willingness vexed me.
A renewal of my threats Of exposure sue
ceeded in removing ell obstacles, and we
Immediately set about onr adventure. Cau-
tiousIy as thieves we crept through the yard,
and each took his station, Robert at the
door, and at the window nearest him.
The curtain was partly drawn aside, so
that could easily distinguish every object
in the room. As had anticipated, she was
alone. The domestics had retired, and l
knew her old father too well TO believe that
he was any where else but in the arms Of
Somnus; for he was one of those sensible
persons, whose maxim was, "Early to bed
and early to rise"
Julis-snd shall never forget how love-
lly she was-sst beside a small table in the
centre of the room, apparently deeply abb
sorbe1 in book. Her fair hand supported
her head, and her hair fell gracefully down
upon her neck in beautiful aturalringlets.
She was delicate wild flower, that had
iibudded and blossomed under the shelter Of
q fathers roof; and the sunshine of glad
7 NESS and the dews of affection, had ever
lighted and cheered her way.
! At length gave the signal, and loud
rap was given. She paused for moment,
listened attentively, and then, laying down
her book, arose and approached the door.
;; As she opened it, the mask stepped boldly
in accordinC In INV directions HoST shall