The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-09-11
Grlcftc0.
THE PICNIC,

Or The Young Lady achO acas not Punctual
"I will call at eight o'clock precisely"
said young man, as he stood at the door
of house in Spruce street, with the hand
of Il gentle girl in his. He had taken it as
he said good-bye," and held it longer than
usual.
every well, shall be all ready" re-
turned the maiden.
"The cars start mt a quarter past eight
precisely. We must not leave here a
minute later than eight O'clock"
"Not if we expect to join the party at
IS Grove"
Good night, Anna"
"Good night.'
As the maiden responded to her lovers
good night, her hand that lay in his, was
gently pressed. That pressure sent a
thrill of joy to her heart. Henry Alton
had not yet openly declared his love for
Anna Minor, but little tokens Of its
existence were not wanting. Anna had
few doubts or fears on this subject. She
felt for him deep tenderness, and qucs-
toned not the fact of its return.
On the next morning Alton was at the
house precisely as the clock struck eight.
He asked for Anna. The servant went
up stairs, and returned, saying that she
would be ready in q moment. One, two,
three, four, five minutes passed, and she
did not appear. The young man, who was
thoroughly punctual in everything, both
from principle and habit, became impatient
The cars left the depot at a quarter past
eight o'clock, precisely, and it would take
at least five minutes to walk there.
1t was seven minute past eight, when
Anna at length made her appearance.
am really sorry to have kept you
waiting, Mr.. Alton" said she. "But
couldn't help it. We have plenty of time
to get to the cars, l |, hope" ;,
As much as the bargain" returned
the young man. "It is now seven minutes
past eight"
"Oh! there! 1 have forgotten my
parasol. I will get it in moment. "
And away sprung Anna. In about a
minute her little feet were heard pattering
down the stairs.
"I'm ready now," said she, when half
way Gown. "No! 1 declare l have
dropped one Of my gloves in my chamber. I"
And back she turned.
Very punctual men arc usually impatient
of delay.
Too bad" muttercd Alton. owe
shall be left as sure as the world. Why
will people be so thoughtlcss :"
Just at eight minutes past eight o'clock
they left the house. 10 reach the depot
in time would require rapid walking. Of
course Mr.. Alton would have to appear in
hurry in the street with young lady by
his side, thing that annoyed him exces-
sively. But there was no alternative.
They proceeded at quick step in silence.
The bell was ringing as they entered the
Car yard.
Gone moment, driver" said Mr.. Alton,
hurriedly, as he passed that individual,
who was just in the act of speaking to his
horses.
"Be quick thcn," returned the driver,
impatiently, muttering something in addi-
ton about certain kind OF people always
coming at the last minute, which Alton
only half heard.
The excitement and hurry Of the young
people caused several thoughtlcss persons
good deal of merriment, which was rath-
er loudly expressed. Atoms check burn
ed and his lips quivcrcd, when he seated
himself with Anna ON the sunny side of
the car. The moment he set his foot on
the platform, the cars commenced moving.
"Like to have been left, Alton Why,
what in the world made you 50 late % said
a young man, one of the pleasure party
that was going out on picnic to "
Grove. awe have all been here for at
least ten minutes"
1t was all my fault" spoke up Anna,
whose face was glowing from excitement