Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1852-04-22
Published by James HarPer.l
Translated from Heinrich Zsehokkes
MAX STOLPRIAU.
TALE OF BAsHFULNEss.

the world, not usually enumerated
in the list OF common misfortunes
bu: which, nevertheless, ought TO be
afford a living illustration OF my
assertion.
Il NV father, God rest his soul, senI
me diligently to school; there
gained some knowledge, although our
city schools at that period were none
of the best.
Every one said: Max has talent,
but he is shy and awkward, cannot
adapt himself 10 the ways OF the
world, is unacquainted with the
usages OF society, and never knows
what TO do with his hands and feet;
otherwise he is a good and clever
fellow enough.
Such was the general opinion of
me. Reader, do you perceive my
faiIingl Ny worldly education was
defective. Dilligent at school and
in the workshop; l was uncleanly
and negligent of my attire; was
civil, obliging, and honest, but bash
ful withal, SO that | ran off when
unknown persons approached; my
ewes never knew where TO look for
resting place when addressed by a
stranger, and if called on to meet Q
lady with civiiity and politeness, |
became rooted to the spot, speechleSs
and stiff as a ramrod.
Enough-politeness and ease OF
manner, as they are called, are con-
Germs no less pertaining to life's
comfort, than bread and potatoes or
a glass Of wine.
Many young gentlemen, as ] have
often observed, are greatly wanting
in these respects. Many a one IN
going into society is sadly at loss
how to dispose of his extremities,
and would, one can easily perceive,
have much rather left them at home.
Many such an unfortunate knows
not where TO quarter his hands,
thrusting them at one moment into
his waist-coat, at another into his
breeches pocket, then in despair
raising the one or the other TO his
occiput, there to scratch by way OF
variety.
Among other i'll luck entailed by
nv awkwardness, may be reckoned
that of being still bachelor, Of
having reached my fhy-second year
without being blessed with vile.
No sooner was my old Aunt dead,
and her sole heir, thereby rendered
comparatively affluent, than !, then
in my thirtieth year, was led TO seek
the hand of young lady, who, to
other qualifications, added beauty,
amiability, and wealth besides.
| was pleased with pretty Barbara;
matters were quickly arranged, and
nothing remained but to cultivate
the acquaintance. l was accordingly
to meet her at the house OF her
cousin, and an invitation TO dine was
forwarded TO me.
OF large parties had a perfect hor.
ror, my education made me shy and
timid, but then what will not a man
do TO secure the favor of pretty Bar
baral So | put on my best Sunday
suit, white silk stockings, bran new
hair-bag and apple-green Goa; with
large pearl buttons. In a word,
made myself as smart as a bride
groom.
On reaching the door of the
cousins house, however, my heart
began TO thump against my ribs, as
though | had a smithy within my
breast. "If | could only feel assured
there will not be a party, though |
would TO Heaven it Yas over."-
Fortunately found the cousin alone
up an account in his study.
"You are somewhat late, friend |
StoIpriau," said he. l made twenty
inclinations right and left, and
laughed in a perfect agony TO look
agreeable, for the fear of meeting a |
large party engrossed every thought.
The cousin having finished, looked
around for some sand. Anxious to
be of service, 1 rushed forward,
seized, as i'll luck would have it, the
inkstand instead Of the sand box,
and poured a whole stream Of the
best writing fluid over the neatly
kept ledger. | thought | should
Immediately faint from sheer fright,
and in my confusion hurriedly drew
forth my snow-white handkerchief
10 wipe it up.
With an exclamation Of "What
or earth are you doing there, friend
Stolpriaul" my entertainer smilingly
interposed, and pushing me and my
black and white kerchief gently
aside, quickly put things TO rights,
then led the way to the apartment
where the company were assembled.
| followed, but with troubled spirit,
and on looking down was Mortified
to observe an ink blot as large as
forin on my left white stocking
"Help me, Heavens" | mentally
groaned, "what will the company