Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-06-22

ton had met Mr.. Leslie twice at parties, and
she herself had gone to solicit his attendance
on old Peggy. Mr.. Leslie inquired most anxi-
onsly concerning the injuries Of his agreeable
chase-companion, who assured him her arm
gave her very little inconvenience in fact,
that it was quite well. Mr.. Leslie said he
was delighted TO hear il, though he unaccoun-
tably looked the very reverse. Arranging
everything for the comfort Of the old woman,
who, according TO the surgeons opinion, was
slowly recovering, they left the house, proceed
ing together as far as High street. when
Mr.. Leslie regretted that one or two profession
al calls prevented his having The pleasure of
accompanying them TO the cottage.
But trust you will favor US with call
very soon,' said Lefty at parting, as her hand,
in her own cordial way, rested for moment
in his.
fear have scarcely an excuse for so de-
sirabe visit, said the surgeon, rather gal
lantly, and somewhat confusedly.
You forget my bruised arm,' said Lefty be-
coming suddenly oblivious of having declared
it was quite well.
True, said Mr.. Leslie, it really must be
attended to.
Mamma will be delighted to see you, Mr..
LESLIE said Mary kindly, for she fears the
children are going TO have severe colds, and
really fear so, too
Mary had never before, however, been SO
antcipatory Of sore throats and medical advice.
1t was agreed, therefore, that MIR. Leslie was
10 call at the cottage on the following day, and
he took his leave. The ladies now proceeded
to the principal toyshop of the town, where the
children, 10 whom Mary had so bouniifully
promised set Of toys, were to meet them.
All the instruments the Passions played upon,
and which have since returned the compliment,
were selected. Tom took a war-denouncing
trumpet Of blue painted wood, while Charlie
began 10 beat fery-looking little drum with
furious heat Leuy's liberality having now
gore almost as far as the covetous eyes Of The
children, the party stepped into Mr.. Middle
them, accompanied by the celebrated brass
band the children having snatched their in
struments of sound, and, at the risk Of fright
ening the horses, making a considerable din
through the streets and along the rlN to the
cottage.
After dinner, the conversation happening TO
turn upon the mornings rencontre
II is pity, observed Mr.. Middleton, that
Mr.. Leslie is not more successful in his pro-
fessiOn.'
WHY'S lie not considered clever,' asked
Lefty.
Oh, very he replied, and highly es-
teemed. He supports an aged mother and
poor blind sister by his practice, which, how
ever, they say, yields but meagre income
Is he not married 2
Unfortunately not, Lefty
Why, he must be nearly as old as am
remarked Lefty, very naturally.
Oh, no., interposed Mary. Il heard lady
say the other evening that Mr.. Leslie was only
thirty
Well, my dear, I'm only thrty-fve.'
Even Cousin Letty's good sense was not
proof against the sensitveness of being con-
sldered older than she was.
The wisest thing Leslie could do would be
to marry observed Mr.. Middleton. a wife
and family are as indispensable TO medical
man as his degree or case of Instruments
I'm sure, my DEAR said his good-natnred
wife, with kind intentions towards the surgeon,
and maternal anxiety for her children, we
might give Mr.. Leslie job by having all the
children vaccinate6 over again; and, indeed,
John, you, and Lefty, and Mary wonld be the
better Of it too, if the smallpox were 10 break
out
Mr.. Middleton laughed heartily at his wife's
ingenious device for extending Mr.. Lesle's
practice, but positively declined being one Of
the party operated on.
On the following day, however, he gave Mr..
Leslie hearty welcome to the Cottage, where
he shortly became constant visitor and great
favorite. The ladies' very soon looked upon
him as indispensable 10 their romantic walks
and delightful drives; Lefty thought it the
pleasantest season she had ever passed; and
Mary wondered how the long summer days
appeared SO short.
How Fortunate, she would say to Lefty,
. that we made Mr.. Leslie's acquaintance he
is so intellectual, so good-natnred, and
And so good-looking-eh, Mary'
Il really don't care much about good looks,
said Mary, carelessly, as smart blush made
her cheek tingle for the abominable hypocrisy.
DO you know, Mary said Lefty, as if
anxious TO ascertain her sentiments on the oc-
cason, oftea think Mr.. Leslie is in love with
you
well, assure you, Cousin Lefty, papa
said yesterday be felt convinced that Mr.. Leslie
was only prevented by his poverty from propos-
ing for you
Thus were all parties puzzled. Mrs. Mid
deton rather entertained u belief that Mary
had won Mr.. Lesle's affections, until her hus-
band pointed out the greater advantage of a
match with Lefty, who was really still very
pretty, and, in spite Of all her protestations tu
the contrary, could not be blamed were she to
enter into marriage with such man as Mr..
Leslie.