The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-07-12
NV First Love Affair.

AT about seventeen years of age, on
Wednesday afternoon, | attended school
where the mystery Of the slight fantastic
toe" was taught. The school was large,
and the scholars we've the daughters and
sons of the merchants of our most popu-
lar seaports.
There were some exceedingly pretty
girls among them, and the town was noted
for the beauty Of its females. There was
one rosy checked Miss, rather older than
myself, whose dancing was particularly
spirited and graceful. She was not tall
but finely formed, and her eyes were ol
great beauty and brilliancy.. Her temper
was very lively, and her conversation pol.
ished and humorous. All these qualities
were very attractive to lad who seemed
only to live for enjoyment. When an op.
portuni,y offered, l selected her for my
partner in the dance. She seemed "noth.
ing loth," and we were most happy. Blu,
| could not talk to her, for my bashfulness
was extreme. l would have given one OF
my arms TO have been able to tell the ten
der things which then crowded upon my
heart. But found it in vain, and was
forced to content myself with only looking
with unutterable emotion.
Six months passed in this blssful inter-
course. She treated me as if was q
promising boy, who might grow into some.
thing. In this she did not show much
judgment. for although quite. young in
years, believe was as capable of an
exhal,ing and soul ul-su6duing passion as al
any period Of my lie. And | proved i,
by wasting and losing all my first hilarity
Of spirits, in those sober meditations of q
first attachment.
There was, during the winter, q party
Of young people OF both sexes at my un.
cle's. The young dancer (into my affec.
tions) was the first invited. Imet her there
for the first time where our intercourse
could be unrestrained.
l succeeded after divers efforts. which
sent the perspiration in streams to my fore
head. in seating myself at her side; and
after stammering attempts. at last subsid
ing into an interesting conversation.
The evening passed off delightfully."-. and
the party arose to go home. Then watch
ing my opportunity. asked leave to at
tend my fair one TO her dwelling. She
smilingly consented. We walked slowly
along the quiet streets of the town, apar
from the rest of the party. and now and
then, discussing some questions of trivial
interest.
The walk, although near mile, seemed
not more than few steps. Her stately
edifice appeared in view. l walked still
slower. We reached the steps OF the from
door. There was light on the kitchen
hearth. which announced that all the fami
ly had retired for the night.
She ascended the door steps and stop
ped. The bright moon shone full on he
radiant face as she raised her blue eyes t.
the patron of lovers.
seized her hand. She made no effor
to take it away. Hooked up into her face
and she looked down on me, and {oan :
say how il was done) our lips met-warm
blushing, trembling with emotion, | took
| believe, only one kiss, but that was sufh
cient for that exact moment.
She sprang within the door. saying
"good night" in tones which sounded tt
nv ear like the softest and sweetest breath
ings of an Eolian harp; and the doc,
closed upon her charms.
| This was the FIRST love kiss gave and
received.
| walked slowly towards my own home
believe, on the top of my toes. stop
ped after moment to get breath; look.
ed at the unclouded moon, and she seem
ed to wink at me roguishly. and say:
81 saw you. you rogue!'
And then leaning on the bars Of the
railing near a green pasture. l murmured
"How delicious that was. Was evel
rose-leaf sweeter than her lips2 Did eyel
flute sound such gentle notes as the SOUND
that fell from her tongue?
Ths. "Goed night" sh, il an angel had