Muscatine journal. [volume] (Bloomington, Iowa) 1849-185?, 1854-03-24
The Dilatory Lover.


The Dilatory Lover.
Everybody said young Blackwood was in
love with pretty Jenny Lea. So, alse, said
his leng. continued, particular attentions
so said his manner-so said his eyes, but
so did mt say his tongue.
1t was very provoking, for he had every
reason to hope. Jcnny's shy, pretty man
ner told him almost as plainly as words
"Spcak, and am yours for the asking
But Mr.. Blackwood did not speak, and what
was worse, dog-in-the- n nanger-like, he kept
Others away from what he did nst seem dis
posed to enjoy himself. His brew would
grow black as thunder cloud, did any other
young man so much as dare to speak to his
Jenny any one but himself to ask her
to dance was an unhsard Of tsmsrity. He
arrogared to himself the exclusive right Of
waiting upon hsr--of directing hsr--yss,
sometimes, of scolding her.
Yet with all this assumption of suprema-
cy, my lord had never designed to declare
his love-never offered his hand no en-
gagemsnt whatever existed between them.
Everybody thought it strange, and Jenny
pouted little, and in her Utmost heart
thought 80 too.
Now Jenny had plenty Of spirit in gen.
ersl, and this made it oil the moro vsxa-
tions, that she should be 80 msekly tame
and patient in this particular case. 1t was
truly annoying to looker.on, to see her 20
imposed upon, and lorded over by one who
had not tho shadow of right to contrsl
her.
The fact is--and may as well confess il
the poor little thing was so much in love
that she did not know now to manage at all.
SO things went on, and so, perhaps, they
might have been going on to this day, but
all at once-I know not whether from some
hint from friend, or, that Jenny's native
spirit was ut last arouscd-eertain it il that
= great and notable change came over her
manner.
A charming sleighing excursion had been
projected for the approaching Nsw-Year's
day. About ten gentlemen and - many
ladies were to make up tho party. They
were to ride about fifteen miles into the
country-have supper and dance, and
than return to the city BY moonlight. As
each gentleman was to provide his onn ve-
hicle and take lady, there was an eager
competition for the honor of escorting IA.
vorite bellies. Young Mr.. Blackwood, with
his usual nonchalance was in no haste to
secure Jenny's companionship, but in his
own good time condescended to say to her
carelessly,
'sJenny, you will ride with me, Of course"
"Thank you," said Jenny, "but Mr.. Col.
lns has already been SO kind rs to ask me-
ssEh? What? ?" cried Blackwood, start
ing, and scarcely believing that he heard
aright-"you don's mean you are going
with him ?''
"Certainly.'
Young Blackwood turned on his heel and
walked away. He felt himself an indignant
and ill-used man. The shocking bad tenn
per into which he fell was far from being
sweetened by finding that his dilatoriness
had procured him the honor Of eseorting
young lady, worthy. doubtless. but some
what faded, and very silly-ths last choice
Of all who were to be Of the party.
Now-Year's day arrived, bright and pro-
sleighing.
1t had been arranged that the whole party
should assemble at certain rendezvous, %
as to set out together, and as the appointed
time approached enc gay sleigh after
another might be sees whirling to the spot.
The praneing horses, covered with silver
bslls-ths bells merry jingle the various
colors of the ladies' plaids and dresses
the rich fur robes, with their bright Innings,
and better still, the joyous, rosy faces and
the sound Of ringing laughter made up an
an inspiring and brilliant scene.
One countenanee snly looked out Of keep
ing with the gay occasion. 1t was our posr
BIS, a. he sat gloomy and taoiturn beside
his elderly companion. His eye glanced fur
lively towards Mr.. Collins sleigh he saw
Jenny's face, bright and fresh as rose
he heard her gaily laughing at some With
cism Of her companion--hs saw that CON-
panion's glance Of admiration, and he grew
ten times more gloomy and taciturn than
before. lam afraid poor Miss Moody found
him very dull, and that the ride was ~ in
tolerable to her as it was to him.
1t Was over at last, however; and now,
having oil assembled in the large, cheerful,
old country house, and having partaken Of
4 good, warm. bou ii 'ul country supper,
laid in room where glowsd bright, he's
pitable wood hre, arrangements were being
made for the promised, and sagerly-ex.
pected dance.
On repairing to the dancing room, where
most Of the company were assembled, Mr.
Blackwood's eyes glanced in search of Jen-
ny she was not there, and eonj occurring
that some adjustment Of her drsss detained
her up stairs, hs sauntsred up and down the
hall, nsrvously waiting for her. rf
The fact 10, that he had determined to
make his peace with her, by the prsssnta.
tion Of propitiatory bouquet. He had
procured very rare and beautiful one In
the city, and had, by taking Infinite pains