Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1854-06-28

Der Of the family and smithcrs, beine pre-
scnted to them by 50 valued a friend, was
received with more warmth than probably
would have beea accorded to him had the
mode Of meeting been different. Be this as
it may, the laoy-killdt attributed his favor
able reception eptirelyfo bis own merits, and
returning warmth fos~warmth with interest,
was in a short time scarcely eyer absent from
the residence oftle Lincolns. Morning calls
gave him an opportunity to form evening
engagements, and these again gave him a
p~rstence for morning calls; concerts, operas,
theatres, balls--all were brought into requi.
s%iticn, and, as Snithers ~fat.ers himself, not
10 yain.
1t may bs ssk how Dcsborough relished
these vigorous proceedings Of bis new friend.
Indeed be seemed to take little notice Of them.
He evinced some surprise at FIRST. and, as
Smithers thought. some jealousy. But he
soon appeared to consider the appearance Of
the lady killer at the Lincolns as a matter of
course. aud all indication Of ~yexation disap-
peared. Smithers, on bis part. was perfectly
at ease for he had not carried on the siege
long before be had arrived at a very salts.
factory conclusion, which was that both the
Misses Lncolns were desperately in love
With him, and that both looked with perfect
indifference on Desborougb, who was the VIC
tim of a hopeless passion for one or both
but if for one, be could not tell which, and it
did not matter. for be couldn't get her.
Having thus clearly set in his own mind
the state Of affairs as regarded others, he be-
gan to question himself as to the condition of
bis w heart-could he feel happy to select
one Of the Misses Lincoln, and actually marry
her After some delibefation he decided
that be could. The next question was
which was it to be? IL was plain he could
have either, as be bad given them both equal
reason to hope; neither could she DE aston
ished at iuding herself the chosen one,
though misery and a broken heart might, he
feared be the portion Of the rejected. He
made his selection at last, and fixed on the
elder as being the moro beautiful, and, as he
suspected, having better expectations than
her sister. His plan formed. be prepared to
put it into immediate execution.
As he was about to 60 on bis errand, a
knock at the door announced a visitor, and
Desboroagh entered, He had not called on
Smithers for some time, but there was no
diminution Of friendship in bis manner as be
shook hands with him. and taking a chair,
began chatting on the topics of the day.
An idea came to the mind Of Smithers.-
Here was the very man who first introduced
him to the Lincolns, and who probably would
feel hurt il not consulted on an affair Of such
moment. Atall events be had no cause to
fear him as arival-of that be was certain
and an opportunity for a little Boosting, and
perhaps the qualification of a little friendly
malice, was irresistible.
'Desborough,' be exclaimed, Il wish to
have your advice on a matter Of Importance.
My constant attentions to the Lincoln family
have no doubt been very obvious to you, and
probably you lave thought was merely seek
ing the qualification Of an idle vanity but |
assure you my motives were of a higher or
der. ! have long sought-unsuccessfully sought
"a girl with whom, as ! believed, could
happily pass my life. AT length have found
her--Mary Lincoln is that gill. Tell me il,
in your opinion have chosen wisely
Mary Liuccln is a charming creature
exclaimed Desborough.
Il have not come TO o decision without
much thought, said Mr.. Smithers. Both
the Misses Lipcdus are charming creatures;
and Sophia certainly has fine eyes--very fine
eyesl But there is something about Mary
that is quite irresistible, and to Mary is my
heart given
Upon my word said Desborough, laugh.
ing in spite Of ali attempts to keep his coun-
~tenance, you are very impartial in your
praise, and it would appear, have given half
your heart to each. I hope both ladies are
not enamored Of you. and there Is no danger
of one pining beneath your Indifference
'Ah, my dear friend exclaimed smithcrs,
you are very penetrating, find. Yes, the
case is just as you say. Mary and Sophia,
have every reason to believe, are both pas
sionatoly in love with me; and what viii be-
come of poor Sophia when propose for her
sister, | dread to contemplate
But what are your reasons for this very
complaccnt bolief!' asked Desborougb.
sob, they are innumerable! replied Smith
ers. Looks, words. tone of voice, tell all
and have long told me their secrets. Do you
remember that Mary some time ago left off
wearing her hair in bands, and took to wear
;u.r r;p.ylats2 Wall that ,yaa hecause I said