American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1855-06-21

''Do ride!" exclaimed Melinda. 81
don't do anything elsel I've just been put
ting my horse up to stone walls; he'll make
capital fencer."
"Of course you discard the side-sad
dle?"
Not quite so bad as that replied the
Bloomer slightly blushing
I'm going to see my CRAPS, Jack, said
old Wrinkle, so you must take care of the
ladies'
Dear girl, said Jack, addressing Maria,
when Winkle had retired, though hu-
mored Mr. Wrinkles joke, when he intro
duced me, still the moment | saw you, l
knew that you were none other than my
Melinda; you are just what l painted you
in nay dreams"
And what do you take me for, then,
you block head? asked Melinda.
'Forju what you are my. bOy! cried
Jack, slapping her on the back-'honest
Tom Winkle! Handsome enough for a
girl, to be sure, but altogether too rough
for one!
But assure you Mr.. Carysfort--' said
Maria.
Don't assure me that you are not your
own sweet SELF said Jack, tenderly, but
tell me all about your life here. What a
charming, retired placel How abundant
is the country in resources for the gratfi-
cation of true feminine fastest With its
birds ard flowers for admiration and cul-
ture; its pleasant walks--scenery for the
pencil; and then books, music, and hous-
hold work for indoor employment on rainy
days and evenings. Such, doubtless, my
dear Melinda has found it,
But let me tell you, Mr.. Carysfort'-
interrupted the real Melinda.
BE quiet, Toni cried Jack, impatient
ly. Do be off with your gun--or go into
the stable--you were always a troublesome
boy You must know that have a world
of things to say to your sister
i shall stay where ami said Melinda,
throwing herself into chair and rocking
somewhat violently.
We'll hold your tongue tlen,' said Jack,
turning his back upon her, and continuing
to converse with Maria. Dear Melinda,
this joke of trying 10 pass Tom, here, off
as you, reminds me of the Bloomer mania
We had accounts Of it in Paris. and it
made the Frenchmen laugh confoundedly
at our expense. Once in q while you see
a woman in the streets of Paris, dressed
in male attire, and such travesties are COM
mon in carnival time,' but only tolerated
then by the license of the season.
1T is an absurd mania, to be sure said
Maria.
4 am glad to hear you condemn it, re-
turned Jack warmly, pressing her hand,
'for sooner than marry a confirmed Bloom
er, would bestow my hand and name on
street singer, or a tight rope dancer
Don't you want to look at the grounds?
said Melinda in subdued and agitated
voice.
Il want to talk with your sister, you lit
tie rascal!' cried Jack; and taking her by
the shoulders he put her out of the room
and locked the door on her.
Ten minutes afterward she peered
through the front window blinds, and saw
Jack kissing Maria, it being part of his sys-
| tenn.
AT the dinner table Melinda appeared
in the habilments Of her sex, looking very
beautiful, though it must be confessed
that her eyes were little red and swol
len. She blushed and held out her hand
| to Jack.
'Amazement!' cried Jack. Where's
Tom?'
Tom is in Boston, as you know very
well, or ought to know said Melinda.
Then this lady'-said Jack, now turn
ing to Maria.
1T is my cousin Maria, as you were told
this morning, only you wouldn't believe
it, said Melinda; reproachfully.
Maria laughed at the joke, but she had
little affair Of her own, and was there
fore not unwilling to resign Jack to his
owner.