Eastern times., 1855-10-18
Gge storp GelItr,
THE MINIATURE:
OR, WHY AM A BACHELOR.

why don't you get married . is question
with which, doubtless, every old bachelor has
been ANNOYED thousand times. | say an
noyed, because what can be more annoying 10
a sensitive man-and [ think all unmarried
men are more or less sensitive upon this sub
lect-than to have the question bluntly asked
him, why don't you get marriedp
But, although the question has been asked
so many times, yet it is very seldom that the
questioneg receives satisfactory answer TO
his inquiry, even if he is fortunate enough TO
receive any kind of a reply.
Now one might suppose that after person
had arrived at an age, when no one could,
with reason, think or imagine him to have any
thoughts or intentions of taking the hymeual
VOW, the above question would no longer be
put to him; but such is the fact, nevertheless,
only the inquiry is now sometimes changed
to why didn't you get married 2 This last
question has been addressed TO me several
times, but have never, until recently, thought
it worth while TO trouble or tax the patience
OF the inquirer, by giving definite answer
and perhaps | should not, even then, have
given my hearts history so fully, if it had not
been drawn from me,-not so much by the di
rect question, but in an indirect and unexpected
manner.
About year since, was taken with vio-
lent fever, which brought me so low that was
long time in recovering from the effects of
1t; aud even now, feel that have not quite
regained nay usual strength and health.
One day, after had become considerably
better, was sitting in my chair,-thinking of
the past-'of the scenes and friends of yore'-
wishing could see or hear from those who
are yet alive, and following with my thoughts
those who have gone TO the spirit land,
wheu, with startling vividness, there came be-
fore my mind the vision of one friend-one
dear friend-who once caused my heart TO
thrill with joy which is known only TO those
who have truly loved. lopened my desk and
took from thence miniature and unclasped it.
Yes, there it was-that same, sweet image,
upon which l had so often gazed in JOY and
grief, of the gentle being with whom had, in
days that are forever past, spent 50 many hap
py hours.
While thus engaged, the door suddenly
opened and my physician came in. lmade.an
isyolu0tary effort 10 conceal the miniature,
but was unsuccessful; he saw it, and also, it
may be, the traces of emotion upon my cheeks,
for as he came forward he glanced at my face
and then at the miniature, as if that had some
thing TO do with my appearance. He is
kind hearted man but rather inquisitive, and |
was therefore not surprised that he desired to
see the miniature.
He took the picture, and gazed upon it with
such strange expression of admiration and
surprise, that was somewhat startled. He
looked up with the greatest curiosity depicted
upon his countenance, and asked, sHow did
you come by this, why it he checked him
self by wishing me to give him its history,
saying he felt very sure thtfe was something
connected with it which would be very inter-
esting 10 him. As we were on quite intimate
terms, and as his words and manner had also
awakened my curiosity, could not but com
ply with his request. And here is the story,
gentle reader, in nearly the same words as
related it to him: