Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1855-11-08


from the edge of his knife, and slap it wen
against the nose of a lady opposite, spatter
| ing her face with the gravy. The lady turn
ed rcd-the gentleman apologized, the com.
pany seemed more than usually serious, as
company always does when it restrans itself
from a hearty laugh, and looked straight at
my friend across the table, saying, as plain
as eyes could say /. aha! cousin from the
countryr
And that was not the end Of the chapter,
for my cousin, in attempting to cut butter,
which, as 1t was an unusually warm winter
day, had ice upon it, unfortunately knocked
the frozen element on the table; and Of all
the efforts ever saw put forth to catch a
slippery article, those he Il ade in the matter
OF securing that ice was the most ridiculous.
First he laid siege with knife g. fork but it
danced about like.ice oewitched; polka waltz
and redowa step, hopping now against Miss
Harret's pla e, gliding about among hot vege-
tables, and sliding under meat dishes, until
its capture became a matter of stubborn prin-
ciple
Fortunately one of the servants hurried to
his help with large spoon, and using that,
my Cousins elbow came in contact with a
large glass dish filled with pickles, and away
itSspun over on Miss Harriet's lap, and the
ice followed after no, with what gusto could
have shouted at that moment, cousin from
the country but pi.ed the blushing divine,
and contented myself with an inward chuckie
But by-and bye things went on more
smoothly, and we all got merry over the
desert. | assure you ministers can enjoy
themse Ives with jokes and gibes as well as
the rest of us; AMI why, pray, should they
not! One after another told some amusing
anecdote, until their smooth sleek visages
fairly shone with good humor. ! forgot my
awkwardness- cousin-Miss Harriet
and setting down my glass, 5egan with a
comic air.
Once upon time, there was an old farm
er lived away out in the woods in Old Ver-
mont State
My strong nasal accent Immediately at
tracted attention. Instantly there was silence
every eye was fixed upon me With a wonder
ing yet respectful attention
'Ahem! ah--ahem!' said MY cousin, vehe-
mertl;, turning purple to his hair and fixing
upon me his ,ndsome eyes. I only needed
that glance to confirm my waveriDg resolu-
tion; if had felt fearful, all traces of timidi-
" Tere banished now; and in the midst of
expressive smiles ana some tittering, pdsh-
ed on with my story. worked like magic
Never before had spoken before such an
audience. Every little while | could see by
the turn OF his head and certain little move.
Shnt n,vr rft,sin onnI,r,;yi,,., Cal
me to Miss Harriet, and he could not seem to
understand it when at the conclusion a roar
went round the table almost loud enough to
drown the thunder of Niagara Falls. Again
aud again the mrth broke forth, and was
bes eyed for more; and when we arose from
table, was the lion Of the evening, and my
cousin from the country forgotten entirely. |
was not surprised at that but | was sur
prised at the very decided marks of favor
shown me by Miss Harriet. The beautiful
girl sat by ne and seemed to listen with in
terest to whatever ! said. Poor Dennis! the
tables were turned, and / even believe he
was Jealous of his cousin from the country
Invitations poured in upon me after that
eveniful day. | became more fastidous IN
dress, and even ventured to make calls N.Y.
self. The circle OF my acquaintance enlarg-
ed--;he handsome minst no longer cut me
in public, but walked boldly hy my side up the
aisle at ehgrch. spent more time at the
toilet than formerly; patronized the barber;
practsed my old fashioned songs; sung
for the ladies'; in fact was popular
Miss Harriet NewIand, the young lady
have mention ed before, had been for two sea-
sons the regular belle. She was not wealthy
but the heir expectant of good property. She
was girl of decided talent, and no doubt
intended to marry well. My cousin, saw,
was most assiduously paying his addresses to
her. He coafided occasionally in me, and al.
ways spoke of her with transport At length
things began to change. He grew solemn
and moody, and Sc dom mentioned her name
saw her frequently; and had been vain,
the light that sparkled in her eyes, the deep
glow of her beautiful cheek would have led
me to suspect my presence called forth the
brigh. sparkle an1 the modest blush.
like the omnibus for one reason. 1t gives
fine opportunities for the study Of human
nature. One day determined on taking the
tour OF the fashionable thoroughf,re. and ac-
cordingly hailed the first 'buss,' gaudy con-
Germ, and we commenced our slow journey
What multitude were out that day! White
hats and blue hat,, with blue eyes beneath
them; flying feathers and dancing ribbons
and the mingled colors of soft and glossy
silks, seemed jumbled together though space,
between intervening vehicles, rich variety
OF costly goods.
Suddenly, without a moments warning
down came TIE rain, and such rain! Such
scattering to and fro! such lodging into shoI
doors and under The shades! such scamperina
for omnibusses! In less time than | cat
say it, our vehicle was apparently full.
Drive on said gruf voice, when pretty
white bonnet appeared, and beautiful fac
looked appeNingly in. sprang from M
seat--Miss Harriet saw me, and blushingI
made her way towards me between Il mul
tipicity of knees, nfter some demurrng from
her fair sisterhood, found tolerable place a
my side. was in a tight place, but neVe
regretted that squeezing, never
One by one the occupants emerged fror
the 'buss'' along Broadway. Sincerely glO
was | that a favorIe m kim of mine had al
wsys been, an umbre!l Tor every change G