Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-03-05
From the knickerboeker.
STRAY FANCIES OF YOUNG LIFE.
by Pill. KRolfMOE.


1wish you could have seen her-my first love.
had reached the advanced age of ten when
my heart surrendered itself to Fanny c., and
the young lady was no older. We attended
the same school, and she used TO cast at me
siae-long, modest elances of affection, in an
swer to my somewhat. broad stare of admira-
tion, when We encountered each other in the
street, on our way to the temple of learning.
Al last, one evening, we met at juvenile par
ty; we wore both seized with chronic blush
ing, and when in the course of some kissing
game, chose her, and imprinted kiss upon
her cheek, she was quite ove-powered. re-
member now the Joyous spring-like thrill
which that chaste, pure kiss of boyish affec-
iion sent tingling through my blood. We be-
came bound TO each other from that happy
minute.
dreamt of that girl for three nights succes-
siveiy, and when Saturday came was misera-
bic, very miserable; for / knew / should not
seq her again till Monday. / wandered in the
direction of her fathers residence on Salur-
day afternoon, instead of playing shockey'
with my companions. He lived in a court l
dared not turn into it, but passed by the end
several times with the air OF corsair disap-
pointed in love.
| detected myself now often before q look
irs-glass, continually brushing my hair and
pntting on clean collars. polished my shoes
every day, and in my progress toward refine
ment, eren declined to engage in any outside
games. Fanny and would meet each other
at appointed times and places, and take long
walls
excursions, 1 know net, but was certainly
very happyi and when returned home, was
always anxious to know If there wasn't a rent
Ia ny apparel, or white-wash en- my jlcket, or
some other little matter which might have de-
Quoted from the splsudOr of my personal APP
pearance during the walk.
No living man, not even the President of
the United States, whoever that dignitary
might have been at the tine, held so high
place in my Imagination as Fanny's father.
His effect upon me was astounding. He GER
tainly was not possessed of extraordinary tai
ents, and, have since discovered, was rather
commonplace character; but he-was Fan
ny's father, and that was eno%sh for me.
man who was the parent of such girl shonId
not be compared with the general run of hu-
manity, by any means. l think feared him,
for in my mind he possessed most of the traits
which history gives Olive, Cromwell, mingled
with some of the characteristics of Napoleon
Bonapartc. Yet this man, knowing doubtless
of my acquaintance with Fanny, addressed me
one day in the street, and said, well. my boy,
call and see our Fanny know she would like
TO see your
Here was condescen,ion "a gentleman of
his age and standing inviting to call and
see his daughter! l blushed and nuttered
some thanks, which he replied to with hearty
laugh, and passed on. l entertained an idea
that Mr.. c. was enormously rich. l knew
that, if he chose, he could draw from his pock-
el handful of gold eagles at any time. 1
wondered why he wasn't Governor of the State
or something of that sort, and pondered on
the celebrated ingratitude of republics. And
this man wished me to call upon his daughter!
Bless met rather thought / would.
went home, and in an easy, gentlemanly
way, Informed my mother-dear mother! l
see her quiet smile now-that Mr.. G. had just
invited me to call on Fanny, and that / tho't
sAouid accept and visit her in the course Of
s5sy or two. In a day or two yes, indeed.