Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-04-16
A STORY OF LEAP YEAR.--Sam Smith

sat at home on New Y ears day In dlshaDllle
His beard was unshaven, hair uncombed
boots unblacked, and he was leaning back ii
picturesque attitude, with cigar in hil
mouth. Sam thought it was leap year anc
how glorious it would be if the ladies could
be induced to "pop the questson" in accor
dance with their ancient privileges, as he sal
watching +" the smoke that SO gracefully curl,
ed" his fancy glowed with the idea how de.
| lightful it wonld be to have the dear crea-
lures fondling Of him, and with tender glances
endeavor to ado the agreeable" as he medi-
tated, his heart softened, and he began to
feel squeamish, womanish sensibility diff
fuse itself over his feelings and thought he
would faint with propriety the first time a
young lady squeezed his hand.
Rap, rap, sounded at the door. Sam peep
ed through the Venetian window blinds
"Mercy," exclaimed he, "if there isn't
Miss Jones, and all in dishabille, and look
ing like fright-goodness gracious, must
go right away and fix myself"
AS he left the room, Miss Jones entered,
and with composed air intimated that she
would wait.
Miss Susan Jones was firm believer in
woman's rights, and now that the season was
propitious she determined to take advantage
thereof, and do little counting on her own
account 1t was one of woman's privileges
which had been usurped by the tyrant man,
and she was determined to assert her rights
in spite Of the hollow formalities of false
system of society.
Meantime, with palpitating heart, Sam
went through a series of personal adorn-
ments. The last twist was given to his collar
the last curl to his whiskers, and with cambric
in hand he descended to the parlor. Miss
Jones rushed to receive him, and grasping his
hand with fervor, said
dearest how beautiful you look, accom-
panying her words with look of undisguis
ed admiration.
"Spare the bushes of modest young
man," said Sam, applying his cambric to his
face to hide his confusion.
NAY my love, why SO coy?" said Su-
san, turn not away those lovely eyes-dark
as jet, but sparkling as the diamond. List
to the VOWS Of fond affection. Here let us
rest said she drawing him to sofa, "Here
with my arm around thee will protest my
true affection.
Leave me, oh, leave me-" murmured
Sam; "think of my youth, my inexperience.
Spare, oh, spare my palpitating heart" !"
"Leave thee,ns said Susan, pressing him
closer to her, "never until the store of rest
less nights, of unquiet days, of aspirations,
fond emotions and undying love is laid be-
fore thee. Know that for years | have
nursed for thee secret passion. Need tell
thee how | worshiped like sunfiower in the
light of scarlet tresses-how my fond heart
was entrapped in the meshes Of those mag
nifcent whiskers-so modest so delicate, en-
chanted me-joy to me-for thy JOY was my
joy. My heart is thine-take it, but first let
me snatch kiss from those ruby lips"
The overwrought feelings Of delicate youth
were too strong and he tainted from excess
of Joy. Meanwhile the enamored maiden
hung fondly over him, and slowly the eyes of
Sam Smith opened-he gazed wildly around
him then meeting the ardent gaze of his low
er, he blushed deeply, and from behind his
handkerchief family faltered out, Ask my Pa