Amador weekly ledger., 1857-12-26
But only smiled, and said that l should


For the first three minutes, my cavalier
did well. He went smoothly and evenly, but
at the expiration Of that time, began to grow
warm. Five minutes elapsed and Bimby's
breath came harder and harder On we
went, however, and ! scorneG to notice his
slackening up at every round, when we passed
my seat After some ten or twelve minutes,
the wretched man gasped out between his
steps,
"Ah, a-are you not-get-getting
tired p
"Oh, nol7 burst forth, as cooly as if
we we're riding round the room" Oh no,
feel as if | could waltz all night.D
The look of despair that he gave was ter
rbe to see
was bound to see him through, however
and we kept at it, Bimby staggered, and
made wild steps in all directions. His shirt
collar wlted, his eyes protruded, his jaw hung
down; and altogether, | saw he could not
hold up much longer
"This is delightful" / said composedIy,
and you Mr.. Bmby, waltz so easlyp
Puff-puh- puf-yes oh puff
very--puif delightful gasped he.
Don't you think it ought to go "a little
faster.p
He rolled his eyes heavenward in agony.
"Ah, puff -puiT-I don't-ah--pulr
don't know
So when we neared the musicians, ! said,
" faster II you please--fasterw and they
played Ia whiriwind.
Poor Bimby threw his feet about like a
fast PAGER, and reyolyed after the manner OF
teetotum which was nearly run down.
/ At last he staggered a step backwards, and
spinning electrically away from me, pitched
headIong into the midst of a small beyy Of
/ ladies in corner | turned around coolly,
aud walking to my seat, sent the young wo-
man killer for a glass OF ce-water.
The miserable lawyer recovered his senses
Just in time to see me thank his rival for the
water
At this juDcture, and before Mr.. Bimby
had time to apologize for his accident, little
Jennie came running into the pavilion which
served as ball room. As she came near,
perceived that her hands were clutchcd
tightly in her dress, and positively shudder-
ed, as she whispered to me.
Oh Maggie! come and help me fix my
skirts they are all coming downw
What should do2 was in agony. A
cold perspiration broke ont upon my fore
head | wished myself thousand miles
away. and mathematical Bob Styles mas
querading project inwardly, with fearful mal-
edietons.
said was tired out--could not some
body else gol
No, nothing would do, but | must accom-
pany her to the house of gentlemen who
owned the grove, and assist her to arrange
her clothing.
So | went.
What if it should be necessary to remove
the greater part of her raimentl What if
she should tell me to do some sewingg What
if in the midst of all the embarrassment of
being closeted with a beautiful girl Of seven
teen in state Of comparative freedom from
drapery, my real sex and identity should be
discovered by her?
/ felt as ii an apopcctc fit would be a for
tunate occurrence for me, just then.
However, nerved myself up for the task,
and accompanied Jennie to the house desig-
mated An old lady showed us into her
chamber, and Jennie, heaving a sigh of re-
lief, let go her dress.
As she did so, a--pardon my blushesl-a
proceed, bnt alarmed her by sudden and
vehement gesture.
"Stoplp ! cried frantically, and forgetting
my falsettc; "stop don't undress, for Gods
sakep
She opened her great brown eyes to their
widest extent.
And why notw
Because | ami am-a-can you keer
a seeret?n
."Why yes,--how frightful you lookl-
Why what is the matter-Maggiel- el-you--
why-oh oh!l ohl!w
And she gave three fearful screams.
Hush, no noisc or | am lostw i ex
, claiined, putting my hand over her mouth
~ swear mean no harm; if had j would
not have stopped you. Don't you seer
, She was all of tremble, poor little thing
but she saw the force of my argument.
Oh, sir,p she said, II see you are a man
but what does it all mean? Why did you
dress sol"
. told her the story as briefly as possible
and exaeted from her promise of the mos
sacred secrecy.
then went outside the door and waited
f till she had arranged her dress, when sh,
called me in again. She had heard of m,
from Maggie and others, and wanted to heai
all the particulars; so sat down by her, anC
: we had long talk, which ended ina mutua
feeling OF lrendllness and old acquaintance
2 ship, quite wonderful for people meeting 10
the first time. just as we started to go bael
to the pavilion, said that must relley
+ my mind Of one more burden.
T And what is that?n she asked