Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1857-12-17

perceived that her hands were clutched
tightly in her dress; and I positively shud
dereded as she whispered to me.
s'Oh, Maggie! come and help me fix my
skirts-they are all coming DOWN.
What should I do? was in agony. A
cold perspiration broke out upon my fore
head, [ wished myself a thousand miles
away, and mathematical Bob Styles mas
querading project inwardly, with fearful
maledictions.
said was tired out-could not some
body else go?
No, nothing would do, but must accom-
paIy her to the house of gentleman 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 raiment? What if
she should tell me do some sewing? What,
if in the midst of all the enbarrassments of
being closeted with beautiful young girl
OF seventeen, in state Of comparative free
dom from drapery my real sex and identity
should be discovered by her?
Ifelt as if an apoplectic fit would be
fortunate occurrence for me just then.
However, [ nerved myself up to the task
and accompanied Jennie to the house desig-
mated. An old lady showed US into her
chamber, and Jennie, beaving sigh of re-
lief let go her dress AS she did so, "a
pardon my bushes! a petticoat fell to the
floor. She was about to proceed, but [
alarmed her by a sudden and vehement
gesture.
Stop cried frantically, and forget
ting my falsetto; ''stop! don't undress for
Gods sakev'
She opened her great brown eyes to their
widest extent.
''And why not %
because AMI am-a-can you keep
a seerct?"
.sWhy yes-how frightened you look =
Why what is the matter-Maggie? you,
why-oh oh !! oh =!
And she gave three fearful screams.
Hush, no noise, or am lost!' ex-
claimed, putting my hand over her mouth.
II swear I mean no harm; if had I would
not have stopped you. Don't you see?''
Sic wu5-aii4-vff ~sr.s.sLle litsla-
thing; but she saw the force Of my argu
ment.
.".Oh, SIR" she said, II see you are
man but what does it all mean? Why do
you dress so :"
I told her the story, as briefly as posi-
most sacred secrecy
then went outside the door, and wait
ed till she arranged her dress, and when she
called me in again. She had heard of me
from Maggie and others, and wanted to hear
all the particulars; SO I sat down by her and
we had long talk, which ended in a mutual
feeling of friendliness and old acquaintance
ship, quite wonderful for people meeting for
the first time. Just as we started to 60
back to the pavilion, said that I must re-
lieve my mind Of one more burden.
:sAnd what is that?' she asked.
"Those kisses You thought was Mag
gle Lee, or you would not have given them.
They were very sweet, but [ suppose [ must
give them back.
And I did.
She blushed good deal, but she didn't
resist, only when got through, she glanced
up timidly, and said.
Il think you arereal naughty, anyhow .
When we returned [ found lawyer BIN
by quite recovered from his dizziness, and
all hands for supper, which was served in
the ball room. | sat between Bimby and
Jennie, and made love to both of them In
turn to one as Maggie Lee, and to the other
as myself. After supper, at which l aston
ished several by eating rather more heartily
than young ladies generally do, we had
more dancing. and [ hiuted pretty strongly
to Mr. Bimby that should like to try an
other waltz.
He didn't take the hint
Finding it rather dry amusement to dance
with my own kind, [ soon abandoned thai
pleasure, and persuaded Jennie to stroll of
into the moonlight with me. We found the
grove charming place, full of picturesque
little corners, and rustic seats, and grey
rocks leaning out over the river. On one
of these latter, little bench was placed, in
nook sheltered from the wind, and from
sight.
Here we sat down, in the full food Of the
moonlight, and having just had dinner.
felt wonderfully in need of a cigar. Ac-
cordingly, [ went back to a little stand near
the ball room, and purchased several of the
wonderful woman who sold refreshments.
Then returning to the seas by the rocks, l
gave up all cares or fears for my incognito,
and revelled in the pleasure of my solitude
the fragrance of my cigar-the moonlight
and little Jennie's presence.
How long we sat there, heaven alone
knows. We talked, and laug ghed, and sang
and looked in each others eyes, and told
fortunes, and performed all the nonsensica
operations common amongst young people
just falling in love with each other, anc
might have remained there until this montf