Amador weekly ledger., 1857-10-24
Sophie Lynn.

Men are never so awkward, never so mn
graceful, never so disagrceable as when they
are making love. A friend is q Iuxurv-a
husband ditto, | SUPPOSE but that intermit-
tent class of human beings denominated Low
ers' are terrible bores 1t does very well for
woman to blush and look fustered now and
then, when occasion makes it desirable: but
to see nan with his face as red as o ripe
cherry, and real parcel Of strong-minded-
ness, self-reliance, and masculine dignity, done
up in broadcloth and starched linen, quaking
from the toe of his boot to the top of his
shirt-collar, his mouth awry and his tongue
twisted into COMMISSIONS in the vain attempt
to say something sweet-O gracioust"
So said saucy Sophie Lynn aloud to her
self, as she sat swinging backwards and for
wards before her window, half buried in the
cushions Of luxurious armchair, and play
ing with delicate ivory fan that lay upon
her lap
" 1t always seems so strange, not to say
tiresome," she continued, with running,
musical laugh, "after one has waltzed and
sung, quoted poetry and talked nonsense with
Of the two is most hcartless, ones self or
ones companion, to hear him come plump
down on the subject of matrimony, as though
that was the legitimate result of every such
inspid aequaintanceship! For my part
never had a lover (here Sophie luttered her
fan and looked pleased for she had had more
than one,) that wasn't heartily sick Of after
he had proposed. There was Captain Morris
I thought him the handsomest man in my
whole circle Of acquaintance, until he went
on his knees to me, and swore he should die
if | didn't take pity on him. Somehow he
always looked like fright to ME afterwards.
Then there was Dr. Wilkins-he was really
agreeable, and people said very learned l
was delighted with him for a time; but he
spoiled it all with that offer of his-what
oug-winded adectives!-and how the poor
fellow blushed, and puffed and perspired!-
He called me an adorable creature and
hccoughed in the middle of adorable
Horrors! I've detested him ever since. Then
there was a."
Here Sophie started She heard the door
bell ring. With nervous spring she stood
before her mirror, smoothing down her brown
hair with haste truly comieal.
at won't do to seem interested" she said
as she took finishing survey Of her person
in the glass, and shook out, with her plump,
jewelled fingers. the folds of her airy muslin
dress.
The moment afterwards when servant
entered to announce Mr. Harry Ainslee, she
was back on her old seat by the window,
rocking and playing with her fan, apparently
as unconcerned and lStless as though that
name had not sent quicker thrill to her
heart, or the betraying crimson all over her
pretty face. "Tel him / will be down
presently she said.
The girl disappeared, and Sophie flung
open her window that the cool, fresh wind
might fan away the extra rosness from her
Then she went again to the
mirror, and after composing her bright, ca
ger, happy face into an expression of demure-
ness, descended to the parlor. A smile
broke over her features, and she reached out
both hands to her guest; but, as if suddenly
recoleeting herself drew them back again,
and with formal bow OF recognition, she
passed him, and seated herself in further
c ,rner of the ROOM
1t was very evident that something was
wrong with Sophie; that she had made up
her mind, either not to be pleased or not to
please. Could it be that she had foreseen
what was coming? that a presentiment of
that visit and its result had dictated the
merry speeches in her chamber? BE that as
it may, u halfhour had not elapsed before
she knew that Harry Ainslee's hand and for
tune, (Which latter, by the way, was nothing
wonderfully were in the same place where
Captain Morris's and DR.. Wllkins's had been
before them.
"The first man that | ever heard say such
things without making fool of himself"
muttered Sophie emphatically from behind
her fan, as she sat blushiug, and evidently
gratified, yet without deigning any reply TO
the gallant straightforward speech in which
her lover had risked his all OF hope.
q He ought TO do penance for the pretty
way he manages his tongue He's altogether
too calm to suit me-" And Sophie shook
her curly head meaningly. holding her fan
before for screen-did she forget what she
had been saying! ~ wonder if | could
snore the way old Uncle Jones used to in
she soliloquiSed "Woudn't it be
fan?-and wouldn't it plague Harry if he
thought / had been asleep while he was talk
ing?'
Sophes blue eyes danced with suppressed
merrmcnt as she gave two or three heavy
and followed them up with ma
sal explosion worthy of an orthodox deacon.
1t was we'll done--theatrieally done; and
poor Harry sprang bolt upright-surprised,
chagrned. Human nature could
stand it no longer, and Sophie gave vent to
her mrth in burst of triumphant laughter
You little witch--you mischief-yon
spirit of evil!n exclaimed the relieved Harry,
~. La r1,rn r.c ta Lnr side anl cannLt hnc hu