The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1858-10-06
Aunt Mary's Last Filtration.
"Aunt Mary, please, will you tell us stor
vEhus snake my cousin Jennie as amt M

cn@sWell. what shall tell about?"
80, some one of your frolics, when you were
young
"Then l will tell you about a Irritation of
mine. You know that when quite young, l
was sent away to boarding school, very
fashionable one near town. While there. l
imbibed great many schools girl ideas; one was
that there could be no harm in flirting left
school At seventeen, with good education,
rather pretty face and a warm heart.
1T was beautiful afternoon in October, that
| returned home. You who have never left
home for any length Of time, cannot imagine
how overjoyed | was to see my parents and
sisters once more.
THAT evening I kept them busy telling me
all about my friends; and from my sister Lizzie
manner when speaking Of certain young man,
thought that she was more interested in him
than in the generality of young men. My sup
position was correct. When. after retiring to
my room, unpacking my trunk, Kate
rushed in, very much as you would have done.
Jennie, and sitting down on the bed said, in a
"Moy, have got something very sad to
tell you.'
Il looked up in astonishment."
full man here, and believe he has stolen Liz
zies heart-the thief! Did you see her blush
| to-night?'
Il wanted to laugh, but l was afraid she
would cry.
But he is rather a nice fellow, as good as
any Of them, exc
Except who?"
90, I'm not a going to except any one-no
indeed! Don't believe them if they say am
and blushing she kissed me, and ran out of the
room. I had a plenty to think about hat night.
Both of my sisters engaged, for knew by
Kate's words and manners that she was en-
gagged perhaps be married before another year;
what could do without them? but was too
tired to worry long about anything.
Till Christmas the town was exceeding y
dull as the dances and parties did not COM
mence till then, | was very dull, because two
young men had coolIy taken my sisters hearts,
and, of course, greater part of their company
They were married Christmas night.
, "The old home was so lonely after they
went away. that mingled in all the gaiety Of
the village. At the parties which attended,
my beauty, and rich dresses, more stylish than
those worn by the country damsels, attracted
a great deal of attention. | felt fattered, and
discouraged none of the flatterers. [ went to
parties and lectures with different gentlemen
0 If any young man did not pay me any attention
n | was as fascinating as possible: played and
sang my best, danced as gracefully as was
able, and talked about novels, both French anc
English, until he was capuvated.
y II was not happy, in all this excitement
a Often after returning from ball. l have longec
0 to be again a child, spending quiet evenings a
0 home with my sisters and mother but that was
r impossible.
Il visited my sisters in their new homes II
II , the spring They were surprised at my appear
j. ance-more beautiful than formerly, and ther
e was, at times, rather wild, excited look abou
nv eyes which alarmed them. | enjoyed m
:. visit very much, and, when | returned, full
intended to make home happy to my parents
s. and to seek no more excitement The tempta
ton was so great that, though at first I attende
but few parties, before the winter was out,
\. was the gayest Of the gay.
= Zone night in January, my mother attende
:, a party with me- She was not accustomed t.
IL IL the evening air. and the next morning had
:. violent cold was not worried at first, but a
l. the winter wore away, and it did not decrease
= | thought it best to have doctor. He said
n was too late already. as one of her lungs wa
h nearly gone, and that she could scarcely liv
r through the summer. And she did not. Sh
g died on the 25th of August. Ny father wa
+ overwhelmed with grief. l wished to comfol
:; him, but he would see none but the servant
= who carried his food to his study
III THUS left to myself, was lonely and dis
J. contened when winter came. accepted a
the invitations which were sent me, thinking t
'e drown sorrow in mirth and gaety, but it wa
impossible.
Zone day in June lying in the shad
70 of pine grove near home, reading move
u Suddenly, [ heard a mans voice exclalm,-
~ Here's some game; come Rover, seize it, sir
. A small spaniel ran toward me barking ferc
1 ciously. Jumped up, and turning saw youn
man leaning against tree near by, holding
gun in one hand, and using his hat as a ia
with the other. He was tall and handsome
. his hair not dark but golden hue; his eye
!. grey, and SO piercing, they seemed to look m
y through and through Nevertheless he locke
good -natured as he whisted TO bis dog, VII
II seemed not inclined to make friendly acquar
:; tance with me.
lie Il felt embarrassed, land commenced runnin
toward the house, and in my haste forgot m
II book. did not perceive it until looking back
$; I heard the voice saying. Miss Mary, excus
me, you dropped your book, here it is l too
v it. The voice was very pleasant, but 1t wa
y also firm. l said very humbly. Thank yor
q, er sir, and went on. thought how different h
is from young men here. | am handsome
IL must get acquainted with him-1 wonder if h
20 will pay me much attention? of course he vii
's all the rest do. He called me Miss Mary.
er wonder how he knew my name" | locke
round, he was walking leisurely, only fe
Us PAGES behind me, for unconsciously had slacl
ened my pace. Again he spoke:
"Miss Mary, don't you remember nne?''
s. mo, sir'' Strange l was so respectful.
l "You remember my sister, Annie Dana?'
IS, 80, yes sir, now | remember! You are HI
= brother WILL
? laughed I was angry, it was such a
Is. Indifferent careless laugh. l thought he WI
sh making fun of me, and commenced saucy II
u 4, mark, but looking up into those grey eyes silen
'l ed me; | did not finish He walked home Wi
in me, and invited him in. but he refused prom
IS, ising to come some other time.