Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1858-11-03

[From the Courier des Etats.l
WHAT CONSTITUTES An ENGAGE
MENT!-A WATERING PLACE HIS
TORY.

son) who found himself engaged one fine
morning, without any idea of such an
event. True, he had firted good deal
for week OF more with beautiful
young blonde, whom fashionable pleas
ure had attracted to Saratoga, Newport.
or Sharon, as you will. The name is
not of the slightest consequence.
Filtration, which is not expressly pro-
hibited in the Eecalogne, is a sentimen-
tai coin fully current in the United
States, and its circulation compromises
no one. If the truth must be avowed, it
had chanced that our hero one night
one moonless night-enjoyed q conver-
sation at the extremity of dark piazza;
and this young gentleman, by accident,
perhaps, dropped his head at the mo-
ment the young lady in question raised
hers, the better to hear what he said
But kiss, half given and halfreceived,
is not matte of such moment as to re-
quire the sanction of marriage.
Be it known, then, that William q
see no impropriety in calling him Will
liam) was petrifed rather Than charmed,
the next day, when his partner Of the
previous nights interview asked him,
blushing, if he thought it best 10 omake
known their engagement at once
He gave her look from which the
young lady inferred that she was not un-
derslood, and blushing still more sweet
ly, repeated the question.
William exhibited no discourteous sur
prise, but put on an appearance which
indicated that he was deciding whether
an immediate public avowal was best,
and then managed TO have some good
reasons for postponing the revelation un
IL the close of the season /; and Nelly
promised 70 keep it a profound secret.
That night he retired to his ROOM and
meditated various schemes for extrici;-
ing himself from his embarrassing posi-
itOn. He could admit every plan but
one-that of marriage.
He had not decided upon any definite
plan, when, next night, at the dance,
Miss Susan H a charming person,
who honored him with friendship, bor-
dering on the sentimental, touched him
on the arm, and whispered with a mys-
terious air:
Sir, l congratulate you
'Wherefore?' he asked; but she had
already glided away in the dance.
The matter required An explanation,
and during hiatus in the music, they
went aside, and Susan spoke in serious
mood.
Nelly is my best friend and she has
told me all. Oh, you needn't blush so
at that!'
In fact William colored with the idea
that his pretended engagement had al
ready been circulated among his intimate
friends. He did not directly deny it,
however, but took method of his own.
Am 1 really engaged?' he demanded
of Susan.
"a pretty question to ask me = said
Susan, with the slightest touch of spite.
You shall judge my case,' said Viii
liam. Suppose 1 repeated here what
you have heard hundred times-that
you are beautiful, intelligent, accomplish
ed, that your eyes are the deep blue of
heaven; that your lips are the transpa-
rent red of coral your locks the black
lustre of the ravens wing your neck
the grace of swan, and your shoulders
the whiteness of his plumage-would all
this, ask, constitute an engagement be-
tween us?'
No, certainly
And if should add: The musician
loves you for the melody of your voice,
the painter for the perfection of yonr lin
eamenis, the sculptor for the model of
your-of your arms, the poet fer the ex-
pressioR of your glance, the unfortunate
for the goodness of your heart, the gay
for your wit, and love you for all these.
L
is it true that you have said all those
pretty things to herg'
1T is not true. 1 could not have said
it without falsehOOd.'
And you never lie?'
Never. If l make such an avowal,
does it follow that we are to become man
and wife?'
Il do not think so.'
Neither do l. For example, if upon
Just such night as this, take your
hand 1.-THE taking of the hand was more
than suppOsitiOn) and say to you :
% Susanl do You not know how long |
have loved you? Have you not OWNED
it in my words, felt it in my silence,
seen it in my looks Then. do not wait;
accept the offer of nay heart, which beats
only for YOU; of my life, which has no
other object. if may consecrate it
wholly to your haPpiness?'
oh, shame! shame!' suddenly cried a
voice slifed with emotion.