Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-07-07
THE COoUETTE.

"Nen are never so awkward, never SO IN
graceful, never so disagreeable, as when they
are making love. a friend is a luxury, hus-
band ditto, suppose but that intermittent
class of human beings denominated ssloyers"
ure terrible bores. 1t does very well for wo-
men TO blush and look Hustered now and then,
when occasion makes it desirable; but to see
man with his face red as ripe cherry, and
a zeal parcel of strong mindedness, self-reli-
ance, and masculine dignity, done up in broad
cloth and starched linen, quaking from the toe
or his boot 10 the top OF his shirt collar, his
mouth awry, and his tongue twisted into con-
vusions, in the vain attempt to say something
sweet-O gracious!'
So said saucy Sophie Lynn aloud TO herself
rs she sat swinging backwards and forwards
before the window, half buried in the cushions
of luxarisnt armchair, and playing with a
delicate ivory fan which lay upon her lap.
ssIt also seems strange, not to say tire
some,'' she continued, with running, musi-
cal laugh, ssafter one has waltzed and sung,
quoted poetry and talked nonsense, with any
body till one is puzzled to know which one of
the two is most heartless, ones self or ones
companion, to hear him come down plump on
the subject Of matrimony, as though that was
the legitimate result of every such insipid ac-
qraintance For my part never had lover
fhere Sophie flnttered her fan and looked
pleased, Tor she had more than one.) that
wasn't sick of after he proposed. There was
II.
man in the whole circle of my acquaintance,
until he went on his knees to me and swOre he
should die if | didn't take pity on him. Some
how he always looked like fright to me after
wards. Then there was Dr. WilkIns-he was
really agreeable, and people said very learned.
/ was delighted with him for time; but he
spoiled it all with that offer of hs-what long
winded adjectIvesl and how tho poor fellow
blushcd, pufed and perspircd He called me
an ..adorable creature and hic-coughed in
the middle of ssadorable'' Horrors. 1 have
hated 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 taste truly comical.
ssIt 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, jew
clled fingers, the folds of her airy muslin
dress.
The moment afterwards, when a servant en-
tered to announce Mr.. Harry Ainsee, she was
back to her old seat by the window, rocking
and playing with her fan, apparently as uncon.
cerncd and listless as though that name had
not sent quicker thrill to her heart, or the
betraving crimson all over her pretty face
"Teil him will be down presently" she said
The girl disappeared and Sophie flung open
the window, that cool fresh air might fan away
the extra rosiness from her complexion. Ihen
she went again to the mirror, ana after cohl-
posing her bright eager, happy face into an cx-
preston of occurrences, descended to the par
ior. A smile broke over her features, and she
reached out both hands to the guests; but q;
IL suddenly recolecting herself, she drew
them back again, and with formal bow of re-
recognition, she passed him and seated herself
in further corner Of the room.
II was very evident that something was
wrong with Sophie; that she had made up hei
mind either not to be pleased, or not to please
Could it be that she had foreseen what was com
ing ?-that presentment of that visit and Its
result had dictated the merry speeches in hel
chamber Be that as it may, a half hour had
not pAssed before that Harry Ainsiees's hano
and fortune. (which latter by-the-way, was
nothing wonderfully were in the same place
where Capt. Morris and DIR. WILKINS mao
been before them.
"The first man that ever heard say snct
things without making fool OF himself, NUT
tered Sophie emphaticaly from behind ne,
fan, as she sat blushing, and evidently grained
yet without deigning any reply to the gaiiah
straightforward speech in which her lover
had risked his all of hope.
ssHa ought to do penance for the pretty way
he manages his tongue. He's altogether tot
calm to suit me.'' And Sophie shook hel
curly head meaningiy, holding her fan before
her for a screen-did she forget what she hao
been saying. 81 wonder If could snore thu
way old Uncle Jones used TO in church 70 sh'
solilopufzed. "Wouldn't 1t be fun 7-ant