Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-10-08
WHAT CONSTITUTES AN ENGAGE.
MENT?
Wateriuo place Hieta.v

Watering Place History.
The feuifletontsts of the Courier des Etat.
UA1S, In his last "Chronigue de Nea0 YORK
after asserting that the present season has pro
dueed little but common place events, (6ana
hteS) gives the following romantic Watering
place history:
l know young man Though the history
does not belong to the present season. wht
found bimselt engaged one fine morning, with
out any idea OF such an event True he haC
hirted good deal for a week or more with
u beautiful young blonde, whom fashionabl,
pleasure had attracted to Saratoga, Newport
or Sharon, as you will. The name is not of the
slightest consequence.
FlirtatiOn, which is not expressly prohibited
in the Decaloguc, is a sentimental coin fully
current in the United States, and its circula
ton compromises no one. If the truth must
be ayOwed, 1t had chanced that our hero one
nlght-one moOnless night-enioyed a conyer
satlon at the extremity Of a dark piazza: and
this young gentleman, by accident, perhaps
dropped his head at the moment the youno
lady In question raised hers, the better to hear
"nat be said But kiss, half given and half.
received, is not a matter of such moment as u
require the sanction of marriage
lie it known, then, that William n see nc
lmpropriety i'll calling him William) was petri.
ned rather than charmed, the next day, when
ms partner OF the previous nights interview
asked him, biushing, if he thought it best to
make known Hetr engagement at once,
lie gave her look from which the young
lady inferred that she was not understood, and
olushlhg still more sweetly, repeated the ques-
ton.
William exhibited no discOurteous surprise
but put on an appearance which indicated that
ne was deciding whether an immediate public
avOwal was best, and then managed to have
some good reasons for poStponing the revela-
ton until the close of the season; and Molly
promised to keep it profound secret.
That night he retired to his room and medi-
tatcd various schemes for extrcating himself
from his embarrassing position He could ad-
init every plan but one-that of marriage
lie had not decided upon any definite plan
when next night, at the dance Miss Susan III
a charming person, who honored him with a
friendship bordering upon the sentimental.
touched hlm lightly on the arm, and said, with
mysterious air:
''Sir, congratulate you
" Wherefore he asked; but she had al.
ready glided away in the dance.
The matter required an explanation, and du-
rins hiatus in the music they went aside and
susan spoke In serious mood
Nelly is my best friend she has told me
all Oh, you needn't blush so at that"
/. In TACT william cOiored with the idea that
nls pretended engagement had already been
not dLrectly deny 1t, however, but took a meth
cd of his own
Am l really engaged ?'' he demanded o.
Susan.
"A beautiful question to ask me,' said Su.
san with the slightest touch of spite
You shall judge my case" said William
suppose repeated here what you have heard
hundred umes-a thousand times-that YOU
are beautiful, intelligent and accomplished
that your eyes are the deep blue of heaven;
your lips the transparent red of the coral your
locks the black lustre of the ravens wing:
your neck the grace of the swan, and your
shoulders, the whiteness OF his plumage-would
all this, ask, constitute an engagement be-
tween us 20 .
"Not, certainly"
And if should add The musician loves
you for the melody of your voice the painter
Tor the perfection of your lineaments, the sculp.
tor Tor the model Of your-of your arms the
poet for the expression of your glance, the un.
fortunate for your goodness of heart, the yay
for your wit, and love you for all these, -
lis II true that you have said all those pre- t.
ty things TO her ''
" 1t is not true. / could not have said il
without falsehood.'' .'-. :.
"And you never lie?''
Never. If make such an ayowal does il
follow that we are to become man and wife9''
" l do not think so.
" Neither do L. For example, if upon lust
such night as this, ! take your hand 1.-THE
taking OF the hand was more than a supposi.
tom and say to you: o Susan! do you not know
how long have loved you? Have you not di-
yined 1t In my words, felt it in my silence, seen
1t IN my looks! Then, do not wait; accept the
offer Of my heart, which beats only for YOU OF
my lIfe, which has no other object, if L NAV
consecrate it wholly to your happiness"
"Oh, shame. shame ;" suddenly cried a
voice stihed with emotion.
The two retreated precipitately, seeing poor
Nelly, who also hurried to her chamber to hide
her disappointment and her fury. Disturbed
at the disappearance of her supposed afianced,
she had walked out on the dark piazza, hoping
to meet him, and arrived in time to hear his
gallant speech.
" Heaven What will she think9' exclaimed
Susan.
The truth" replied William.
The next morning, at breakfast. every one
was asking, "Have you heard the pews? Will
Ham has broken his engagement But they
were deceived for in three months he married
Miss Susan H, and the happy pal. are now
IN Italy. ... .