St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1858-02-11


be susceptible of impression?'
al pray you remember, my dear
mdllc., that very lifc's history has its
chapter of boyish love mine has been
no exception. You will not be so
cruel, however, as to reject my suit
simyly because i share in universal
experienced" !
"Boyish love hardly comprehend
the term. This pucrile affection, Mr..
Waldo, has never led you to sacred
vows and plighted faith ?"
"You are a poor logician, my dear
md'lle., if YOU do not see that boyish
love would be the forerunner of boy
ish follies, boyish courtships, boyish
engagements. pray you, remember
that all mankind are subject to this
species of mania--l know not what
else to call it,"
"You have been engaged then"
"My boyish love may have resulted
in boyish engagement yes, l be-
lieve it did, but"
"You need add nothing, Mr.. Waldo.
AS l have never by word or action en-
couraged this declaration of yours, !
shall be exempt from the charge Of
coquetry when answer your suit
by an emphatic No"
"You Jest with me, lady"
"Md'llc., Mr.. Waldo, never jcsts up
on such serious subjects.
Mechanically the rejected escorted
the distinguc' to the hall-door, politely
raised his felt hat, then walked away
with something of Vulcan's feelings
when Jupiter uncercmoniously ex-
PEELED him from heaven.
II demand satisfaction" said Wal
do to Ralph upon the following morn
ing
- / am at your service, Waldo. A
gentleman ere he challenge will tell
the why and wherefore.'
"This, and nothing more, but
enough surcly-you have used your
influence against me-"
Il have not, but you have used
yours against me-"
What mean you"
"You feign ignorance well. The
md'lle. did not amuse herself at my OK
pense last evening, did she 2"
You have not met with refusal,
Ralph?"
81 need hardly tell you what you
already know"
"Give me your hand said Waldo,
advancing, "instead of resorting to
pistols, we will betake ourselves to
the meerschaums. ! happen to be in
the same plight"
Capital, Waldo, l sympathize will
you and rejoice over you. Ha, ha !"
But tell me, how were your ad
rances received ?"
"Admirably--the md'lle. neve,
blushed, simpercd, quibbled, or any
thing of the kind. Like noble
hearted woman she gave her decided
no, in a plain and unmistakable voice.
The md'lle. and her protege left tow
Immediately. The final senior exami
nation drew near. Waldo and Ralpl
applied themselves with renewed dill;
gence, in the hope to atone for pas,
delinquencies-vain hope. Waldo
although naturally good scholar
was sadly superficial in the studies
of the last six weeks. The professors
were surprised, everybody was SUI
prised except himself. The examina.
tons were over-thc grades appear.
ed, and Waldo was not Valedictcrian
SO much for the introduction of ladies
into the collegiate course.
The paramours were hartily asham-
r l.. "a
issue. Both agreed that they would
never betray each other, and here the
matter rcsted-the secret was con-
cealed, buricd-buricd deep in the hu-
man heart.
Ralph, | have request to make
of you," said Waldo, the day previous
10 his departure for home.
"Speak, and it shall be granted"
Simply this, that you will spend
the time with me until commence
ment."
Indeed Waldo"
mot a word. have business for
you. Go with me and you shall be
introduced to my bride"
"To the md'Ile.?"
Whisper not that word for worlds,
Ralph, unless you wish to destroy my
happiness and especially, if you
value your life, whisper it not in
Mary's presence"
Trust lie for that but what bust
ness have you for me z"
81 am to be married, Ralph, and
wish you to act as the groom"
" Well said-let me congratulate
you but who has the honor of maid ?"
Mary's cousin from New York"
"Pretty? ?"
I" hope so, fer your sake, but real
ly cannot say positively as have
never seen her"
"The name. fancy | can deciphcr
the form from the cognomen.'
" Stella Preston"
." Stclla--a star. Well met, am
the son and she the star, and"
"Spare your wit, Ralph, you will
need 1t worse ere you are twice mar
ried."
More truth than ridicule, Waldo,
1T all ladies are of such material as
the md'lle."
She was true steel, | am sure"
True steel, forsooth She did steal
indeed, and when accused of it. refused
to make PREPARATION or to give salts
faction"
You are wonderful funny this
morning. Go to your room and ORE.
pare for your departure tomorrow"
The hack numbered along the bust
ling town at nightfall stopped before
u cottage overgrown with woodbine.
and Waldo was at home. A Students
return causes stir in the household,
especially when he brings classmate
with him. Waldo's arrival was not
unlike that of others. Having charter
ed Ralph to answer the multiplied
questions Of the "old folks" Waldo