The Shasta courier., 1859-07-16
What a Pretty Little Hand.
BY MARY E. CLARKE.

to say DaSlful. IL was Wnen was IN love-
Then sometimes did not know where to put
my hands and feet. Did mention that in said
hands and feet consists my beauty? They are
both small.
Three years ago fell in love. l did not walk
in it quietly, weighing my idols projections
against her defects. fell in head and ears two
seconds after the introduction.
Mr.. Haynes, Miss Arnold" said a mutual
friend, and 10 was desperately in love. She
was a little fairy-like creature with long brown
curls floating over snowy neck and shoulders,
and falling down on the waist of an enchanting
sky-blue dress. Her large dark blue eyes were
full of saucy light, yet oh how tender and low
ing they could look. (This found out later.)
Of all the provoking, tantalizing little CO.
quettes, that ever teazed the heart out of a poor
man, Susy Arnold was the most bewitching
would pass an evening with her, and go home
certain that one more interview would make me
the happiest of men; but the next time met her
a cool nod and Indifferent glance threw down
all my castles. She was very cautious Not
word did she drop to make me believe that she
loved me and yet her hand would linger in
mine, her color rise if looked my feelings, and
her eyes droop, to be raised again in an instant,
full of of laughing defiance. She declared her
intention to be an old maid most emphatically,
and in the next sentence would add, II never
| should love him like-like house fire.
Though never saw anybody yet worth settling
my thoughts upon"
| tried in a thousand ways to make her betray
some interest in myself She had a way, when
ever | tried it, of looking in my face with air
of grave attention. of profound interest, that was
equivalent in its effect to knocking me down;
it took all the breath out of me.
One evening, while there, was seized with
violent headache. | told her | was subject to
such attacks, and the gypsy, putting on grave
face, gave me a lecture on the subject of health,
winding up with,
"The best thing you can do, is to get a wife
to take care Of you, and keep you from over
study | advise you to do it, if you can get
anybody to have you"
Indeed, there are only too many. l refrain
from selection for fear of breaking others
hearts. How fond all the ladies are of mel"
added eonceitedly, "Though can't see that
am particularly fascinating"
"Nether can l." said Susy, with an air of
perfect simplicity.
"Can't your" said I, al hoped-hoped-"
oh that dreadful attentive face of hers THAT
is Miss Susy, thought, perhaps-oh my head
my head p and buried my face in my cushion.
"Does it ache so very badly ?" she asked,
tenderly, and she put her cool little hand in
among my curs. | felt the thrill her fingers
gave me, all the way down to the toes Of my
boots.
My head being very painful, was obliged to
leave but all the way home the soft, cool touch
ofthose little fingers fingered upon my brow.
Soon after this it became necessary for me to
leave the city on business. An offer of lucra-
tive partnership in the South, in the Office of
lawyer friend of mine made me decide to extend
my trip, and see how the land lay. One thing
| I loox- ho,, g
| perhaps years, without some answer from Susy.
Dressed in my most faultless costume, and full
of hope, went to Mr.. Arnold's. Susy was in
the parlor at the piano, alone. She nodded
| gayly, as came in, but continued her song 1t
was, I" I've something sweet to tell You"
At the words, q love you | adore you p she
gave me such a glance, l was ready to PROSTATE
myself; hut, sweeping back the curls with
| laughing defiance, she warbled, % But I'm talk
ing in my sleep"
'Then, you love me when you sleepl May
think so?
"Oh yes, if you choose; for Rory O'More
declares that dreams go by contraries you
know"
" sat down beside her. "Ah !" said, sigh
ing. "Rory's idol dreamed she hated him."
We chatted away for time. At last began:
Miss Susy, l came up this evening to tell
you that I-I-"
How she was listening A bright thought
struck me- would tell her of my journey, and
in the emotion she was certain to betray, it
would be easy to declare my love.
"Miss Susy, am going South to morrow"
said.
She swept her hands across the keys of the
piano into stormy polka. | tried to see her
face, but her curls fell over it. I was prepared
to catch her. if she fainted or comfort her if she
wept. ! listened for sobs l fancied the music
was intended to conceal, but throwing back the
curls with sudden toss, she struck the last
chord of the polka, and said gayly
''Going away?"
ayes for some months"
"Dear me, distressing Just stop at Levi 5
as you you go home, and order me some extra
ocket-handkerchiefs for this melancholy occa-
sion, will you?"
| "You do not mean to require them," / said
rather piqued. ~ shall stay some months"
We'll, write to pa, won't you? And if you
get married, or die, or anything, let us know"
81 have an offer to be partner in a law office
in Kentucky" | said, determined to try her,
" and if accept it, as l have some serious
thoughts of doing, shall never return"
Her face did not change. The old saucy look
was there, as spoke, but I noticed that one
little hand closed convulsiTely over her watch
chain, and that the other fell upon the keys,
making, for the first time, discord
Going away forever" she said, with sad
tone, which made my heart throb.
" Miss Susy hoped you at least, would miss
me, and sorrow in my absence"
She opened her eyes with an expression OF
profound amazement.
aI2n
ayes, it might change all my plans, if my
absence would grieve you"
Change all your plans p
ayes, hope
Oh that earnest grave face. My cheeks burn
ed, my hands and feet seemed to swell and
felt cold chill all over me- | could not go on
I broke down for the third time
There was an awkward silence l glanced
at Susy. Her eyes were resting on my hand
which lay on the arm of the sofa. The con-
trast between the black horse-hair and fest
seemed to strike her.
What pretty hand,p she said.
A brilliant idea flashed through my brain
"You may have it if you will !" l said offer
ing it.
She took it between her own, and toying will
the fingers, said.
May III
AYES, it-if-you will give me this one,
and raised her beautiful hand to my lips.
She looked into my face. What she reat
there, | cannot say; but if ever eyes tried tC
talk, mine did then. Her color rose, the white
lids fell over the glorious eyes; and the tiny
, hand struggled to free ITSELF Was fool enough
; to release it?