St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1860-02-09
CLOUD STEARNS CO., MINNESOTA, THURSDAY, FEBRUH

positively about my writing love letters at
ALP"
"And as for the second accusation
your impertinent curiosity about myself
|-continued the man, ''you say nothing
because you know that you are guilty.
We may differ in our ideas as to 'twaddle,'
sir; but call comparisons of young la
dy's eyes when crying, to violets bathed
in dew-drops, the insanest and most mawk-
ish twaddle."
I started-for, by Jove, it was the very
comparison had used in one of my latest
letters to Julia, though I don't think it
at all a twaddling one after all.
"How do you know the contents Of my
letters, sir?" I exclaimed.
"Letters that have to pass through the
hands Of bakers men cooks, and ladies'
maids are not likely to have their contents
greatly respected" replied the Man.
'The deuce!' [ exclaimed, wondering
which of the wretches had betrayed me.
C"Howeyer" continued my host, as if di-
vining my suspicious, you need not think
that [. get my information from bakers
men, cooks, or ladies' maids. I never
talk to such people"
Then how w-?''
"Thats my affair."" said the Man, inter-
rupting me. "Perhaps you will now ex-
plaitt What it was you came to consult me
on"
"Really, SIR" I answered.; "y ou seem to
know so many things; and In such mystic
rious ways, that perhaps you know my OBJ
ject as we'll as I can tell YOU"
"No, I DON'T" was the reply; "but I'll
tell you all | do know: I know that you
are an idle young man cuifsed with small
INTERCHANGEABLE you fell in love with the
pretty face of the daughter of leather
merchant; that the leather merchant, like
sensible man, refused to let his daughter
marry you, and kicked you out Of the
housc"-here made a gesture of indig-
nation-"hold your tongue; [ speak plain
ly, and practically; that you were then
dishonest enough to keep up clandestine
correspondence with the lady, and so have
Fclandestine meetings with her; deceiving
her father, and making her to do the same,
besides causing both of you to be the jest
and bye-word Of cooks, maids, and bakers
men; that you have been found out in
your meetings, your correspondence sus-
pectcd, the young lady more closely watch
ed, and your self at your wits end. Am l
correct in my information
"Rcally, sir" said l, in surprise, min
gled with indignation, II don't know
which to be most amazed at-the imperti-
nence Of your language, Or"
"Its truth, el, :" interrupted the man,
with quiet smile.
l gulped my rage, and before could
speak, he went on
"And now I, suppose, for l don't pre-
tend to know this, you have como to ask
the advice Of me, a perfect stranger? Pray
sir, is this the course OF sensible man p
cit appears that 1, could not come to a
better man." replied I, "for you certainly
seem to have studied the case.
| He smiled, and I saw that had gained
an advantage on the last point.
"Then We will say no mere about it, -
cried he. You want my advice? You
shall have it: Give up all thoughts of the
lady instantly"
"Never" cried I.
"Exactly," replied the man-"prccisely
the answer I expected"
"Have you no other advice ?" I asked,
for I felt helplessly driven to depend on
this odd being, who knew all my secrets
by some mysterious means that / could
not divine, but whose very mystery in
creased my awe for their possessor.
eyes," he replied, II have"
"What is it ?" Iasked eagerly.
"WoRK! replied he, with wonderful
emphasis; and he spoke not another word,
but, ringing the bell, lie showed me to
the door, and bowed ' me out: y