The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1860-05-02
MISCELLANEOUS.
A STORY OF LEAP YEAR.

STORY OF LEAP YEAR,
Sam Smith sat at home on New Years
day in dishabillc. His beard was unshaven,
his hair was uncombed, his boots were un-
BACKED, and he was leaning back in pic
turesque attitude againat the mantlepiece
smoking cigar. Sam thought to himself
that it was leap year, and how glorious il
would be if the ladies could only be induced
to pop the question in accordance with their
privileges. AS he sat watching the smoke
which SO gracefully curled, his fancy glowed
with the idea. How delightful it would be
to have the dear creatures fondling on him,
and with tender glances endeayoring to do
the agreeable! AS he meditated, his heart
softcned and he began to feel squeamish
womanish scnsibility ditfuse itself over his
feelings, and he thought he would faint with
proprlcty the first time a young lady would
squeeze his hand.
Mercy" exclaimed he, ''if here isn't Miss
Jones, and l all in dishabille and looking
like a fright-goodness gracious! must go
right away and fix myself up"
As he left the room, Miss Jones entered,
and with a composed air intimated that she
would wait Miss Susan Jones was firm
believer in woman's rights and now that the
season was propitious, she determined to
take advantage thereof and do little cour-
ting on her own hook.
1t was one Of woman's privileges, which
had been unsurped by the tyrant, man, and
she was determined to assert her rights, in
spite Of the hollow formalities of o false 81 S.
tenn Of society. .......
Meanwhile with a palpitating heart, Sam
Smith went through series of personal
adornmcnts, the last twist was given to his
collar, the curl to his whiskers, and with
white cambria in hand, he descended to the
parlor. Miss Jones rushed to receive him,
and grasping his hand with fervor, said |:
Dearest, how beautiful you look" &C.
comparing her words with glance OF un.
disguised admiration.
"Sparc the bushes Of modest young
man." said Sam, applying tho cambria to
his face to hide his confusion.
"Nay. my love, why so coy? said Susan;
"turn not away those lovely eyes, dark as
the jet, yet sparkling as the diamond. Lis
ten to the vows of fond affection. Here let
us rest" said she drawing him to sofa,
"herc with my arm around thee will l pro-
test my true Affection"
Leave me, on leave, murmurcd Sam,
"think Of my youth and inexperience, spare,
oh, spare my palpitating heart"
"Leave thee" said Susan, pressing him
closer to her, "never until the story Of rest
less nights, Of unquiet days, of aspirations,
fond emotions, and undying love is laid be-
fore thee. Know that for years have nur-
sed for thee secret passion. Need tell
how each manly beauty moved me, how
worshipped like sun-Aower in the lurid
light Of those flowing tresses. how was
willing to yield up thee that imperial; thy
manners SO modest, Sc delicate, enchanted
me-joy to me-for thy joy was my joy
snstcee M eea5t S5' i ssi4emst6o those ruby lips"
The ovcrwrought feelings Of the delicate
youth were too strong, and he tainted from
excess Of joy. Meanwhile the enamored
maiden hung over him, and
Slowly the eyes Of Samuel Smith opened
-he gazed wildly around him-thcn meet
ing the ardent gaze Of his lover, he blushed
deeply, and bcEind his kerchief family fall
tered out-"ask my pa."