Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1860-01-20
MONTPELIER, JANUARY 90, 1860.

were but two insides--myself and pleasant,
talkative, honest-faced elderly gentleman.
Shy and tmid in female society, ! was yet
esteemed animated and agreeable enough
amongst nv own sex. We had no trouble,
therefore, in making ourselves agreeable to
one another so much so, that as the coach
approached c., aud the old gentleman
learned that | meant 10 stop there that night,
he asked me to waive ceremony and have
cup Of tea with him after | had dined at my
hotel. My "fair engagement was not TIL
next day and as liked tho old gentleman,
accepted his offer.
After my pint Of sherry, brushed my hair
and went in search Of my coach companion
and my promised cup of tea. had no diff
Guilty in finding him out, for he was man OF
substance and some Importance in the place.
| was shown into the drawing g-room. My
old friend received me hartily, and introduced
me to his wife and five daughters. "All
spinsters, sir, said he "young ladies whom
an undiscriminating world seems disposed to
leave upon my hands"
"lf we don't sell, papa said the eldest,
who with her sisters seemed TO reflect her
fathers fun. ut is not for want Of putting, for
all your introduetions and advertisements
At the mention Of this last word, felt a
I little discomposed, and almost regretted my
engagement for the next day, when that very
night, perhaps, my providential opportunity
had arrived.
need not trouble my readers with all our
sayings and dongs during tea; suffice It to
say that found them q very pleasant, friend
I ly family, and was surprised to find | forgot
my shyness and timidity, encouraged by their
/ good-tempered ease and conversation. They
did not inquire whether was married or sin
/ gle, for where there we're five young minated
/ daughters, the question might seem invidious.
/ l. however, in the freedom of the moment,
volunteered the information Of my bachelor
/ hood thought had no sooner communi-
catcd the fact than the girls passed round a
/ glance Of arch intelligence from one to the
/ other. I cannot tell how odd | felt at the
moment. NY sensation was between pleasure
and confusion, as suspicion crossed my
mind. and helped. | felt, to color my cheek.
Presently. however, the eldest. with an as
sumed Indifference which cost her an effort
aelsed whore | was staying
AT the--hotel," ! answered, with some
embarrassment
1t was with difficulty they restrained a
laugh they bit their lips aad had no long
er any s1spcion--I was certain. SO, after
having some music, when | rose TO depart
mustered courage. as bid them good bye, to
say aside to the eldest;
'Shall p. P. consider this the interview p
A blush of conscious guilt. should rather
say innocence, told me had sent my random
arrow to the right quarter; so | pressed
the matter no further at that moment, but
did her hand.
remained in at my hotel next day, until
an hour after the appointed time, but no one
made their appearance "Then,' thought l.
brushing my hair and adjusting my cravat
"snce the mountain will not come to Ma
homet. Mahomet must go TO the mountain
SO | walked across to my old friends. The
young ladies were all in. The eldest was en-
gagged with some embroidery at the window
had therefore an opportunity, as eant ovei
the frame. to whisper:
IS. S. is not punctual.'
The crimson in her face and neck was now
so deep, that skeptic himself would no long
er doubt. ! need say no more; that evening in
her fathers garden, she confessed that she and
her sisters had oonspired to bring me up tc
G-on a fools errand, never meaning, o
course, to keep the engagement
Then, said |, "snce you designed to take
me in, YOU must consent to make me happy!
And what did she say, papa; p asks my
second daughter, who is now looking over my
shoulder as | write.
"Why, you little goose, she promised to b'
your mama, and she has kept her word