Red Wing sentinel., 1860-05-16

A STORY OF LEAP YEAR.

f. A STORY OF LEAP YEAR.
Sam Smith sat at Home on New
Years day in dishabille. His beard
was unshaven, his hair was uncombed,
his boots were unblacked, and he was
leaning back in picturesque attitude
against the mantlepiece smoking ci-
gar. Sam Thought to- himself that it
was leap year, and how glorious it
would be if the ladies' could only be
induced to pop the question in accord
ancc with their privileges. AS he sat
watching the smoke Nghich SO grace.
fully curled, his fancy glowed with the
idea. How delightful it would be to
have the dear creatures fondling on
him, and with tender glances endeav.
oring to do the agreeable As he
meditated, his heart softened and he
began to feel a squcamish womanish
sensibility diffuse itself over his feel
ings, and he thought he would faint
with propriety the first time young
lady would squeeze his hand. y
Rap, rap, rap, sounded at the door.
" Mercy" exclaimed he, "if here isn't
Miss Jones, and all in dishabille and
looking like a fright; goodness gra-
cious l must go right away and fix
myself up" @@
AS he left the room, Miss Jones en-
tered, and with composed air intima-
ted that she would wait. Miss Susan
Jones was a firm believer in woman's
rights and now that the season was
propitious, she determined to take ad-
vantage thereof, and do little court
ing on her own hook.
1t was one Of woman's privileges,
which had been usurped by the tyrant,
man, and she was determined to assert
her rights, in spite of the hollow form
alities Of a false system Of society," s.
Meanwhile with a palpitating heart,
Sam Smith went through series Of
personal adornmcnts, the last twist was
given to his collar, the cur! to his whis.
kcrs, and with white cambria in hand,
he descended to the parlor. Miss
Jones rushed TO receive him, and grasp.
ing his hand with fervor, said: ..I,
"Dearest, how beautiful you look .
accompanying her words with a glance
Of undisguised admiration. aoag
"Spare the bushes of a modest
young man." said Sam, applying the
cambric to his face to hide his conf,.
sion. .-.. .....a....
"Nay, my love, why so coy ?'' said
Susan; "turn not away those lovely
eyes, dark as the jet, yet sparkling as
the diamond. Listen to the vows OF
fond affection. Here let us rest,' said
she drawing him to sofa, "here with
my arm around thee will protest my
true affection 5'.5.s
"Lcave me, oh !eave," murmured
Sam, think of my youth and inexpe'
r!iencc, spare, oh, spare my palpitat'ng
heart.''
"Leave thee," said Susan, pressing
him closer to her, "never until the
story ofrestless nights, of unquiet days
Of aspirations, fond emotions, and un
dying love is laid before thee. Know
that for years I have nursed a secret
passion. Need I tell how each manly
beauty moved me, how l worshipped
like sun.fower in the lurid light o.
those flowing tresses, how was will
ing to yield up to that imperial thy
manners so modest, so delicate, en-
chanted me-joy to me-for thy Joy
was my Joy. My heart is thine-take
it, but let me snatch one kiss from
those ruby lips"
The overwrought feelings of the del
icate youth were too strong, and ht
tainted from excess ofjoy. Meanwhile
the enamored maiden hung over him
and 9 -
Slowly the eyes of Samuel Smith
opened-.-he gazed wildly around him
then meeting the ardent gaze of hi.
lover, he blushed deeply, and behinc
his kerchief family faltered out: "asl
my po.''