Smyrna times., 1861-12-26

but nothing had ever esca ped her which gave
me much ground for hope; while, on the other
hand. Mary was as attentive and engaging as q
miss of sixteen, and evidently in no wise dis
pleased with my show of devotion. To be The
victim OF unrequted affection was little mere
than my instructions called for. and my re-
cruiting expedition seemed likely, SO far as
a sweetheart, was concerned, TO be a failure
But | recalled The faint heart never won
fair lady adage, nnd determined at leat to
make The attempt, Veni, Uidi, and didn't
feel disposed to abandon the field without the
Uici.
I" As a preliminary | projected serenade,
and, with Charley for a companion, proceeded
one magnificent night, armed with guitar al nd
camp-stool. to the scene of action. The pre-
lude had scarcely died away when the upper
shutters were slightly opened and Two heads
t0hIte-cRPped like the waves-became iRds
IIncIy visible through the erevce. Certain o.
the presence Of my tair one, | cleared my voice
f"r sentimental mslody. which was to send
conviction of nay sincerity to her heart
Striking an aIttude-full oPera-I blazed
away, and was in the midst OF something about
deep-SeGted affection, when the camp.stoo
broke, and over went into the gutter, elevut.
ing my heels toward the window in a n ungal-
liant and spasmodic farewell The screams OF
laughter that followed would have walked the
dead. Nightcaps protruded from neghboriug
windows, dogs barked, end watchmea sprang
their rattles; so | scrambled up. and wi b the
dllapiSated remains of the guitar in my hands,
beat hasty retreat, rather cresfallen, back to
the hotel. Allah is good THE girls kept the
affair 10 themselves, and IN a few days all went
en- swimmngly as before.
MY leave expired on Sunday and it was
already the Thursday previous when i called
ON Emma for the purpose of laying plain state
menI ef facts before her. What said or what
| did are not matters of historical interest
Suffice it to say that left her several degrees
happier than when we met, and with her faith
er's saddress in my card-case.
What to do in the other case became mat
ter OF amusing importance. II slraws tell
which way the wind blows, Mary's actions in
! dicated something more than ordinary friend.
ship. So | consulted with Emma as to the
course for me TO P1rsue, and Jennie was called to
advise lR the premises. The council ofwar decl-
ded that nothing was left TO me but a proposal
and TO trust to luck for refusal which Jennie
lntImated would probably follow. Saturday
evening was set apart for the ordeal, and with
pal lPliatIng heart stood, at the time appoint.
ed, Ie her presence. There was q mischieyOus
twinkle ia her eye when she received me.
glanced around, but perceived nothing 10 ex-
cite distrust We sat down near a curtaned
window which opened upon a Veranda. Ny
anxiety to finish the farce led me TO a very
early proposal. The extrsVigance of my ex.
Presslens seemed TO impress her, and seVera
times she shook with suppressed agitation. q
learned subsequently that it was smothereC
lauRhter) Thus encouraged, | fell upon ny
knees, which position brought my back towarl
the open window. At the momentous q question
she covered her face with her handkerchief and
placing her hand in mine, uttered loud ant
unromantic Yes AT the instant was del
aged with water, while very boisterous cho
rus echoed her reply. Utterly dumb founded,
jumped up, the angriest youth you over saw
but before had time for action, Emma Jennie
aud Charley, surrounded and subdued me
Discretion was the better part of valor,' so
forgot my wrath. laughing with tberest, ihoUg
! this struck me as rather a novel and cool wa
of endorsing an acceptance. Jennie had plan
ed, and Emma reluctantly acqHiesced in,
, Lesson which has efeeIsally cured me Of .flrl
ing.
Sunday came much sooner than | desired.
7 made my will in favor of Emma, placed il i
D jennle's keeping, took the evening boat fror
, TL2y, and am here new 10 tell the story.
THAT recruiting expedition cost the vii
aud duCkIng the latter | received at sigh
aud the other | am gong take next winter.
: "ln CONCLUSION, let me advise you not TO pr
: yonr trust ia weak camp stools or make cor
> fdGnte of ysur sweetheart's cousin"