The Van Buren press., 1861-03-27
Mgistellang:
How I Lost My Lover. =
pf NELL CLIFFORD.

ny NELL CLIFFORD.
:" Be careful of the fire. Nelly" was the
last injunction Of a Thousand that my pa
rents gave me, as they started off on = Wis
it to some relatives residing eastward, be-
yond the White Mountains. They were to
remain absent about a fortnight : and was
to be commander in chief OF rows OF shin
ing milk pans, pots, kettles and household
affairs in general and in particular.
Farmers wives know that this is . post
OF considerable importance, one of hard
duty and constant watchtulness was sc
thoroughly convinced OF my competency a.
a housewife that was sorely irr,t.ted when
my good mother implied doubts of it by
her countless and repeated charges.
Now, ] thought, Il am now in my glo-
ry," as i sat down 20 recover the breath
and patience had lost III rscing after col
lars, gloves. pins and neck ties and in or
der to prepare for commencing operations,
which resolved should astonish my unbe-
lieving parents. and show them what a trea
ure OF daughter they unwittingiy possess
ed. glanced around. The rooms were in
woful confusion. Bandboxes, boots, coats,
pants, and cast off shirts were scattered over
4
the ceiling and windows on the table lay
huge pile Of unwashed dishes and the
halt opened doors revealed tumbled beds
and mussy toilet stands. This accumula-
tiOn OF disorder would have driven Lord
Chesterfield distracted and no wonder that
the mirror opposite reflected heated and
impatient face. l was no longer to be dsunt-
ed, however, for had notion to try what
pIn!sir Inair e anrX anrX isl,aHd fest and Aards cepld. .aeeom
sitting room pealed forth one. two. three,
four, five; the morning yet young. and
arose with quick step, and light heart.
brush, dishcloths and perseverinS labor got
the mastery and shortly surveyed with
proud satisfaction, the beautiful order l had
brought about. Something still was want
ing. and snatching my broad rim from its
accustomed nail, with eager footsteps /
sought my flower garden. Selecting choice
roses, pansies and verbenas, l transferred
them to our cosy parlor, very angels of fra
grance and beauty. Nor was this all
determined to get dinner that would shed
honor upon me; SO baiing my arms, l was
soon deep in Aunt Dinah's mysteries
thought busy, and, as the sequel will prove
thought wandering.
| Through the tender care of the novelist q
heroine retains the immaculate whiteness o
her robes even though she should wad,
through mud puddle. He knew it woult
never 40 to introduce her washing bedrag
gied and bespattered skirts. it would sounc
unromantic. Well, l was once simpl,
enough to believe all his fibs, and inclined
to initiate his lady Angelas in dress SO
donned my daintiest white muslin. Whil
l stood before the glass, could not hell
feeling good deal of vanity. For l wa
looking my very best True my figure wa
rather too short, and it's proportion was o
too healthy iulaess for elegance and ac
cordlng to the American type o. beauty, m,
cheek was OF too rich color but l wa
pret,y-there was no gainsaying it. Nj,
short, thick curls and black eyes were at
j tractive ; and knew that was vain pus
then a petted, half spoiled, only daug hter
and heiress to broad acres. You'll ask fo
whom We're all these preparations ? certainl,
not for lone me.
/ Who ever heard Of girl of eigheel
working and puttering at such rate, whe
she does not expec. beau? You see
knew intuitively, that Phillip Dean woul
come-you know Phillip. There had bee
a little kindness growing up between us tw
from mere babyhood. He had carried m
dinner basket, night and morning, durin
all our school days and always insiste
that was much handsomer and better :ha
a rival belle, Jenny Wheeler. Besides,
won my girlish gratitude, by silly workin
out for me the long, hard sums in the oil
arithmetic-no wonder he was undispute
owner of a large share OF my affections.
Since had donned large frocks, ha
been almost invariably his companion to a
the singing schools, picnics, sleigh rides
and boating excursions. 1t was his genera
rule to spend two evenings OF the week a
our house; yet with all his attention, he ha
never spoken a word of love. Somehow
had presentment. you girls understan
this that a declaration would soon be mad,
was not mistaken. 1t was not long ere
heard step on the graveled walk tbs
could belong to none other than himsel
I Looking backward over the train of year,
it seems strange what futter, futter, the
was about my heart. Phillips cherry ..goo
morning in no wise tended to allay m
, perturbation. His hazel eyes had never al
peared SO handsome and impassioned b.
fore, nor had he been half SO entertaining
e Oh / was proud of him. We sat ne,
each other; SO near that he toyed with M
hand. 1t was way Phillip had, ani
thought nothing of it.
"How charming you are looking. Nelly,
Q he said, moving a degree nearer
5 Now. Idon't believe that person liv,
who does not like little fiattery. given
e the right manner. time and place, in spi
OF what wiselings say. or may have sa
to the contrary. Our sex is said to be mo
pleased with it; and, in its name, / ples