The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1861-09-17
CONFESSIONS OF A BASHFUL
MAN.
BY JOHN BYERs.

CHAPTER I'm WHICH MAKE VARIOUS
CONFESSIONS.
confess that until five years ago was
the most bashful man on earth confess
that was married five years ago. How
| got married, the CAUSES which led to il,
and bow my marriage influenced my BASH
funess, shall be enumerated in these con-
iessions.
Soon ailcr made my debut upon the
stage OF life my father died, leaving my
moth .r widow with an only child--my-
self. My mother mingled but little in So
ciety. and during my youthful years knew
no playmaies but the servants who had
charge Of me. Seeing but little of strang-
ers made me shy in their presence, so that
was bashful ia childhood, bashIul when
was initiated into the mysteries jackets
and pants--and when | discarded jackets
aud put on the more manly garment, ! was
bashful still Wien | reached my TWEEN
tieth year ! found myself sligl lly impro,-
ed had few male and female acquain-
tanees, and could get along very well with
the former but when in company Of the
latter they had fine opportunity Of see
ing bashlul man. could not speak with
any Of them without blushing, stunmering
and making most awful bundcrs; in fact,
whenever in the presence Of ladies, | was
continually using the occasion for the same
purpose that use one OF my bootS--to put
my foot in it. But TO my credit | must
say that was never too bashiul 10 pay my
debts, or kiss girl when had the oppor-
iunity--n the dark.
One afternoon, while counting my chan.
ees for the matrimonial state, and wonder
ing il | would ever muster courage 10 pay
attentions TO fair one, my friend Dick
Dimple was ushcred into my presence, and
announced the cause Of his visit TO the fol-
lowing strain;
Here's fine chance for you, Jack, (he
always called me Jack.) Got an invita-
tion TO Il party; can fetch you along; lots
Of nice girls, lei me tell you, and no end to
wealthy papas. Come along Nice chance
for you TO cut a dash, you know, ehT
Q had often thought Of cutting my ac-
qnaintanceship with Dick that would have
been cutting dash, my fellow }
hesitaled little, knowing my feeling,
but finally accepted the invitation. TIE
party was to take place ON the next even
ing and the greater part Of the interval
was spent in being vigorously drilled by
my mother in the manual of etiquette so
that by the time Dick called for me was
confident Of making my first appearance in
society with success. But no sooner had
wc left my house than my courage began
to fail, and by the time Dick rang Mr..
Whites bell 1.-THE party was held at Mr..
Whiies) il was far above zero--it was
nearly melted.
As We entered The hall, servant at the
head Of the first fight Of stairs shouted,
"This way TO the genllemen's dressing
room :" "Never mind him" said Dick
go right in here, and I'll be alter you in
moment He opened a side-door, and
| entered well-lighied room, scarcely
daring TO look around me, and keeping my
back to the main portion Of the apartment.
! walked 10 a chair in the nearest corner,
took my overcoat of, placed il and my hat
on The chair heard slight titter-sup-
posed that il came from other gentlemen
Who were preparing for the party; ran my
fingers through my hair, then turned round
TO go out, and-oh, what a sight for bash
ful man vas actually in the parlor,
AMI there was the whole company staring
a, me, while an excited individual was adj
Saueing towards me in threatening man
ner. ! hastily picked up my bat and coat.
and made my exit amid the roars Of the
company. | met Dick in the hall be
said that il was mistake. was for CO.
ing home. be would not lei me--not by any
means be would apologise what wouldn't
he DO
concluded to stay. On nearing the
entrance to the parlor again, after making
the usual preparations in the dressing