The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1861-06-19

SaS"'u. iHis sluPWitF, do auiich ~, was
often check upon my natural gaiety, and
It was seldom that | could induce him to
join my boyish sports, though he sometimes
did, merely to crafty me. Poor Robert
the green turf Of his native valley, On whose
bosom the iairest flowers that New England
could boast of, have blossomed, and withcr-
ed, and passed away to eternity, leaving be-
hind them a lasting impress Of their loyli.
ness, now covers his mouldering ashes. Yes,
Robert is dead, and am the unhappy cause
OF his untlmely end, the circumstances Of
which will serve to convince you Of The fol-
ly of "practical joking"
Il was late one evening early in Septem-
Der that Robert and myself retired to talk
over the exciting scenes OF the day, for il
was the night after the election, aud fne
holiday it had been to US. had just re-
turned from visit to some friends IN the
city, and had, Of course, brought with me
many curious things which Robert had new
er seen, nor heard of. Among them was a
mask, the use of which explained to my
unsOphisticated cousin. who laughed and
wondered why people could wish to look
horrid enough to wear one.
What exclaimed my cousin, " YOU do
not intend 10 wear il to bed, do youi'
" Far from it" replied; /" it is you who
should wear the mask, not |. | am quite ape
enough without it,"
a very just remark, indeed, he observed
gravely.
! | had never seen him in better humor,
and thought it best to unfold ms plan at
once. At our next door lived a worthy gem
q n E..5
in was already smtten. That very night
as we passed by, on our return from the vii
lage. he had called and babe her good night,
and had received, in return, one Of the
sweetest smiles from the happiest ewes and
most charming lips ever beheld. was his
bosom friend, and to M he always entrusted
his secrets, lalas! how little have deserved
such c0hfidence,1 vet he always blushed
when spoke Of Julia.
Some evil spirit know not what else il
could have been-prompted me when pro-
posed to have little sport, at her expense.
Ny plans were these He was to dress him
self in suit of clothes TO correspond with
the mask, which, by the way, was the most
irightful looking thing ever saw. repair to
the dwelling Of his love, and cali her to the
door BY rapping. was to stand near to
witness the result, and participate in the
joke.
lie blushed, hung his head, and Of course,
refused. had expected this, bur flat,ered
myself that could easily persuade him to
the contrary. 1t was however, harder task
than had anticipated, for his unwillngness
seemed greater than ever; the reasons
readily understood.
| Ipoh'd and p'shaw'd, and finally threat
ened TO expose TO all the boys his eowarlly
disposition, a. pleased to term il, and ten
der feelings toward Julia, which. as vet, none
of them had discovered. This last argu-
ment proved more successful than the other,
for he well knew that | never suffered the
idlest threat 10 remain unfulfilei and the
fear of being laughed at, besides betraving
that be most wished TO conceal, conquered,
and ne yielded. though reluctantly, his con-
sent At that moment even exnlted over
my triumph. though | have often since wish.
ed my lips had been struck dumb before
had uttered those words that sealed the fate
Of two pure beings. But 10 nv rhough,lcss.
ness, | rushed hecdlessly on III Whatever
understood, regardless. Of consequences. Nv
wild. reckless spirit had never been famed.
Finding that there was but one alternative.
and that 10 submit cheerlully TO my whim,
he suffered himself 10 be arras ed a. nv fan-
cy suggested, with good grace. and even
laughed quite heartily, as | added garment
after garment, in order TO make him look as
irightiul as possible; yet, after all. | could
see thar his mind was i'll at ease aud halt
condemned myself for being the cause " BIZ
unhappiness.
When at length all was arranged to MS
satisfaction, placed the horrid mask over
his face, and led him to the mirror. lie
started back aud insoluntarily placed hs
hand to bis head, as ii 10 take ii away. bIt
my interference prevented. lie even plead
that the penalty had threatened 10 inllirt
in case be refused 10 go, might be spared
him. But was ineaorable.-l Was anAiou.
70 see the result, aud the delay caused bs
his unMillingness yeSed me.
a renewal Of my threats Of exposure sue
ceeded inremOying all obstacles, and We ion.
mediaiely set about our adventure. eau.
tiously a. thieves, we crept through the yard,
and each took his station. Robert at the
door. aud al the window nearest him.
The curtain was partly drawn aside 80
that could easily distinguish every object
In The room. As had anticipated. She was
alone. The domesties had retired, and |
knew her old father too well 10 believe that
We was any where but ID the arms .ot som
nus for he was one oi those sensible per-
sons whose maxim is" Early TO bed, aud
early to RISE"
Jalia-.and never shall forget how love
4k8s FMAK slt.K
centre Of he room. apparently deeply ab.
sorbed In book. Her fair hand supported
her head. aud her hair fell graceiully down
upon her meek in beautiful natural ringlets. /
She was delicate wild.flOwcr, that had
buddcd and blOssumed under The shelter u
a fathers roof aud the sunshine Of gladness.
aud the deWs Of affection had ever lighted
and chccrcd her away.
Az length gave signal. and 4 loud rap
was given, She paused Tor moment, lit