Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1862-04-10
JAMES HARPER, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.

Deen IN love Will tudt unuu dloucB Cscl
If / had not seen those eyes and tha
rosebud of mouth.
? She wouldn't look toward me, how
ever. All efforts to accomplish tha
were in vain.
} In my anxiety to get another glimps
, at her face, forgot to be timid, bash
, full, embarrassed. / even dropped m,
hymn-book on the floor with noise 81
great, in the perfect stiffness that reigned
as to draw every eye in the congrega
tion, except those wanted, upon me.
Then, as my ruse failed, and 1 no
ticed that the attention of every eye
was drawn toward me, / colored with
shame at what must have been thought
by all but another specimen of Joe
Smiths stupidity.
I To cover my confusion, stopped to
pick up the book, hoping that when
raised my head again the attention Of
the people might have returned to the
minister. -
In STOPPING. however, lost my equi-
librium, tumbled forward, and falling
from my seat, struck my head stun
ming blow against the seat in front oi
me, with an effect that made my eyes
see any number OF stars.
! Amid stihed laughter, 1 picked my
self up and resumed my seat, swinging
my feet to and fro, in the vain endeavor
to dispel my embarrassment in that
way. 1 could scarcely have attempted
more fruitless method, as my feet con-
tinually either struck together or against
the floor or the back of the seat oppo-
site.
Ny feelings during this interesting
operation, are not TO be described. l
was in misery. If she should have
looked round, as, OF course, she must
have done, and perceived my awkward
ness!
The thought was maddening, and
sooner than any longer endure it, l
would look once more at the descon's
pew, and, if possible. judge from ap-
pearances whether she had moved, or
locked toward me.
The first glance was sufficient. 1t
almost psralyzed me.
Turned full toward me was the pretty
face Of the stranger, her snowy hand
kerchief pressed over her mouth, and
the dimpled cheek showing me the
laughter she was endeavoring to hide.
1t was too much, indeed. Ny eyes
filled with tears of modification. /
could have stood almost anything but
being a subject of laughter and amaze
ment to her.
/ watched her without removing my
gaze which remained fastened on her
with the fascination ~f I--r---..--
saw her lean toward Polly White and
whisper something.
Polly smiled and shrugged her
shoulders, and looking toward me,
turned again and whispered something
in return.
If she should be laughing at Sallie
Bells unfavorable remark of my awk-
wardness, and my much-abused "pro-
boscis," and oh, horror of horrors, if
she should be relating the story of the
peach preserves!
1t must be, it was so, for again the
snowy handkerchief was pressed over
those rosy lips with little hand now
ungloved, and rivalling it in whiteness.
As Polly turned once more toward me
while she continued to whisper, was
certain that 1 and my "proboscis" and
my mishaps were the subject of conver-
sation.
Yes. I could not be mistaken. Un-
questionably Polly's lips, could tell from
the shape of them while speaking,
formed the words "peach preserves,
and again, moment after, 1 knew, and
felt, and saw, everything but heard her
say "proboscis."
turned away in anguish and des-
pair, and consoled myself with the re-
Election that the whole sex were q set
of humbugs, of heartless. cruel crea-
lures laughing at and despisiDg alike
things holy and things otherwise.
What better proof of their heartless-
ness and cruelty was required, than the
fact Of these two making me the SUBJ
iect of their amusement? What better
proof of their disregard for spiritual
things, than taking the time occupied
with the most interesting part of the
sermon to discuss their foolish and fri
volish remarks?
That, at least, was some consolation,
so setting my teeth hard together, and
resolved to brave all their merriment,
and meet it with scorn and defiance. l
braced myself for the effort by sitting
bolt upright in my seat. and all uncon
scisusly. and before l thought of the
consequences, bringing the palm Of my
hands together with an emphatic and
energetic "slap."
Alas for all my manly and philoso-
phic resolutionsl
They were not proof against this new
trial. The effect Of my last piece of
absurdity was perfectly electrifying.-
Half dozen members sprang from
their seats, as II they had received q
shock, andswhen the start had subsided,
and they learned from whence came the
disturbance, they looked on me with
anger and lowering brows.
A third time was the linen hsndker-
chief raised to the red lips to prevent
an explosion of laughter.
My patience was at an end-my phi
L q A-l-A.I l..