Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-05-13
WHAT A PRETTY LITTLE HAND.
BY MARY Il. CLARK.

ing am fully as confident and forward as
most Of my sex. dress well; dance we'll; sing
we'll; don't tread on ladies' dresses when I
make my bow; I have not the trick of coloriny
to the roots Of my hair when am spoken TO.
Yet there was one period in my life when all
my merits seemed to my own eyes insignificant,
and felt very modest, not to say bashfuI 1t
was when was in love. Then, sometimes, I
did not know where to put my hands and feet
Did mention that in the same hands and feet
consists my great beauty? They are both
small.
Three years ago fell in love. did not 20
into 1t quietly, weighing my idols perfections
against her defects; fell in head and ears,
two seconds after the Introduction.
"Mr. Haynes, Miss Arnold" said a mutual
friend, and 10. was desperately in love. She
was fairy like figure, with long brown curls
floating over a snowy neck and shoulders, and
falling down on the waist of an enchanting
sky blue dress. Her large, dark blue eyes
were full Of saucy light, yet how tender and
loving they could look! This I found out
later)
fall the provoking, tsntaliIing little CO.
qUettes that ever teased the heart of q poor
msn, susy Arnold was the most bewitching. |
would pass an evening with her, and 90 home
certain that one more interview would make
me tie happiest Of men; but the next time
met her cool nod and indifferent glance
threw down all my castles. She was very eau
beiieTe that she loved me; and yet her hand
would linger in mine, her color rose if look
ed my feelings, and her eyes drop. to be
raised sgain in nom ut, full Of laughing de-
fanee- She declared her intention to be an old
maid most smphatically, aud in the next sem
tencs would add
II never did love, but II I should take a
fancy to anybody, should love like-liks a
hozse a6re." Though" she would say, care
lessly, 81 never saw anybody yet worth set
ting Ihy thoughts upon"
tried in a thousand ways to make her be-
tray some interest in myself. Propose out
right, could not. She had a way, whenever
tried it, Of looking in my face with an air of
grave attention, Of profound interest, that was
equivalent In Its effect to knocking me down
Ii took all the breath cut of me.
One evening, while there, / was subject 10
hea :-aches1 and the gypsy, putting on a grave
face, gave me lecture on the subject Of health,
winding up with
The bes. thing you can do is to get a wife
70 take care Of you, and to keep you from over
study. / advise you to do it; If you can get
anybody to have ycu.'
"Indsed, - said rather piqued, "there are
only too many. I refrain from selection for
fear Of breaking other hearts. How fond all
the ladies are Of me!' l added, conceitedly
though can't see that am particular fas-
cinsting."
Neither can l." said susy, with an air of
perfect simplicity.
Cant you ," said I, "I hoped-hoped-''
Oh, that dreadfully attentive face of hers.
That is, Miss Susy, 1 thought perhaps-oh,
my head my head :" and turned my face
In the cushion.
docs it ache you very badly ?" and she put
her cool little hands among my curls. / felt
the thrill her fingers gave me all the way to
the toes Of my boots. Ny head being really
very painful, was obliged to leave but all
the vay home, the soft cool touch Of those lit
tie fingers fingered upon my brow.
Soon sitter this it bee lms necessary for me
to leave the city on business. An offer of q
lucrative partnership in the South, in the Office
Of q lawyer friend Of mine, made me decide TO
extend my trip, and see how the 'lsnd lay"
One thing was certain, could not leave home
for month, perhaps, without some answer from
susy. Dressed IA my faultless costume, and
full Of hope, / went to Mr.. Arnold's. Susy
was in the parlor, at the piano, alone. 1t was
"I'Ve something to tell you"
At the words 81 love you adore you
she gave me such a glance. I was ready TO
PROSTATE myself; but, sweeping back the curls
with laaghing defiance, abe Narbled, 'But I'm
talking in nv sleep"
''fhsn." cried, 'tyou love me when you
sleep. May think sol"
.'oh! yes, If yOu choose, for Rory o'More
says dreams 60 by contraries, you know
I sat down beside her.
,"Ah;" said, signing; ''ROry's idol dream
ed she hated him"
Yes" said Susy, "thst was the difference
between his case and yours"
We ohatted away for q time. At last I be-
gan:
Miss sasy, came up this evening to tell
you that II"
How she was listsningl bright thought
.truck me; / would tell her of my journey,
and in the emotion she was sure to betray, it
would be easy to declare my love-
Miss Susy," said, 81 am going South
tomorrow.
She swept her hands across the keys of the
piano into q stormy polka, / tried to see her
face, bat her eurls fell over 1t. I was prepared
to catch her IL she fsinted, or comfort her IL
she Sept. listened for the sobs fancied the
music was intended to conceal but throwing
back the curls with q sudden tess, she struck
the last chord Of the polka, and said gsyly:
"Going away"
"Yes; for some months"
Dear me, hoT distressing Stop at Levy's
as you 20 home, and order me some extra
pockst-h handksrshisfs for this melancholy oc.
c.sion, will you?'
"You do not seem TO require them" said l.,
rather piqued. II shall stay some months" :"
"Well, write to pa, won't you? And IL you
get married, or die, or anything, let us know" F"
Il have an offer to be partner in q law
Office in Kentucky," said, determined to try
her, "and IL accept it, as 1 have some
thoughts of doing, shall never return"
Her face did not change. The old saucy
look was there As spoke; but noticed that
one little hand closed convulsively over her
Watch-chsin, and the other fell upon the keys,
making, for tho first time, disoord.
"Going away forever 2" she said, with sad
tone, that made my heart throb.
Miss Susy, I hoped you, ct least, would
miss me, and sorrow In my absence"
She opened her eyes with an expression Of
profound amaxement.
"I?'
"Yss, it might change all my plans, If my
absence would grieye you
Change all your plans!"
eyes, hoped-thought-"
Oh, that earnest, grave face. Ny cheeks
burned, my hands and feet seemed to swell
and felt cold chills all over me. I could not
70 on. broke down for the third time.
There was an awkward silence. I glanced
at susy. Her eyes were resting on my hand,
which lay on the arm Of the sofa.
Ine contrast between the black horse-hair
and the hesh seemed 10 strike her.
What pretty Ifttie hand? ?" she said