The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1863-02-25
DISAPPOINTED IN LOVE.
BY AMY RANDOLPH.

L
mountain spring, yelling up under the
almost perpendicular shadow of little
gray rock from which hung trailing fes
toons of green wild vines. You eoulc
scarcely discern its distant glimmer from
the adjacent roadside, and unless the
chance traveller were gifted with an un
usually observant eye, he would be very
likely to plod on, through heat and dust
all unconscious of the cool retreat ano
sparkling fount that lay within dozeu
yards of him.
But Meredith Gray, and his temporary
travelling companion, Abiram Wilson
were blest with quicker perceptions: and
as their weary steeds eagerly slaked thei,
thirst at the cooling stream that trickled
away through the velvety grass, both
doffed their straw hats, to let the refresh
ing wind play through their hair. They
had encountered one another by the merest
chance, in these mountain wildernesses;
and Abiram, in half hours acquaintance,
having learned that Meredith was rich
and unmarried, had bluntly proposed to
him to go and pay his addresses to Keziah
Wilson, his (Abiram's) niece, whom he
described as the village school madam,
and the shyest critter that mortal man
had ever seen. The idea struck Mr.. Gray
as being so funny, that he inquired the
way to the school-house, and galloped of
to reconnoitre, while Abiram looked after
him, chuckling visibly.
at would be the best days work ever
I did if 1 get Kizzy married off to that
young spark!' he soliloquized. "Get
along, old horse! what are you standing
here for?'
Meanwhile Gray pursued his way along
the peaceful country road, until the foot
path particularized by Abiram came in
sight. There he tied his horse under the
cool shade Of tree, at a little distance
within the woods, and prosecuted his
novel journey on foot.
There it was-the little district school
house, nesting like brown bird among
the gigantic oaks and elms, every door
and window open to admit the air, and a
din of shrill childish voices audible at
nearly quarter of miles distance.
A school ma am, eh?" pondered Gray,
as he walked along. Suppose she should
be vinegar-faced old hag of fifty? sup
pose has the smallpox? suppose she has
only one arm? Upon my word, | believe
I'll take an observation or two, before l
venture on my rash step?
We regret to mention any such under
hand procecding{oL the part of our hero,
but it is an indubitable fact, that at this
stage of the proceedings, he sneaked
through the overhanging bushes, instead
of walking boldly up the path, and en-
sconced himself at one OF the vineshaded
windows, instead of knocking at the red
paneled door, which stood invitingly open
1t was certainly very cowardly, but then
consider what an important errand he was
on, and how extremely desirable it was to
avoid precipitable measured
It was very, pretty sight that met
his eye, through the morning eglory
leaves.
Not bit of order-notsthe faintest sign
of discipline White headed little ur.
chins frollicked about the school-rooms-
round checked girls building baby houses
with spelling books, and irrepressible
specimens of the rising generation tumb-
ling round in every possible attitude and
occupation! In the midst of them all
upon a raised platform, sat the presiding
genius, lovely little creature Of scarce
sixteen, with cheeks like peaches, and such
delicious, smiling, rosebud of mouth
Her hair had either fallen on her shoul-
ders, or been pulled down by the mis-
chievous herd around her, for the braids
were all unfastened, and resolving them
selves, as fast as possible, into their natu
raj formation-longc curls of shining gold
Two little creatures nestled in her lap
playing with the coral necklace that en-
circled her snowy throat, and third stoot
opposite munching an apple.
Come, now, Jimmy, spell BAKER
pleaded the little school ma am, referring
to her Webster spelling book. ado
now-that's good boy-and I'll give yor
kiss!
(HeIe Meredith wished he had beer
Jimmy-wouldn he have disposed O
BAKER in short orderO
| "Don't want to, teacherH lisped the
recreant I'D rather play fox and gees.
with Billy Jones!'
And away he darted, leaving the brigh
eyed school ma am in despair. No bette,
success visited her next effort to organic,
class in the multiplication table. Th,
little scholars hugged her and kissed her
and frisked round her, like so many kit
tens, but as to saying lesson, that wa
quite another affair. Yet it was a sigh
well worth looking at, and Meredith woult
probably have remained there all day, i
the little lady had not risen, and announc
ed her intention Of dismissing school.
81 can't face such a pretty creature
and tell her in plain English what Tn
after!' said he, internally. "I'll max
some kind of an errand-I'll ask her fo
glass of water-and then I'll write t.
her uncle for formal note of introduc
tioa! That will do the business!'
And he marched boldly up the ston
step and knocked at the door.
"Come in!'' said the blue-eyed schoo
ma am, blushing up to her pretty eye
brows, and rising in very becoming con
fusion a o
] s'Would-you be SO kind as to favo
me with glass of water, ma'am than
you, and Gray could not help noticin
the beautifully shaped hand that CAV