Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-12-19


-Heayy w Longfllow.
How Paul Fell Through" in his Courtship.
Farmer n having come, originally,
from one of the best parts of the country. he
determined to erect building which should
be both comfortable within and tasteful with
out. And the bouSS he had built did indeed
combine these very desi,abls qualities, but
much to his vexation, when h. came 10 dig
the cellar, it was found that it filled with wa
ter immediately-in short a spring had been
struck. "Wcel, weel," said the canny old
man. desirous of making the best Of a bad bar
gain, eth just make guide well, and the lass
II no hae to gang out i the cauld i the win
ter" So the idea OF cellar was therefore
given up. although trap door was left for
convenience in obtaining water, Inside, the
house was roomy, but not quite finished at the
date of our story. The stove stood at one end
Of the largest room, tho pipe being thrust out
Of hole near the ceiling. to leave the place
cut for tlue for the operations Of the mason.
Over this unsightly hole the "gnde wife" had
pasted al old paper, to "mak' it look snug.
ger lookin'," as she herself remarked.
His daughter Mary, who attended singing
school, had just reached the door of her ta-
theirs dwelling, accompanied by young man
whom we shall call Tau Ringlewood. Actu-
atel almost unconsciously by an innate sense
Of polteness. Mary turned to her companion
and said: "Will YOU not come in!
Paul had not discernment enough TO know
that it would be more seemly for him to take
his leave on the spot. He seemed rather
Aattcred at the invitation, and as the hour was
not very late one, he accepted. They EN-
tered. and Paul was ushertd into the large
sitting room. Mr. n was sitting in the
dim light cast from the stove, Mrs. N
being in some other part of the house.
Father" said Mary. frankly, "this gen.
tleman is Mr.. Ringlewood. who has accom-
panied me from singing school"
Paul advanced, and Mary's respected ia
ther arose. partly for Politeness' sake and more
perhaps to get better look at the young man
who had the hardhood to come home with
his darling Mary.
Paul Ringlewood, "a become fashionable
young man, rad studied to perfection the art
Of Introducing and being introduced. Locked
up in his own room. he had practiced the no.
bic art Of genuaection before large looking
glass until he could have competed with some
hope Of success will, Beau Brummel himself.
Now was his time, therefore, to bow his very
best. Gracefully inclining his body, lie
touched the horny hand Of his future (intend.
ed) fathcr-in.law, and then by a dextrrous
sliding movement threw back his right foot 40
as to regain the center of gravity. Alack and
alas for unfortunate Paul the right foot
stood for hundredth part Of a moment on
nothingness; it descended, and the graceful,
exquisite, love-smitien Paul Ringlewood, with
the spasmodic gulp of a drowning man, fell
through the open trap door into farmer
Ms wet cellar!
Mrs n had gone down the steps with
candle in her hand. and was just in the act
of drawing apail Of water, when the descend.
ing young gentleman knocked candle and pail
ont Of her hand. and plunged with dismal
splash into the water. Scrambling up the
steps. the good matron, who was frightened
almost out Of her wits. exclaimed:
"Gude save US, John. what's that in the
cellar2''
John Qhe husbanl) was at first almost as
much astonished az she was at tho sudden bat
extremely ludicrous termination Of Paul Q
bowling, and it was not till the latter had com.
menced to cry Justify for help that he went
down and assisted our diluted hero out Of bis
sorry predicament.
Reader, have you ever seen drowned rat I
IF 80, you can imagine how Paul looked when
he reached the floor. His superb coat was
torn in several places. his hat was crushed in.
his CATERS were filled with water. and the
Sensation was dscidedly unpleasant as the
cold fluid trickled down his back. And then
the modification Of appearing in such plight
before his late companion and her parents
He almost wished ha had drowned. Howsv.
er. the good old lady prevailed upon him to
remove his wet clothing In an adjoining room.
and don suit Of Mr.. N-'s Canadian grey
until bis own should dry. The farmer being
bully specimen Of humanity, the clothing 1T
Paul very much as a sack would; and when
he went out to the stove. he had the rather
doubtful satisfaction Of seeing Mary in the act
of sitting laugh at his uncouth appearance.
Hare Wa 6x for young exquiaifa 70 find