Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1863-04-25
Frank Whitesidr's Introduction to
Society. .,..

*
hearted fellow-fond of society-but ex.
tsemely bashful. Although be could laugh
and Joke with us boys, when we me, at his
fathers house for a rehearsal, he could
never summon sufficient courage to carry
on conversation in the presence of
strangers. Indeed in the company of
ladies', he became absolutely dumb-sit-
ting in his chair motionless as a statue,
with solemn cast of countenarce which
was really ccmical
And yet no one could have been more
desirous of going into society, and gain
ing the acquaintance and esteem Of the
ladies, than Frank. Among other natural
motives there was a blue.eyed, sunny.
haired Hattie Marshall, who exercised a
decided though silent influence over him.
Not that she had ever spoken to him
certainly y not that he had ever ventured Ia
address a word TO her, for he had not dar-
ed to ask an introduction-muchl less, to
go through the fearful ordeal.
But he had an idea, that if he could
once gain Hattie's acquaintance, his bash
tulness might be gradually overcome.
When therefore, Fred. Hudson his most
intimate friend and confidante, proposed
that they should honor her with one Of
their best serenades, he consented to %.
The understanding was, that if the should
be invited in by the family, the desired but
dreaded introduction should be given by
Fred, who was somewhat acquainted. On
the evening of the day appointed of
the most sultry in Augnst-,here was a
thunder storm which threatened to post,
pone the execution Of our plan But at
eleven o'clock, the rain had ceased and the
moon made her appearance so we started
for Mr.. Marshalls residence, Frank keep.
ing up his ceu rage wonderfully. ~
The house was an old fss hioned two.
story brick, with a fall basement The
street in front, having been raised six or
eight feet above the original surface. was
nearly on level with the main floor:
aud from the sidewalk to the porch, the
gap had been neatly bridged over a light
balustrade protecting the sides.
On this platform, we noiSely arranged
ourselves, and sang an opening chorus,
which we knew was heard aud appreciated
from a slight movemen mt of the shutters,
and gentle clapping OF soft hands
Frank was now to sing a tavorlte solo.
and We all looked anXiously to see wheth.
er or no his courage was failing. To our
surprise, he was calm, and, with the ex.
ception of slight tremor in his voice ut
the commencement of his song, seemed
perfectly at ease. Some magic Influence
seemed to inspire him. Aud really as be
stood there IN the moonlight leaning
against the balustrade, his appearance was
singular enough. A large-tramed, thick.
set youth, weighing not less than two
hundred-dressed in suit of the wh,est
linen--he presented a strange contrast to
the rest of US. With his whole soul he
sang
"ld Climb the mountain height for thee,
I'd roam the desert Wild
Into the raging foaming sea,
I'd"
Crac-c-k crash whia-z-z, thump -
Frank wns gone lie had leaned too
heavily against the slight railing-it had
given away--and he was prcci pitated into
a narrow area, called the garden This
garden was a specimen Of the blackcst
prairie soil, rendered soft aud adhesive hv
the recent rain and poor Frank, falling
on his side, was half buried in the mud.
However, he would have derived some
consolation from his misfortune, great as
it was, if he could have heard the sym,
pathizing ooh, dear and that's too bad
whispered from the window. .'. D. ." 1'''
We, of course, attempted to rescue him,
but not wishing to descend as he had, and
not readi'y hnd1ng another way, were una
bic to reach the spot, until Mr.. Marshall
had come to his assistance, and was lead
ing the way TO the house. '.'-' .' -.'. H.
At the door, we were met by the girls,
with Hattie In front; and as the gas-light
shone full on Franks comical figure, we
could see mirth in their faces, struggling
hard with politeness. Poor Frank From
his shoulders to his feet, there was a divi.
ding line--one half of his linen apperal
being covered by the black, adhesive SOIL
while the other remained comparatively
white. He came into the room, endeavor.
ing as much AZ possible to conceal his
misfortune. He b!ushed excessively