Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-06-04

six feet two inches; my schooHeloWs nc
lieyed that was twenty, and wondered uiu
not leave Poplar House Academy. iney
tainted me with effeminacy, and iaut neg at
my shrilT voice, which stu piPed M nhdish
treble. | must mention that was not an ill |
looking fellow. My figure, though clumsy, !
was not deformed my features we're good,my
complexion was clear and healthy. But, as
I grew older and bigger, became more and
more sensitive. withdrew myself as much
as possible from the view of my fellow crea-
lures. There was private path-accessible
only by the schoolmasters key-leading
from our playing field to a sluggish stream,
bordered with pollarded willows. On the
margin of this miniature river | used to SIT
for hours with my long legs dangling over
the water, watching the swallows as they
swooped down on their prey, or the rats, as
thew swan cautiously from bank to bank with
only their noses above water. Here would
remain i'm a state of negative happiness till
the sun had set, and the bats flew in circles
round and round the hollow trees. ~
One evening, had just looked at my
watch-having been endowed with that Dig
niiied appendage in consideration OF my size
several years beforehand was hecting with
sigh that must quit my solitary retreat,
and mingle once more in the din and merri-
laid softly on nv shoulder. | turned my head
and beheld the face of man whom had
seldom seen, though / had often heard his
name mentioned. e
Mr.. Leverton was the recluse of the village.
He scarcely ever stirred out of his house,
which was situated on the banks Of the river,
saw no company, never went TO church, and
spent most of his time in fishing, As he was
a strict preserver, and my school-fellows had
often trespassed on his waters, / fancied he
deemed me one of the culprits, and was about
to execute summary vengeance on my per-
son but was speedily undeceiyed by the
mildness of his address.
my young friend, !" he said, 81 have watch
ed you for some time past. As stand, rod
in hand, at yonder bend of the river, L can
see you through the trees. Like me, you are
fond of a solitude. Consequently, there is a
natural sympathy between us. Now, what
do you think about ?"
About giants
"Giants That is strange subject of CON
temptation"
az think to myself, shall become giant ?"
said |, with a blush.
"Nonsense-why, YOU must have done
growing How old are you" rt-
thought Of my fathers's strict Injunction,
and of the deceit which had been successfully
maintained for the last six years, and replied,
with some hesitation:
al am twenty, SIR"
"Too old for school. What can your pa
rents be thinking of? At your age | was
battling with the world. Come, you shall
sup at my house"
81 am rather afraid Mr.. Wickham will OBJ
ject, sir"
- have his permission. See here" said
Mr.. Leyerton, displaying paper" in black
and white. II you wish for comfort in this
yillainous world, have everything in black
and white. Read it,"
"Mr. Leverton has Mr.. Wickham's permits
sion TO invite Mr.. David Elworthy to his
house whenever he pleases."
Are you satisfied"
"Yes, sir" ra'
Then come along"
The reclsse unlocked a gate studded with
spikes and interlaced with brambles, which
led TO his own property. He preceded me at
a swift pace, the decisive abruptness of which
correspondent with his manner of speaking /;
and as soon as we reached the house-a small
but picturesque edifice, completely screened
from view by evergreen foliage--he unlocked
the door with a latch-key, and pushed me in
To the ball.
Pointing TO another door, he said:
go in there, and wait till | come"
opened the door and went in. To my as
constituent, figure rose up at my entrance
IA female figure. felt utterly abashed.
was entirely unaccustomed TO ladies' society,
and here was face to face with a pretty
young lady. Excepting sisters (who count
for nothing) my intercourse with the fair sex
had been hitherto limited TO my mother and
nurse Crossley. stood in the middle of the
rpHh nt pU
for breath, and twirling chair by way of
employing my hands.
cannot describe the Young lady from
what l saw at that juncture. / saw a cloud
of white with fascinating face at the top of
it, and that is all. | don't know how Ions
stood in this ridiculous posture; il might
be two minutes, but it felt like forty, when
was brought to my senses by soft voice
saying:
Pray be seated Mr.. Elworthy." ~
Nv face grew hotter than ever at the sound
| of my own name, and / selected the slender
est chair in the room-one of those elegant
ornamental articles with spiral legs and a fee
BILE back, which are not meant to be sat up
on. On this fragile piece of workmanship
cautiously deposited my bulky person.
Are you not somewhat tired of school,
Mr.. Elworthy?"
'uu, no. not NJ aii--tllat ls--no-Ne
am" st-h
After this contradictory speech, was all
blush, from the soles of my feet TO the sum
init of nv head. felt very much like red
cabbage" ff
"You do not play at games, l think"
"No, miss; that is, don't play at-at any
gamesn
4 fresh outburst of blushing followed this
brilliant speech, while my chair creaked in a
terribly threatening manner. l was too shy,
however, 10 move 20 one that was more sub
stantial, and prayed inwardly that Mr.. Lev
erton might soon appear.
Are you fond of readinglr
eel" Very. miss"
Here is a book that you may like TO look
at, said the young lady, rising.
Natural politeness caused me TO rise also
10 save her the trouble Of crossing the room;
hut At that moment Mr. Leverton burst in
abruptly, aud pumped back into my chair
like guilty thing.
The shock was too much for that frail piece
Of furniture. 1t uttered one dying squeak,
and collapsed beneath my weight. found
myself among the ruins on the foor.
\ smile passed over the young ladyS face
but she restrained herself at once, and looked
sorry aud concerned. loved her from that
moment She evidently saw how miserably
nervous was, aud would not for an instant
pain me by even appearing 10 laugh at my
disaster.
There, said Ms. Leyerton, assisting me
somewhat roughly TO my feet" there, Emily,
that's your doing Who bun fool would nut
a stout young man into that gimcrack affair
However, I'm glad its broken. l hate shams,