The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1864-03-15

But on this particular evening, as sa
smoking, got thinking. and my
thoughts took pretty nearly the form in
which l have written them down.
But, all at once, while / sat dreaming
before the fire. heard a tapping at my
chamber door. 1t was a wild night
without. The wind howled and shrek
ed like spirit Of evil, the window sash
es ratified, and huge tree, which grew
close to my room, grated harshly against
the side Of the house as if begging for
for admission from the cold Without
Who could be coming to visit me on
such night? But l soon put an end
to the mystery by opening the door. A
sable son of Africa entered, handed me
4 delicately perfumed billet, and depart
cd. 1t was directed, in a remarkably
neat female hand, to " Mr.. Thomas JEFF
ferson Jenkins" Ibroke the seal and
read
"Miss Johnson presents her compli
ments to Mr.. Jenkins. and avaling her
self of the privilege which leap year
gives the Young ladies, requests the
pleasure Of mis- company tomorrow eve
ming. Miss J. begs the honor of the
visit to enable her 10 communicate a
matter Of peculiar interest to Mr.. j.
She deems it proper TO state this much
in order that he may not expect to find a
party present on the occasion"
What could il mean? Ny acquaint
ance with Miss johnson was a very
limited one. l had met her half dozen
times at as many parties, but had never
dreamed Of making an impression She
evidently medi'ated proposal, however.
and l must prepare myself for it. Had
She fallen in love with my good looks !;
had she taken fancy to my name. or
had my winning way" caplivated her?
| couldn't understand it, and so | went
TO bed--"t sleep. perchance to dream"
The next morning awoke bright and
early. and the first thing that popped in
to my mind was the occurrence Of the
night before. Was il dream? No, for
the little scented billet was there on the
table. ate my breakfast and tried 10
90 about my usual business, but in vain.
| could think of nothing but Miss John
son and my evenings engagement. for
had determined TO comply with her re.
quest. / turned the matter over in my
mind in every shape and form. but to no
purpose. She was rich and beautiful
|. though not as poor as Jobs turkey
had nothing to inyest in bank stock. -
Why should she fancy me? / couldn't
understand il, and so determined to
aw ait the istue.
| should say that my heart pulsated
audibly AS l pulled the bell that eve-
ming at the rich Mr.. Johnson's door,
am not sure that l heard il beat, but
would be willing TO take an oath that
felt as il It would hammer its way
through my vest. | was ushered into
the parlor. where comfortable fire was
burning had been seated but few
minutes. when rust.ing of silk attract.
ed my attention. and Miss johnson en-.
tered the room.
Miss Johnson was graduate OF fe-
male college, and. of course, accomplish
ed. We began on that original and
seldom m ntioned topic. the weather.
and soon glided into quite pleasant
tete a tete. Alter a time, however.
noticed a certain nsr,ousness of manner
in my fair companion which readily
attributed to the peculiarly Of her po.
si.ion. Until the evening previous had
not dreamed OF entertaining for her any
thing approaching a tender passion. bu
my siuguisrly susceptible heart hat
been gradually warming towards her
until l now felt on the point of reliev
ing her from all embarrassment. by get
Ting on my knees and declaring my at
tachment. But it Was leap year. and
could not think Of interfering with ,h,
young lady's privileges-so | held m!
peace and allowed the silence which has
ensued 10 remain unbroken. AT lengtl
the fair one remarked, in singula
sweet tone Of voice. Ehich made M
heart hump hard agains, my ribs
"You are doubtless anx xiops 10 know
Mr.. Jenkins. why you were summone,
here this evening"
Now. Jenkins. said /. mentally, it.
coming old fellow. Bear up brsyely
and act like man. Dou't be frighten
ed out Of your wits. Having nerve
m yseli by this mental confab, | remark
ed aubibly that 81 had some curiosit
on that point"
| sN~t - Ln.u vn,, l.rr.. - ,,.oana.