Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1865-04-12
OblljoI St,ate,s.;ul1alrll,,, St,ate Isl II II,
from The New York Mercury.l
BELLIES PROPOSAL.
BY STELLA.

""Dare not! Who saySl dare not! Bring
me my portfolio, Sue, that's darling, and
Twill do it this very instant" ,4r ID. ,..l5..li
t"While you are in the mood" said Kate,
in cool, sneering, provoking manner, "or
your wonderful courage will fail you, and
you will be like the fowl with the soiled
plumage that we read of" eg ar.-........
'sNeVer fear. / am determined that this
modern Diogenes, or Bluebeard, shall come
out of his tub, and exhibit himself, once, at
least, to the occupants of this room, |. e., if
anything pathetic or shocking can induce
him, or move him in the least degree" "
She proceeded to mar the purity of
delicately-scenteds sheet of note-paper. We
will leave her thus engaged, and explain
the matter under consideration to our read
er. -'.1l ... ...i. ......t
I We, /. e., Belle, Katie, and myself were
sojourning in small rural village, where
we had plenty Of cool fresh air, flowers
natures little beauties-and everything
needful for our comfort; but alas Uncle
Samuel had called all the gallant, bewhisk-
cred sex to aid him, and we were wofully
in want of beaux to talk pretty nonsense to
us, take us riding, etc. .'....,.. f... fs
At last there was an arrival in the usual
ly quiet town. A tall, handsome fellow,
with killing eyes, and brigandish-looking
mustache-so Kate reported. OF course
her report created great excitement in
scamp" We heard of him often, but new
er saw him, although we G hate to confess
it) attended church three times every Sab
bath; attended the concert of the "blind
family" all the sewing-circles, soldiers
aid societies, and lastly, grand ball given
by the Hon. II. r., who resided in that
neighborhood, but all in vain.
Kate scolded, Belle stormed, and laugh
ed; and finding that of no avail, we all
vowed vengeance. . .. M
After hitting upon various plans and
abolishing the same, we fell into brown
study, and had nearly fallen asleep, when
Belle clapped her hands rapturously.
II have it! have it ~ .
''Have what?" IeXclaimed, lazily.
'The handsome gent and his ferocious
mustaches."
''Silence, while she unfolds to us the re-
suit of her mighty deliberation," said Kate.
"'Tis leap-year, you know" said she,
working her little hands nervously, while
crimson roses of excitement dawned upon
her dimpled cheeks. .. a
"What's that to do with" .......
"Stop! If you can't penetrate my
thoughts and SO help me out of it, just keep
still" r. .'.. p.
II stand rebuked; proceed" .--
saucy, impulsive plan of addressing him,
and the sneering tones of our naughty Kate
had sealed her determination to send real,
splendid, loving epistle, 'with view to
matrimony," however much she might
have waVered from feelings of delicacy be-
fore. .'..r -....., D..
She finished it, sealed and directed 1t,
and called boy to take it to the office.
After it had really gone-past redemp-
toni was sure she repented of her rash
step; but she laughed merrily when we
spoke of him, and was wondering if Bellies
gallant was going to live up to the appoint
ment, which was fixed upon the next Fri
day, as if he were not altogether devoid Of
feeling, of curiosity, etc. .,, ..r..
Belle chartered away-while we were
dressing for grand ball that was to come
off on that eVening-like magpie; but
there was an unusual brilliance in her dark
eyes, an unusual nervousness in her man
ner the entire ride. l was studying her,
and there seemed to be q consciousness that
something was going to happen in her
breast. IN s, -..- ...,.4,...- ..0,-.... ~; .f
Floods of light poured from the windows,
and sent out genial welcome; voluptuous
strains of music stole with delicious rapture
DER our senses, and we were soon in the
midst of the gay dancers. 5
Soon the entrance of tall, distinguish
ed gentleman arrested my attention. ..
/ knew intuitively that this was the gen.
tleman of our remarks-the one against
whom all our jokes had been leveled and I
felt conscious glow of shame diffuse my
features as l thought of our last mad prank.
Our Belle was also the belle of the even
ing; and marked the earnest, pleased ex-
preston that his features wore as he looked
upon her sweet, young beauty, heightened
by excitement and pleasure. 1t is the ex-
preston we all feel and exhibit ON behold
ing lovely forms, exquisite eolors, or beau
tiful things generally. jl, .,r.r.-, lem.
He sought an introduction; and saw our
cool, daring, self-possessed Belle tremble,
and actually turn pale from the excess OF
her emotion, no ,l..t .Tsd5-s; .,
He saw the effect and his bright, lumin-
Gus eyes seemed to read her very soul.
Several times during the evening de-,
tected quiet smile-a strange mixture of
scorn, doubt, and pleasure light up his
features as he watched her in the gay COM
pany, frank and joyous. with all but him,
He seemed to cast q spell over her that
checked her gay spirits, and fairly tied her
tongue. yi5l- |f74si ifffdEk al -1.t -i-... M
She seemed to wish to avoid him-to be
cold, naughty, and frigid but he seemed
not to notice this, but was cool, nonchalant,
and delightfully."- entertaining. He inquired,
particularly where we were stopping; and,
as l predicted to the girls, the next morn
ing he called to inquire after our health,
and seemed to fear that Miss Belle had
daneed--well great deal more than was
for her good. Belle managed-after q lect-
ureof the "Caudle" order from Kate-7to re-
ceiye him with tolerable composure, i, !,
might go into the particulars of that call,