North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1865-07-26
Sd&tt s t.o,lrt, /. ! t,1:.. y,
DICKS INFATUATION.
BY MISS A. L. MUZZEY,

'You are beside yourself, Dick" said, as
entering our private sitting. room late one
morning, l caught him covertly kissing a
withered knot of violets which bore suspi-
clous resemblance to those adorniug the cor
sage of dainty Laura Miller the previous ev-
ening.
what do you mean by that remark, Miss
Caustic 2" he asked, hurriedly thrusting the
love-token out fsght, and taking up a late
Review to cover his confusion. .
"You are making fool of yourself, Dick y
I aid unequivocally
My brother recovered his dignity in a
trice,
"There is some redeeming grace, ppose,
in having strong g-minded sister who never
INDUCES in such pastimes," he answered
driy.
Exactly and still more in having the
ability to appreciate said sisters admirable
qualities. But now, in sober earnest, Dick,
| warn you that Laura Mller"-
paused in astonishment at the fiery flush
that sufused his handsome face as I spoke
that magic name. Who would have believed
that my stately, selfpossessed brother could
have blushed like very schoolgirl at men
| ton of her first love-?
''Laura Miller is an unmitgated coquette,"
[ concluded, emphatcaIly.
"By what authority do you make such an
assertion % he asked, in an offended tone.
"By the authority of my sense, and, if that
is not sufficient, by the universal consent of
her dupes and victims. If you doubt the
truth Of ray opinions, go to them for de-
| cIslon of the matter"
81 shall do nothing of the kind l am per-
| tectly satisfied to trust my own judgment in
the case. do not consider MISS Miller's
| rejection of numerous suitors proof of her
heartlessness, but on the contrary, think it
testimonial of her superior truthfulIess and
| integrity in not bestowing her hand where
| she could not give her heart"
Nonsense No one could wish her to do
that. But she leads her admirers TO be-
Ieve the former engaged before the lattct is
| solicited "
IL don't believe it, Vanity may have so
nl>coustrued her. but I am confident that
>ne never purpnsely encouraged the attention
# a man she could not love. A more guile
less being never exis ted. | know that she
is not a favorlte with the ma ajority Of her own
sex. They imagine her frank, simple artless
manner mere afectation, because they have
| not themselves that purity of heart which
prompts her every action. But / long ago
| learned to put no faith whatever in Que wo
mans opinions regarding another. never
yet knew her to give fair and impartial
Judgment in the case. Good morning r'
| And brother Dick threw down the Review
which he had made the pretence of reading,
and with a very cold bow walked straight
Of the room.
Heigho Was there ever a man who liked
to be told he was mistaken in his views up
on any subject, more especially if the sub
| jcct happened to be woman?
Thereafter Dick devoted himself more as
sidously than ever to Laura Miller. In her
presence, he was absent TO all others. To
speak the truth, she a1as as perfectly irresist-
ble and fascinating creature as ever met
with, and nigh have deceived the very elect
by one of her bewitching glances, and half
dozen of her melting words.
should not so much have wondered at
| Dicks ENHANCEMENT if he had not known
her reputation for coquetry, and If he had
not also been silent locker on, while other
noble hearts, lured by deceltful favor, were
| being offered up to her insatiate vanity
And now that his time has come, and the
fair, bewildering will o'-the-wisp had flick.
cred her treacherous light across his way
he followed eagerly, surrendering himself
wholly to her guidance yet in his foolish
simplicity fondly cheating himself that he
was the wooer and not the wooed- the cap
tor and not the captured. -...... . .-.
But perhaps, after all, this was not sur
prising either, for the skillful little lady nev-
er condo acted two campaigns alike,-by some
| pecuiarity of treatment impresspg her dupe
that he was without precedent in her re-
CARDS tha trhe lady always fancied him
self the favored man. J think she must have
thoroughly studied the heart she proposed to
carry captive before laying her plans for
seige, and varied her tactics accordingly, be.
ing grave, dignifed, and sedate with one 5
gay, pquant, charming with second pen
sive, tender, and sentimental with a third !;
learned, witty, brilliant with fourth, and so
on indefinitely, like St. Paul, making her.
self sail things to all men, though with q
different purpose, and wholly irresistible in
every phaze. ......- .... f.-..... ....f... ,,..s.
With Dick, she was timid, child-like, and
confding, deferring sweetIy to his opinion
] on every occasion. looking at him with wor