The Shasta courier., 1866-02-10

man silver tea pot. and another brass BOSOM
pin to my Araminty, wouldn't you|"
"By no MEANS" said l, II beg to inform
you"
"Oh you needn't beg We don't believe
in beggarsl Is'pose you thought wouldn't
know you-but | did l should know that
black bag of yours in Californy. Clear out
of my premises, or I'll lay my broom handle
over you If there is anything hate, 1t IS
a especially rascal like you ~
"Allow me to inquire" said l, +" if Mr..
Smiths wife was Melinda Byrne, the eldest
daughter of my fathers
The broomstick was lifted heard it cut
the air like mimic ball, and sprang down
.he steps into the street at my best pace.
An angry man l do not fear, but who can
stand before an angry woman? had rath-
er face roaring lion.
| called on two more Mr. Smiths-still un-
successful in my reach. 1t was getting near
dark, and was more than anxious to reach
my destination,
My next Mr.. Smith was located in Lenox
street. 1t was twilight when l rang the
bell at the door.
A smiling fellow admitted me, fairly fore.
ing me into the hall, before l could utter a
word.
Walk right in, sir, they are expecting
youl The ladies will be down in mo.
ment. Miss Hattie is in the parlor. Walk
in. SIR"
| was gently pushed towards the door of a
shadowy apartment, and at the entrance l
was announced:
MIR. Henry!;'
The gas was not lighted, and the apart.
ment was in semi darkness. | heard IL soft,
quick football on the carpet, and a pair of
arms fell around my neck, and pair of the
sweetest lips on the footstool touched mine !;
and, good gracious for moment the world
swan and | felt as if had been stewed in
honey, and distilled into Lubin's best triple
extract of roses!
"Oh, Henry-my dearest and best p
Why don't you kiss me, Henry?" cried a
voice like music, "have you ceased to care
for me?" and again the kiss was repeated.
Who could resist the temptation? l am
naturally difident man, hut have some
human nature in me, and paid her princi-
pal and interest.
"Oh, Henry, had so feared being in the
army had made you cold-hearted-
heavensp' She fell back against the chair,
pale as death.
The servant had lit the gas, and 1 stood
revealed.
Il beg your pardon, marm," said l,
"there is evidently some mistake. Nav
inquire if Mr.. Smiths wife was Matilda
Byrne, the eldest daughter of my fathers
great uncle?"
The red flush came to the young lady's
eheek-she was as handsome as a picture
and she replied with courtesy.
She was not You will hope excuse
me for the blunder l have committed !! We
are expecting our brother Henry. from the
army. and your blue clothes deceived me-"
For which l shall always wear blue"
replied gallantly. "Allow me to introduce
myself am Henry Parkwell, of Squash
villel" and in making my best bow, STUN
bled backward over an ottoman, and fell
smash into a china closet, demolishing at
least dozen plates and as many glass tum-
blers
sprans to my feet, seized my bag, and
without word dashed out of the house.
knocked over man who was passing at
the moment, and landed myself on my head
in the gutter. The man picked himself up
and was about to make display of muscle,
when the glare of the street lamp revealed
to me the well known features of my John
Smith.
Eureka!" cried I, 'Allow me to in
quire if your wife was Melinda, the eldest
daughter of my fathers great uncle Byrne ?''
She was" said he, grasping my hand
warmly, and Il am delighted to see you !
But, confound it-you needn't have come at
fellow SOL"
But l must cut my story short.
He took me home with him, and l had a
good visit; saw Melinda to my hearts
content. Nay more-I met and was proper
ly introduced to Hattie Smith-and IL
am having new suit of clothes made
and in due time we shall be married-myself
in them-to the young lady just alluded to.