Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-01-04
NO. 90

Of hens, and rousing snappish Ittls tsrria
from his nap ON the steps. a,
A red-faced woman answered my fsp. bu1
before could make customary inquiry. shs
opened ON me like a two-edged butcherknit.
"Well, Of all the impudcnt rsscals that svse
see, you beat the lot want 70 know z
you had tie check to come back here againe
You'd like to sell me another German ilvs
teapot. and another brass bosom pin ~ dsa
Araminta-wouldn't you--"
"By no means" said /; |" ! beg leave ~ b.
form you" 49,,
"oh, you needn't begi We don't beliovela
beggars! s'pose you thought I sh'uld nA
know you-but did / should know Thea
black bag of yours in Californyl Clear out&
my presence. or I'll lay my broom-handls ovS.
you. If there's any thing hate. it, . psdlss
especially rascal like you"
Allow me to inquire" said L." il Mr.. Joha,
Smiths wife was Melinda Byrhs ths sldAss
daughter OF my father's--" a lsr
The broomstick vas liftel | heard II eutths
air like minnie bullet, and sprang down ths
steps into the street at my best pace.
An angry man do not fear, but who e.
stand before an angry woman? had rather
face roaring lion.
called on two more Mr.. Smiths-still un~
successful in my search. II was getting nsae
dark, and i was more than anxious TO rsaeA
my destination
My next Mr. Smith was located In Lsnox-
street. Itwas twilight when ] rang the bsu
at this door.
A smiling fellow admitted me, fairly forcing
me into the hall; before could utter a word.
"Walk right ip, sir; they are expecting
you. The ladies will be down In moment.-.
Miss Hattie is In the back paflor Walk right
in, sir"
was gently pushed toward the door Of .
shadowy apartment, and at the entrance waA
announced:
"Mr Henry" h
The gas was not lighted, and the apartment
was in scmi-darlness. heard a soft, quick
football on the carpet, and pair Of arms fell
round my neck, and a pair Of the sweetest liPs
on the footstool touch mine, and, good gracioud
for moment the world swan, and felt ~ II
had been strewed in honey, and distilled into
Lubin's best triple extract Of roses:
"Oh; Henry-my dearest and besti Why
don't you kiss me- Henry 2" cried voice like
music. "Have YOU ceased to care for me =
and again the kiss was repeated.
Who could resist the temptation7 Ian
naturally diflident man, but have some hu.
man nature in me, and ! paid her principal
and interest.
"Oh, Henry, had so feared that being in the
army had made you cold-hearted-sood he's.
vens!p She fell back against q chair, pale %
death. The servant had lit the gas, and stood
revealed.
81 beg your pardon, riarm,r said !, thsfs
is evidently some mistake. May inquire II
Mr.. Smiths wife was Melinda Byrnc, the sldess
daughter Of my fathers great uncle p
The red flush came to the young lady's check
she was as handsome as a picture-and abe
replied with courtesy:
"Shc was not. You will, hope, exeuss
me for the blunder have committed. Wesrs
expecting my brother Henry from the army.
and your blue clothes deceived me" -.
"For which shall always wear blue" I 70.
Piled gallantly. "Allow me to introduce my.
self-I am Henry Parkwelr .of Squashvillo."
and, in making my best bow, I stumbled ova
an ottoman and fell smash into a china closet.
demolishing at least dozen plates and as many
glass tumblcrs.
Isprang to my feet, seized my bag. snd
without word dashed out Of the house.
knocked over a man who was passing %
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 Che glare of the street lamp revealed 10
me the well Unknown flee Of my John Smith.
Eureka" cried ], "AIIow me to enquire II
your wife was Melinda, the eldest daughter Of
my fathers great uncle Byrncy
"Shc was" raid he, grasping my hand, "sud
am delighted to see you But confonnd IL
you needn't come at fellow SO"
| But must cut my story short.
lie took me home with him, and / had .
good visit; saw Melinda to my beirts con-
tent. Nay, more-T met and was properly
introduced to Hattie Smith, and-well, am
having new suit of clothes made, and in due
coure g they viii be married, myselfin them, 10
the young lady just alluded TO-.
TnASsIEST YorSG MEs.-Girls, bcwse q
transient young men; never suffer the sddrss-