The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1869-05-27

that loved her. It was in Octobcr-most
cross grained things happen in October, |
believe; we had gone together o-cr into the
lake pasture after COWS; and [ had got down
on my knees in the wettest spongiest part OF
the path-nearly ruined the knees Of my new
gray pantaloons, | recollect-and poured out
my passion at her feet.
She laughed in my face. Perhaps you have
noticed that girls in general have a habit of
giggling. Yes, she laughed in my face, and
told me to 60 home, and eat my bread and
butter like good boy, and not be troubling
her with talk like that. She said she was a
great deal too young to think Of marriage ;
and that when she apas old. enough, it was
her intention to marry duke at least !; and
live in palace, and go to the queens draw
ing'rooms, and be called "my LADY," etc.
And then she laughed again.
! rose from my knees very hot, and angry,
and told her she was heartless firt, and
mentioned to her that my heart was broken ;
but she only laughed the more. And in
the midst Of it, along came Harry Smith,
whistling s'Hail Columbia = and she let Har-
ry take down the bars for her, and lift her
over the brook, and I was jubilant when, in
the middle of the stream, Harry's legs failed
under him for he was small fellow, and
she was as plump as patridge-and he slip
ped down with her, and both got as wet as
minks.
Well, that was years ago, but never fully
recovered from the sting her unkind refusal
gave me. If I have said anything ABOUT the
female sex of which I ought to feel ashamed,
anything which was wrong, Fanny Gray ought
to be held accountable, not l.
went home feeling as if did not care d
straw for life. [ did not eat my supper, and
Aunt Peggy made me drink some appetite
bitters, in the virtues Of which she had great
faith. went up to my room early, packed a
few things in valise, and the next day ran
away TO New York.
I intended to ship on whaler, but there
was no chance at the time, and [ got on a
coaster instead. The Polly Jane only ran
with freights to Philadelphia, but that voyage
was enough. I wanted no more Of sea. I
thought should never live to reach land
and the sailors, unfeeling wretches, did little
else but laugh at me.
Once back in New York, no money. could
tempt me to try my luck again on the briny
Deep I got chance as crrand-boy in the
mercantile establishment of Storey, tombstone
& Co. Tt was good place, and my employ
ers did the liberal thing by me.
I wrote home, and informed my anxious
parents where was; and made up my mind
to make trade my life business. Step by step
I advanced, for was faithful, and am hap
py to say possessed considerable business tai
ent.
I arrived at the dignity Of clerk in due
time; then was book-keeper, and three
years ago, when Mr.. Storey retired from the
firm became the junior partner. Eighteen
months aterward Johnstone died, and bought
out his heirs, so am now the head of the
establishment.
People call me a good looking fellow, and I
don't pretend to dispute with them. 1t is ex-
tremely impolite to contradict folks, you know
I think myself that | am passablc, though /
have always wished my hair had been black,
instead Of reddish-brown. But I won't color
it; I have got little too much pride for that
Well, about year ago, [ found that bust
ness required my presence in Chicago An
hour or two before I was ready to start, my
particular friend, Tom Jasher, came rushing
into my counting room.
s'Stanford," cried he. GIVE great favor
to ask of you"
Any thing, my dear fellow" said L
g Any thing can do for you will be great
pleasure"
II told Nettie you would" said he;" but
she insisted you wouldn't! She"
Hump" said !. "Women are selfish
creatures, and judge every body by them
selves. I am sure, Tom, | should be delight
cd to oblige you !"
Thank you. twill be such relief to
me- You see I was going to Chicago myself
to hunt up some claims the first of the week"
Give them into my hands, Tom, = said I J,
{ I'll attend to them.
aOhw said Tom, coolly, s'John Mason
went last night, and he's going to see after
that business. I should have gone myself,
but you see the baby was taken sick, and
Ncttie will not consent that should leave it.
And, indeed, do not wish to-
"Confound the babies!" said mentally,
but not audibly; for Tom Jasher, good fellow
as he is, is perfect spooney on babies. So I
said, aloud:
3" Well, trust your business to me, old
friand -