Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-01-14
MISCELLANY. " .
What a Pretty Little Hand.

] am not bashful man. Generally spe'A-
ing am fully as confident and forward as most
of my sex. Yet there was one period of my
life when all my merits seemed to my own eyes
insignificant, and | felt modest, not to say
bashful. II was when was in love. Then
sometimes did not know where to putmy hands
and feet. Did ] mention that in said hands
and feet consists my greatest bcauty2 They
are both small
A short time ago | fell in love. did not
walk into it quietly, weighing my idols per-
fections against her defects. | fell in, head
and ears. two seconds after first met her.
She was a glorious creature, with long, brown
hair floating over a snowy neck and shoulders,
and falling down on the waist of an enchanting
silk dress. Her dark brown eyes were full OF
saucy light--yet, oh how tender and loving
they could look. This found out later.
Of all the provoking, tantalizing coquettes
that ever teased the heart out Of poor man,
Susy Arnold was the most bewitchinS i
would pass an evening with her, and then 60
home. certain that one more interview with
her would make me the happiest Of men but
the next time met her, cool nod and an in
dignant glance threw down all my castles
She was very cautious.
One evening while there was seized with
violent headache. told her was subject to
such attacks, and the pretty creature, putting
on n grave face. gave me lecture on the sub
iect Of health, winding up with
"The best thing you can do is to get wife
to take care Of you, and to keep you from study.
| advise YOU to do tiff you can get any body
to have you"
"Indeed," I said, rather piqued, there are
only too many. refrain from selection for
fear of breaking other hearts. How fond all
the ladies are of me, to be sure !" added, con-
cetedly, though caut see that am par
ticuarly facinating."
"Neither can !, ;" added Susy, with an air OF
perfect simplicity.
"Can't you ?" saidI hoped-hoped-'
Oh! that dresdfuIly attractive face Of hers
"That is, Miss Susy, thought, pcrhaps-Oh
nv head. my head p and buried my face in
the cushion.
"Does it ache so very badly ?" she asked
tenderly, and she put her cool, little hand IN
among my curls. ! felt the thrill her fingers
gave me through my whole system.
Ny head being really very painful, l was
obliged to leave; but all the way home the soft
cool touch of those little fingers fingered upon
my brow.
Soon after this it became necessary for me to
leave the city on business. An offer Of part
nersbp in the Office of a lawyer friend of mine
made me decide to extend my trip and see how
the land lay"
One thing was certain-I could not leave
home for months, perhaps years, without some
answer from Susy. Dressed in my most fault
less costume lit was the only suit possessed
and full of hope I went to Miss Susy's house
She was in the parlor, at the piano, alone. She
nodded gaily as l came in, but continued her
song. 1t was I've something sweet to tell
you" .
At the words a love you! I adore you Y
she gave me such a glance was ready toPros-
trate emyself; but, sweeping back the curls from
her forehead with laughing defiance, she war
bled. " But I'm talking in my sleep"
"Then," cried, you love me when you
Sleep May think SO p
"Oh, yes, if you choose for dreams go by
contraries, you know"
sat down beside her. We chatted away
for time. At last began:
"Miss Susy, came up this evening to tell
yor that IL"
How she was listening! A bright thought
struck me. would tell her of my journey,
and in the emotion she was certain to betTay,
it would be easy to declare my love.
"Miss Susy," I said, lam going TO New
York tomorrow"
"Going away ?"
eyes, for some months"
"Dear me, bow distressing Just stop al
Gauche's as you 90 home and order me somt
extra pocket handkerChiefs for this melancholy
occasion, will you p
"You do not seem TO require then" | faio
rather piqued " I shall stay some months.
"Wen, write to my ma, won't youf Ahc
if YOU get married, or die, or anything let u
know"
q have an offer to be partner In law
Office | said. determined to try her, and
accept it, as I have some thoughts oil dong
| I shall never return"
Her face will not change. Her old, saucl
look was there as I spoke; but / noticed tha
one little hand closed convulsively over he
watch-chain. and that tie other fell upon tn