Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-07-01
Tom Williams courtship.

ing. good-natured young gentlemen who sport
off their fathers, and who, by their clvlltles
and liberality win the affection of maldens.-
He was considered the beau of the little wa
tering place in which he resided, and took great
pains to please the fairer sex.
One evening, when the Summer breezcs
softly fitted by and the birds twittered and
sung their sweetest songs, Tom took a stroll
down the street, dressed in his finest costume,
10 see what damsel he could charm. He was
whistling his favorite tune, " Rock me to Sleep,
Mother" when he deserted pretty female
tripping along before him. Her elastic step
and saucy micn at once caught his eye, and he
determined to follow her and fud out where
she lived.
al must discover some one who is acquaint-
ed with her." thought Tom, " for she certainly
is most bewtching" The night came on, and
Tom retired with his heart all in llutter; and
he slept but little, for the Image of the un-
known was constantly before him.
Weeks went by, and though he passed by
the door every day in his promenades, he never
obtained glimpse of his adorable.
"Well, Tom are you going to that party to-
morrow night ?" asked Jack Sharpwater.
"Well. Idon'tknow. Ihave an invitation"
was Toms answer.
"You had better come-the beauty, Miss
Wallace, will be there"
"Who may she be, and where does she live 2
eagerly asked Tom.
"At 137 Rome street"
"Ill be there-or-Or-Ill"- he could ut
ter no more: his heart was in his throat and
turning. he left Jack standing on the corner.
$50 she is to be there Well, the gods have
aided me. believe in Occasia; worship the
goddess as love Miss Wallace. Oh may |
be successful"
The evening Of the party came. a. will
enter late" thought Tom, " for that is fashion,
able; and when she sees all the guests shaking
hands with me she will think Pm somebody; f.;
and that will be in my favor" The dancing
had begun and the room was filled with
music long before Tom arrived. Suddenly
the bell rang and the servant ushered in Mr..
Williams"
"Wby friend Thomas, how are you; glad
to see you; had given you up" cried out Jack
Sharpwater then aside, Come III introduce
you to yonder beauty"
Miss Wallace, Mr.. Williams" Tom bowed
and scraped, and begged the sweetest OF
privileges" that of waltzing with her; Of
course she willingly assented. Now Tom was
considered a good dancer, but on this occasion
he completely failed. All flushed and trem-
bling he led his partner to seat. " Mr.. Will
liams you ought to learn the art, said Miss
Wallace. This nerved Tom; so he made
another attempt, and, to hisdelisht, succeeded
Oh. how pleased was the young lady; she
talked and laughed, and so Tom was happy
"You do splendidIy," she remarked as they
finished.
There was slight breeze stirring the leaves
Of the vines that wound themselves around the
most and covered the banisters, and as the
warmth of the room was very oppressive, Tom
proposed walk on the gallery. What passed
there let not the historian say; but let it be
known that during the remainder of the even
ing. Mr.. Williams and Miss Wallace were rather
loving. 1t was evident that Tom was the ia
vorite
"You must call and see me" she saia' as
Tom bid her good night at the door. de oid
visit her. 1t was generally known they were
soon to be married in fact, the wedding day
was APPOINTED, and Tom was in ecstasy over
his victory.
II was the evening before the ceremony was
10 take place that the lover turned bis steps
towards his intendeds dwelling. She was Sit
ting in the parlor conversing with tall, dark
man. with curly hair and sparklingeyes, whom
she introduced as her cousin, Mr.. Douslnbury.
Tom was somewhat annoyed at MIR. Dousin-
bury's familiarity with Miss Wallace, but she
quieted him by saying as he bid her good night,
Don't mind my cousin; hess singular fellow.