Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-11-18
A Kiss In the Dark.

One Of the Saratoga correspondents, whose
name is Lam was badly treated when the
gas went out so suddenly the other night. The
story is a touching one, aud he tells it well;
1t was ten o'clock. The stage drove up
from the depot. Almost every lady expected
her husband on The train. Many young ladies
expected their sweethearts. Neither the stage,
the driver, nor tho horses were visible. From
force Of habit the passengers felt their way to
the reception room. got mixed up with the
crowd Twenty-Five married ladies, seven old
maids, and four young ladies commenced greet
ing the passengers in the dark. My dear
William why did you stay so longy sxclaim-
ed a sweet young wife, aud then she threw her
arms around my neck-our lips met. wasn't
going to be darn-d fool. Far Different
Now, dear, sweet, liquid-cyed brunette threw
her arms wildly around me. 20, Eugene, why
did you not write oftcner?' she sobb'd, and
then she sank swoetly on my bosom. said.
Weep not, Julia, and then | kissed her sweet
ly twenty-five times. Ii was delicious. 1t
made me think of my first wife and my col
lege days at Yale. A pondcrous matron APP
proached-dress decollctte, hair Ia Pompa-
dour. She took me In her arms and whispered,
%, Charles, did you bring my beautiful dog
did you p Madame my name Is net Charles,
and | hate dogs. I'd kill every Odd but
she fell fainting at my feet. 4 sweet, golden
haired blonde now took my hand. She pressed
1t gently, saying, Dear Albert, know it is
you, am SO glad to see you You won't dance
with Lizzie Smith, now, will you? said /
wouldn't. Then she held her cheek close to
mine, it was hot with loves young hope and
pure, sweet affection. We were very happy.
None but a wicked man would have brought
sadness to this sweet, pure young hoart-full
of confidence warm with virgin affection, and
beautiful with splendid girlishness. Do you
still love me, Albert ? she whispered. I'm
doubtedly.' remarked How much, dar-
ling A heap oh, am so happy she
murmured, as she twisted her fingers in my
auburn hair and held me in sweet embrace
This sort OF thing went on for seventeen min
utes, when G. Leland appeared in the distance
with tallow candle. Iquietly withdrew, and
mingled unobserved in the crowd. As the
candle appeared, twcnty-seven young gentle
men were seen shaking hands with as many
young ladies In different corners. have sell
dom seen such an affecting scene. 1t was
great display Of affection. One married gen.
tleman was holding the hands OF two ladies'.
The hair OF the ladies was generally crimpless,
whilo the hair Of the voting gentlemen did not
display parting place. | reflected how kin
such things be, and overcome us like summer
shower p l consulted with j. Billings. He
saws they can't. SO resolved TO leave the
place. | came back to Congress Hall, and
found the young ladies and gentlemen having
a grand ball by candle light. Each young
lady held In her hands penny dip. They few
threw the ancers like ghosts in Macbeth
Eight streaks of light made terrible criss
cross, as the dance went on. When the grand
chain came, the lights revolved like gigantic
Fourth of July pinwhcel. 1t was grand
night for Saratoga. The young people liked
it. Some prefer darkness rather than light,
because their ways are evil.