Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-01-13
A Bashful Lover.

y
cock-eyed, red-haired and kncck-kneed ho
numbered that inconvcnient one Of bashfulness.
Nevertheless he was fond Of the ladies, al
though when in their company he never opened
bis mouth when he could helpit, aud whea be
did, used both hands to help him; In fact ho
was a man of "great actions"
Jacobus, one warm day. foil in love; he had
just graduated at college, and began to think
he must seek the ladies' society he was getting
to be man; and it was manly to have a
"penchant."
SO Jack fell in love with the sweetest, live
lest, most hoydenish girl in the square; but
how to tell his love There was the rub
He had heard good deal of " language Of
the eye" and he accordingly tried that, but
when he looked particularly hard at the win
dow where Emily was in the habit Of sitting,
some person on the opposite side of the street
would invariably bow to him, thinking ho was
eudeavoring tc catch their eyos. lie has de-
spised eyes ever since then.
At length Jack obtained IN introduction
through his sister aud with her he called
several times, but she was obliged to leave the
city for a season, and as each interval only in
creased his ardor he determined on going it
alone.
Long before the hour fixed upon by custom
for an evening visit, be found himself arrayed
in his best. Blue coat, metal buttons, black
cashmere pants lsaid pants being littlO tight
sr than skin,l aud spotless vest.
The Journals Of the day state. as an item Of
intelligence, that the thermometer ranged from
seventy-6ve to eighty degrees. Jack swears
it was over hundred
As the hour gradually drew near Jack found
courage and perspiration oozing out together,
and he almost determined 10 pull Of and stay
at home. lie concluded, however, he would
take walk past the house aud Sc. how Il felt,
BY the time he reached the mansion he
firmly concluded not to go in, but on casting
his eyes toward tho parlor window, and per-
ceiying no signs, he thought possible that no
one was at home, and since be had proceeded
so far, be would proceed further and lehvo his
card.
No sooner determined than concluded. In
reckless moment ho pulled the bell ths
darned thing needn't make such noise.
The door was opened as if by magic, and
the servant girl politely asked him in Miss
Emily was alone in the parlor Sould bs do
lighted to see him.
Oh, cracky here was fix Gro in a dark
parlor with pretty girl alone 1t was too
late to retreat; the girl had closed the front
door and was pointing to The parlor where
Miss Emily was.
Being perfectly convinced that no choice
was left in the dark room, he walked or sided
All was perfect chaos TO bis eyes for = moment:
but only for moment; then from tho deepest
gloom came from an angel voice, bidding
him welcome and draw near"
To obey the order was but he work Of a
moment, as he supposed, but he little dreams
Of the obstacles fate bad thrown ia bis way.
He knew full well that the stream Of love had
many ripp!es, but full grown snags entered
not into bis head
Judge then Of his s.Ionishment on being
tripped up almost at the fair ones feet by a
fat stool with plethoric legs, which chance Of
careless servant had placed exactly on the
road to happiness Over be went, and as tho
tailor had not allowed for any extra tension Of
the muscles and sinews lie not only procured
tumble, but also compound fracture extend
ing all across that point which comes in close
contact with the chair.
Having picked himself up as carefully as
circumstances would permit, The smoothersd
laugh Of Miss Emily " not setting him forward
any" he. at length succeeded in reaching a
chair, aud drawing his coat tail forward to
prevent a disagroeablo expose, sat himself
down with as much grace as bear would
when requested to dance upon pile Of nee
dies.
The young lady was almost suifocaled with
laughter at the sad misfortune Of the bashfuI
lover, felt truly sorry for him, aud used all
her power Of fascination to drive it from his
mind, eventually succeeded 50 far as to induce
him to make a remark But on this rock ho
split.
Just at this moment she observed that sho
bad lost ber pocket hankerchief What had
become it? She was sure she had it when
he came in. I, must certainly be somewhere
about.
Haven't you got it under you, Mr. Jacob
u.s."
Jack was sure he had not; but poor Jack
in venturiDg an answer, could not possibly
get slorg without raising bis hands Of course
be must drop bis Goa. tail 10 bis anxiety 70
receive the missing wipe be even venturel TO
incline bis body 50 as to get glance on the
floor As he did 50 tho fracture opened, and
behold there lay as tie lady supposed, her
missing property.
II was the work Of 4 moment to catch tic
corner aud exclaim
"Here it is sir, you ncedea't trouble your
self about It. Just raise a title its under
you" at the same tine giving It = hard pull.
Alas, the tail was told, no escapc-nothing
short Of special inteTpOsiiion Of Providence
could save his shirt. But what should he do
Another and another, stronger pull eyiucing
- r. III l,.f. H.