Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-05-18
Bashful Mans Experience.
ny ". G. brown.

OF constant uneaslness 10 himself Ills iuis-
fortune leads him into all sorts Of blunders.
Such an unfortunate was Nathaniel VIII
son. He seemed to have been born into the
world to afford amusement to his fellow be-
ings or, as was said Of him by a was in his
native village he came into the world blush
ing, and had never been able to get over r.
So bashful boy was Nathaniel that what 1t
tie learning he acquired at school was acquired
through unusual tribulation and pain. He
.rembled all over when obliged to sit near a
girl, and when examination day caae he was
miserable indeed.
lie could not pass lady on the street with
ont making himself ridiculous in trying to
avoid her; and to be compelled 10 sit opposite
one at table, overwhelmed him with confusion.
If requested to pass certain article of food,
he was sure to seize the wrong one, and in
his modification would cap the climax by up
setting his coffee upon himself or his leigh
bors.
The only time that Nathaniel was ever
known to voluntarily present himselfin ladies
company was on the occasion Of a picnic, got
ten up by the young people of the village but
when be arrived at the scene Of festivities, and
found himself surrounded by such an array of
female loveliness, his courage ioTsook him, and
amid the ieers Of his comrades he ran home for
dear life.
\ scapcgraco by the name Of Tom johnson,
q character famous for playing tricks upon
everybody, conceived the idea Of "gotting a
good one upon Nathaniel A young married
woman by the name of Mrs Lane, whose
husband was temporarily absent on business
bin a foreign country, had lately taken up her
residence in the village. Having learned this
much, Tom sought out Nathaniel, and in a
very earnest and confidential manner said to
him:
"Nat, I've got something important to tel!
you-the best piece Of news you ever heard,
I'll wrrant"
"What is 1t ?" inquired Nathaniel, eagerly.
"Well," began Tom, lowering bis voice al
most to whisper, and assuming most earn
est expression Of couutenance, you have seen
this Miss Lane that bas lately moved into the
village"
"Ycs," replied Na.hatiel, "and mighty
inc-looking young woman she is, too"
"That's so" said Tom, and what do you
tbipk--sho has taken great fancy to you,
Natp
"Pshaw" exclaimed Nathaniel
"FactT declared Tom. "She was talking
with my sister, Agnes, about you, yesterday,
and when she heard so good report Of you,
and that your only failing was being so shy of
women, she said she wished she could get ac-
quainted with you, but she supposed that
would be impossible. She said she had made
up her mind that if she ever married it would
be to some respectable honest man in the
country, for she had become disgusted with the
deceit and heartlessness of city men. It's
clear enough that she came hc.e for no other
purpose than to pick up some good, honest fel
low like YOU"
"If only thought you were in earnest,
Tom, said Nathaniel, after a moments pause,
and in an animated manner al but I'm afraid
you're playing one Of your tricks upon me-"
"Nat," replied Tom, with an offended air,
" I'm telling you the truth Plenty of high
born ladies have the sauie notions about mat
rimony as Mrs. Lane has; there's nothing
strange about it. And, Nat, if you'll take the
advice of friend go and sec the young wo-
man and gently hint at the subject. You are
too good fellow to drone away your life in
this fashion got married and be man !"
1t won't kill fellow to call on woman,
even ifhe does get the slip, said Nathaniel, in
a state Of high excitement.
"Of course it won't" replied Tom, and
again exhorting Nathaniel to lose no time in
securing so rich prize, he departed.
Poor Nathaniel was in a pitiable state of
anxiety and uncertainty. But love, the great
conqueror, soon decided his course.
"I'll 60 and see her?" he exclaimed "If
a man amt a man at tweuty-six years old,
when is lie going to be 2"
And the next hour saw Nathaniel Wilson,
the most bashful man in all the country round,
attired in his best suit, and nearly frightened
to death, standing on the doorstep of Mrs.
Lanes dwelling. With trembling hand he
gave the bell a convulsive pull. The call was
answered by the object Of his alteration her
self.
Good morning" Nathaniel managed to
articulate obliyiouS of the fact that /. was
three hours past noon.
Good afternoon, sir" replied Mrs. Lane.
VIII you walk in ?"
Nathaniel accepted the invitation, and drop
ped into the preferred chair with duttering
heart.
"Nice day" he yen,ured to remark in
husky tsne.
A beautiful day, replied Mrs Lane, with
cordial yigor which made him start.
nice weather to ride out-and see the
crops-and things" stammered Nathaniel, af
ter long pause, "a hemiug" and hitching
uneasily in bis seat.
Yes, indeed, said Mrs. Lane, puzzled at
.. .-;-;,o-t, s.ro,-, y,or,ar and cft-iorte IN