Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-05-02
n B.sSHFUL su.s.0-S EXPERT
R.vCB.

III there Is being deserving or commas
Grafton it is the sensitive man. He is the
victim of the ,unfeeling and thoughtless,
and source of constant uneasiness to HIM
self. His misfortune leads him into all
sorts of blunders.
Such an unfortunate was Nathaniel Will
son. He seemed to have been born into
the world to afford amusement to his fell
low beings or as was said of him by a
wag of his native village, he came into the
world blushing, and had never been able
to get over it. So bashful boy was Ma
thaniel that what little learning he acquir-
ed at school was acquired through unusual
tribulaton and pain. He trembled all over
when obliged to sit near girl, and when
examination day came he was miserable
indeed.
He could not pass lady on the street
without making himself ridiculous in try
ing TO avoid her; and to be compelled to
sit opposite one at the table, overwhelmed
him with confusion. If requested to pass
certain article of food, he was sure to
seize the wrong one, and his modification
would cap the climax by upsetting his cof-
fee upon himself or his neighbors.
The only time that Nathaniel was ever
known to voluntarily present himself in
ladies' company was on the occasion Of a
picnic got up by the young people of the
village but when he arrived at the scene
of festivities, and found himself surround
cd by such array of female loneliness, his
courage forsook him, and amid the jeers OF
H. 10 Iao
A scapegrace by the name of Tom John
. son, character famous for playing tricks
upon everybody, conceived the idea OF
"getting good one' upon Nathaniel. A
young married woman by the name OF
Mrs. Lane, whose husband was temporari-
~ absent on business in foreign country,
had lately taken up her residence in the
village. Having learned this much, Tom
sought out Nathaniel, and in very earnest
and confidential manner said to him:
"Nat, I've got something important to
tell you-the best piece of news you ever
heard, I'll warrant"
"What is it?" inquired Nathaniel eager
ly.
- "Well,p began Tom, lowering his voice
almost to whisper, and assuming mos,
earnest expression of countenance, "you
have seen this Miss Lane that has lately
moved into the village?"
"Yes," replied Nathaniel land mighty
fine looking young woman she is, too"
"That's So" said Tom, land what do you
think-she has taken great fancy to you
Nat" IA
"Pshaw - exclaimed Nathaniel.
'Factv' declared Tom. "She was talk
ing with my sister Agnes, about you, yes
terday, and when she heard so good re-
port of you, and that your only failing wa.
being so shy of women, she said she wish
ed she could ge. acquainted with you, Blu
she supposed that woul@ be impossible
She said she had made up her mind that |
she ever married it would be some respec
table, honest man in the country, for sh,
had become disguised with the deceit ant
heartlessness of city men. "Its clea
enough that she came here for no othe
purpose than to pick up some good, homes
fellow like you,n
''If only thought you were in earnest
Tom," said Nathaniel, after a moment
pause, and in an animated manner; "bu
I'm afraid you're playing one of your trick
upon me-"
Mat replied Tom with an offended al,
"I'm telling you the truth. Plenty G
bigh-born ladies' have the same notion
about matrimony as Miss Lane has; Their
is nothing strange about it. And, Nat,
(. you'll take the advice of friend, 20 an
see the young woman and gently hint g
the subject. You are too good fellow
drone away your life in this fashion e
. married and be man n
at won't kill fellow to call on a VIC
man, even II he does get the slip" said Ma
thaniel, in state of high excitement.
"Of course II WON'T" remark ed Tom, an
again exhortng Nathaniel to lose no tim
in securing SO rich prize, he departed.
Poor Nathaniel was in pltiable state c
anxietyland uncertainty. But love, tn
great conqueror, decided his course.
"Ill go and see her p he exclaimed. az
! a nmn aiu't man at twenty-six years ole
when Is he going to be2"
And the next hour saw Nathaniel Wi
son, the most bashful man in all the cour
try round, alfred in his, best suit an
nearly frightened TO death, standing on Ii
doorstep Of. Mrs. Lanes dwelling. Wit
trembling hand he gave the bell col
vulsive pull. The call was answered
the ooject Of his alteration herself
. '"Good morning." Nathaniel managed
articulate, oblivious of the fact that 1t WI
three hours past noon. . a a