Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-02-22

Miss Elmer sat In her brothers parlot alone,
dressed in her best, and with her well-dyed hair
arranged in the most becoming fashion. She
sat rigidly erect in her chair, as rrotonless as
if sitting for her portrait but it was for some
thing far more important that she was atti.sd
with so much caro-she expected a caller
The family had all gons to neiRhbots to tea,
but she, by preconcerted plan, had excused
herself on the plea Of a headache and now,
with futterng heart, she awaited the coming
of her visitor Doctor Allen she felt assured
would joyfully seize upon such favorable op-
portunity to declare his passion.
4 low, rather irresolute knock sounded on
the door, and Miss Elmer hastened to open it,
All, is it you, Doctot 2 she cried smingly
Walk in, am il solitary grandeur. and WAS
really feeling quite lonely.
Lonely, my dear Madame calculated the
little doctor as lie removed his hat, and fol-
lowed his hostess into the psrlor. Lonely !
Oh, swee. lady, wohld ! could guard you
against all such feelings. Believe me, it would
give NE the most intsuse happiness and he
placed his haud upon his heart, ard bowed
deeply.
why, Doctor, how you talk and Miss
Elmer ,impered, aud attempted To blush be-
hind her FAM you men are such Cdd
creatures
Odd, dearest Madam oddf Well, ad-
nit it; we certainly are odd when Cupid
pierces us with bis downy shafts. But then,
Madam, it is the ladies who are to blame, for
who can withstand their bright glsnces and
sunny faces ? aud he gave her most afection
ate glauce.
Miss Elmer really did color, this time from
excitement, for she felt that the decisive mo-
ment was very near 4. hand, aud she muir
INJURED:
Dear me- Doctor, what HGittrer yOd sreH
i assure you dear lady, | do not fatter.-
All, Aramutap = and down pumped the little
doctor upon his kuees assure yOti that /
an in the most solemn esthest. have lost
my heart TO your most bewideriug charms
sweet one, aud will not rise from here Until
you promise to be my bride
Much as she had lCuged aud waited for this
moment, during her long years Of Spinster-
hood, Araminta Elmer was dumb with delight
aud a little real embarrEssn ent but mistaking
her silence for aversion the doctor cried:
If yeu wol'. have me, Aramints, Tll-t1l
take poison
OH screamed Miss Elmer
4 will he averr9d sSlemnly, fotgstEing bis
late declaration, and rising TO bis feet
oh, then, Jonathan, I will promise anything
you please, cried Miss Elmer, blushiug.-
Take me, dearest am yours and she flung
herself into his arms bu! her weight was al
most too much for the sDamOured d0cter, who
staggered back, and would undoubtedly haze
fallen, had not knock just then sounsed On
the front door, and Miss Elmer with dreu her,
self from his arms, gaspins:
oh, my the folks nave returned. What.
shall we do7 would not have them find you
here for anything. They-they would tease
nc So about you, Jonathan. dear; : and she sim
pered.
Good gracious, Aramintap cried the doctor,
mopping his bot face with bis handkerchief (;
I'm sure wouldn'! have that rascal nephew
Of mine find ne here for = thousand dollars
Cannot you hide me?
The knocking was repeated, this time much
Louder.
Yes this way cried Araminta in dsspera-
ton, and she pushed him into the china clsset
They won't find you here. and as soon as they
leave the room III let you out
Ore moment, ny dear, eIslsinsd th. doc