The Republican journal., 1874-06-25

|
each of u.s.
"lndeed!' said L; "you are kind AT
whose request, pray, did you solicit an in
vitation for me?"
ION! supposed you would like to 90,
OF course. But don't make a bother about
it; l will take no denial.'
The next morning, notes of invitation
were sent to both of us.
Il wonder if the post is imp" said |.
II wonder if there will be large as
sembly?" was the response.
'What gloomy day' continued |,
scratching my name in the vapor which l
had breathed on the window
''What beautiful writing - observed nv
friend. "Just look at it -
Beautiful | can't read it for the lite of
me. What word is that ?"
Nonsense! you have got the wrong
paper. Imean the rose-colored. Do you
supposea lady writes invitations on fools
cap?'
My friend had become learned in the
manners and customs of the ladies'
'Y on have improved wonderfully" said
L, ''since last summer. When your sister
sent to you for pair Of gloves, you pur-
chased for her pair large enough for any
OMNIBUS urlNer or caD-man.'
We'll, will teach you all have learn
ed. Shall we commence our first lesson?
You have endeayored to invest me with
prudence and discretion many time.
will now act the tutor. Heaven Grant me
better success
Il am obliged. certainly. But as your
new science will be Of little practical utli-
tv, you will excuse me-"
"Well, do as you will. All can hope
IS, that you may, on some happy day, fall
in love yourself"
"You could hardly have wished me q
more severe punishment. But when do
become enamored, it will not be with q
portrait | think | can say that
And hope to convince you tomorrow
evening that /, too, can love something
besides portrait
The expected evening arrived Accom-
panied by our friend, we departed lor the
residence of the fair hostess The street
was crowded with carriages, and we did
not reach the door without some difficulty
The rooms We're brilliant with the Splen-
dor Of art, and dazzling with the loveliness
OF nature. Nothing was wanting in lux
ury or in elegance Fletcher fastened on,
until he reached the room where our host
ess was standing. A small circle was in
the middle, and several of the guests al
vanced to it. After II few minutes they
retired. The lady Of the house was mani
testify there
''Where is She" asked Fletcher, eager
ly.
THAT lady in the very centre of the
| circle" answered our friend; 'she with
the cap
"She dresses plainly, however consid-
ering the occasion What little fairy
hand, and how nicely that white glove is
fitted to it wish she would turn this
| way
The lady did turn My wonder-stricken
companion danced about rs if he had been
Stung by a nest of hornets, on bitten BY a
boa constructor The blood rushed to his
face. He milttered an uninteligble ex-
clamation, and fastened from the room as
| speedily as the dense crowd could permit
| He seized the first hat he encountered
and in few minutes was at his hotel
"Birthday." said some one in my hear
ing. "Ilow old is she p
"Fitty-seyen y
did not laugh did not shout. | was
reioiced; and it was with no common JOY
ielt assured that, alter this folly, Fletcher
would become a sound old bachelor, Il
fGthtl' uRld a meaher, Of oHr club an .qqpp4l
his apartment, he was busily engaged il
packing his trunk How chaptallcn!
addressed to him words of consolation,
tlattered myself that, at that tavorabl,
epoch, remarks of due solemnity upon
matters of matrimony and celibacy woul,
sink deeply into his heart, and be produc
tive Of henelrial consequences.
1T il very like you," said Fletcher tC
his lovely wife, as they stood looking a
her portrait, which had been uansterre,
from an old bachelors hall to an elegan
parlor; land how much am indebted L
it Believe me, Ellen. shall always pat
roniZe the fine arts
And birthday balls, too? 7" asked hi
wife, with an arch smile
"No-pardon me detest them, and
ever | attend other-'
You will not mistake my old aunt 10
me ~
The world is full of changes. Polit
clans are not the only turncoats. | have
myself, q new set of opinions.