Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-05-01
For the VERMONT FARHER.
Cupid at the Sugaring OFF.
BY FRANKLIN b. GAGE.


1t was very unexpected introduction.
1t came suddenly. very suddenly. The cir
cumstances attending it were striking and
peculiar. No one with studied propriety
said, "by your permission Miss Melrose,
Mr.. Frazier" That would have been parlor
etiquette. That would have been too con-
strained and formal. Our introduction was
of totally different type from that 1t was
not pre-arranged. All, will not say that.
l believe all things are pre-arranged in some
sense. But our introduction was not pre-
arranged by the parties who CHANGED to be on
the spot to witness 1t. have such convinc-
ing, positive proof of this that would be
willing to stake the result of lawsuit on it.
In fact did venture to risk a matrimonial
suit on the certainty Of the fact. But it IL
time should describe our introduction.
| was on visit to Uncle Eben, in his
country village home. | had stayed a week
and was on my way to the depot to return.
1t was II sharp spring morning and the side
walks were exceedingly icy. Justin front of
me saw a young lady picking her way along
carefully to avoid falling. We were the only
persons on the street at that time. | recog-
nized her as young lady who had been
pointed out to me rs Miss Melrose, daughter
of the village clergyman. had only seen
her at a distance. So we were to all intents
and purposes strangers. But no matter. l
was late. | was walking hurriedly. had
nearly overtaken her wheE she glanced back
to see who was coming, and quicker than a
fash down she went headlOng. 1t is no
body's business whether she went down
gracefully or not When moment after
she was sitting erect on the ice, unable to
rise, the Christian introduction leaped right
out without ceremony or etiquette:
Are you hurt, Miss MelrpseP"
1 fear 1 am, Mr.. Frazier"
All, she knew me, then, and that was our
introduction Maiden shame is the cheapest
of all commodities just so long as maidens
remain pure minded | recOllect what a
lovely scarlet there was on her cheeks.
her manner. And, reader, would you like
to know what Tom Fraziers mental ejacu-
latiOns were just at that Instant Here they
are:
by Jove! amt she pretty, though? new
or saw any one so sweet looking. But III
spark her up and marry her in less than 9
year, you see If | don't, Tom FrazierP
cannot describe the thrill of pleasure
felt rs helped her to- rise. She could no
walk alone. So I walked home with her
she leaning heavily on my arm. | distinctly
recollect how thankful she looked in spite o
the terrible pain. Her father being absent
went hurriedy for a physician. and then re
turned to Uncle Ebens.
Uncle Eben raised his great bushy eyebrows
in astonishment when | entered
What, Tom, you back again, so soon a
thisPn
"Yes, Uncle You were SO anxious I,
have me stay another week | concluded
would write to father to attend my business
So will stay "A week longer. just to pleas
you"
lam glad of it, Tom. knew all tn
time there was no need of your returning $
soon"
80 without more ado was booked 70
another weeks stay ut Uncle Eben'S.
Before night Elder Melross cams in t
thank me for my gallant conduct in oscortin
his daughter home. Then the whole stor
came out Elder Melrose said Clara's injl
ries were not as great as they ut first fearS'
Her physician thought she would be full
recovered within a week Elder Metros
cordially invited me TO come in and see thel
at any time.
When he had gone Uncle Eben CAV
me hearty slap on the shoulder, and e.
claimed with twinkle in his eyes;
$50 you stayed just to please me, Tom, d
youp Well, she is nice girl, ana hoI
You'll succeed But If were young agai
you would have me Tor rival, that's sure
"Pshaw, Uncle Eben, you don't think
Uncle Eben interrupted ma with roar
laughter. p. Shaw, Tom. Well, did n