The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1877-04-13
"A PAIRsoF APRIL Eo0Ls

Mr. Softheart had always been a re
mantle young man, from the earlies
years at which it was possible for him t
claim the title of man; and he was &c
mantle still, now that the title youn
was only accorded to him because of hi
bachelorhood.
Mr.. Softheart had never desired to b
a bachelor. He admired the other SCI
too much but, although he had been il
love with four blondes, three brunettes
and five young ladies who were neithe
one nor the other, he had never beer
able to pop the question point blank, bu
delicately intimated it in such a way
that his meaning would have been a rid
die to the Sphynx, and was naturally
enough never successful.
Now, at forty, and growing extremely
stout, he was as romantic as ever, and
moreover, he was desperately in love
with new idol-a young lady who
smiled when he appeared, gave him soft
glances, called his bouquets lovely" and
preserved them in water.
/ The fact is, Mr.. Softheart was very
well of, and not i'll looking, and that
Miss Belinda had made up her mind to
accept his hand whenever it was offered,
despite the persistent attentions of young
Mr.. Spooney, who, though by no means
ill looking, and just six and twenty, was
only a government clerk, and by no
means as eligible match in conseq
For six months Belinda Bellows had
been waiting for IA1r. Softheart 70 pro-
pose, and every day more certain that he
positively intended to place his mansion
and bank account at her disposal.
But, though Mrs. Bellows Vas kind
enough to allow the cook to summon
her to consultations when Mr.. Softhesrt
called, and so leave the pair alone to-
gether; and although Belinda's sister,
Miss Angelina, was equally considerate,
and invariably remembered that some
thing she wanted very particularly was
up stairs, when her mother went to speak
to the cook, poor Mr.. Seftheart never
could bring himself TO the point OF say
ing, " VIII you marry me?" 1t would,
he argued, confuse the young lady and
himself; and if she should say 10, where
AS the floor never opened on such awful
occasions to receive rejected lovers
where should he hide himself?
''I'll do it by letter." he said to him
self, after long consideration. "Women
so far, have misunderstood me. I'll do
it in black and white now-say, VIII
you marry me?' in so many words, and
decide my fate"
And, SO en- the last day of March, Mr..
Softheart wrote, on pink tinted paper,
perfumed with RimmeTs scent and edged
with gold. an offer of his hand and heart,
as plainly to be understood as bill from
ones baker; and feeling that he had done /
a safe, though coarse thing, he enyeloped, /
sealed it, and put it in his pocket, before
he made his evening call on his beloved |
Belinda.
Now it so happened that that very
evening Belinda herself had come to .
resolution. Her twenty-ifth birthday /
was approaching, and she could not afford /
to "waste time"
When Mr.. Softheart reached the house |
Of the Bellows, he found the field quite !,
clear. Miss Belinda had artfully con-
trived that it should be 80. That per
idious young person had actually pur-
chased tickets for a concert; requested |
young Spooney, who was half mad with
oy at the idea, TO accompany Angelina
md herself; and on the evening in ques-
ion was smitten with a terrible attack
If neuralgia. Reclining in chair, a
ace 'kerchief held to her cheek, she re-
yretted her inability to go !; but, after
Ill, Mr.. Spooney should not have his
trouble for nothing-mamma and Ange-
Ina would go. She had rather be alone,
she was so cross and nervous. They really
must go. And, knowing very well why,
the ladies acquiesced, and what could
Spooney do? As a gentleman, clearly
nothing but regret Miss Belinda's illness,
and be delighted with the society of the
of fifty and the sister of fifteen.
Yet a wretched man was Mr.. Spooney
that night; and both his companions, on
their return, pronounced him stupid"
Ten minutes after the departure of the
trio, Miss Belinda, arrayed in blue silk.
with flowers in her hair, was playing at
such a rate on the piano that it seemed
quite certain that the demon neuralgia
must have vanished. She did not even
hear Mr.. Softheart's knock, and started
IN sweet confusion on his appearance.
{" Pm all alone" she said. Mamma
and Lima won't be home till eleven
o'clock. Pm afraid you'll find it very
stupid"
But Mr.. Softheart was not afraid of
hat; and the two talked together in
ow voices. sitting very close to each
,ther on twin chairs. Mr.. Softheart
ooked and sighed and uttered romantic
entiments, but he did not pop the ques-
ion. Miss Belinda did all that mod !
st young lady could TO further this OBJ
ect, but in vain.
She did not know-how could she p
hat at the door Mr.. Softheart had said
0 Biddy, the housemaid Look here
irl, put this in Miss Belin Has room
there she will be sure to see it - and '
hat he had presented her with the bill
It containing his proposal crowned by
five shilling piece. Il
How should she guess that even at
hat moment the offer Mr.. Softheart !
onld not make in words was in her
7ork basketY At all events she did not, | !