The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-11-08
Select Story.
A LOVE PROPOSAL

had spent the evening at my club
The heated air had sickcned and irritgted
me, and as l made my way home through
the rain, felt more than ever dissatisfied
with the world aud myself. At home |
found on my table an invitation to dinner
next day, which | resolved 10 accept, for
| had long wished for the hosts intimate
acquaintance.
The dinner was given by General Upton,
and | had led his beautiful daughter to
the table.
1t was after my return home that |
found myself thinking continually Of Miss
Upton; her waves Of sunny brown hair;
her white forehead between its ripping
bands; her soft, blue, thrilling eyes; her
cheeks of fresh, pearly tint; her small,
pouting mouth and dimpled chin,
| met my charmer at ball, and re-
turned more madly in love than ever.
After that | saw her frequently, at last al
most daily; and was vain enough to fee
certain she perceived my affections with.
out being displeased at the discovery.
Why dwell on the history, which is that
of many hearts?
One day when | was riding out, | saw
the Generals carriage, and him on the
front seat. Urging my horse to a gallop,
came alongside, and bowed to Miss Up
ton, whose face was lighted up with plea
sure, bright color sudusing her checks.
But, as she bent forward, saw by her
side on the back seat very handsome
young man. A chill wind swept over the
blossoms of my heart.
1t was 10 no amiable humor | went to
the ball that night The ladies were ele.
gantly dressed, and many looked bewitch.
ingly beautiful. / had eyes but for one.
She was standing alone by porcelain
vase, from the midst of which tiny foun.
tain of eau de cologne threw up its spark.
ling drops. She seemed buried in reverie,
aud the long bright lashes lay on her
checks. She blushed as | bade her good
evening. | asked her for the next cotil.
Ion; she answered that she was already en-
gagged. Again felt a sharp pain through
my heart, but it was only for a moment.
| solicited her hand for the succeeding
dance, and she promised it.
At supper | had a seat opposite her
She was engaged in an animated conyers-
sation with a gentleman, who, | was glad
to sec, was not the young man | had seen
driving out with her. As she glanced
timidly at me, felt more than ever GER
tain could read in those magnetic looks
a meaning that thrilled me with delight.
We returned to the ball room, aud when
had conducted TO a seat the lady under
my charge, | went in pursuit of my be-
loved. To my dismay, saw her convers-
ing with her companion Of the morning 5
drive A flood of passionate anger swept
over me, but she gave me glance that in
stantly quieted the raging clements.
The ball was over. The sweet girl
loved was just leaving the room, accom-
panied by the gentleman had seen driv-
ing with her. As | approached to take
my leave, ! could not avoid hearing the
last words of their conversation.
IL may speak to your father, then, to-
morrow p asked the young man, in an un-
mistakable tone of heartfelt rapture.
"I will prepare him., was the reply.
"lIo is already disposed 10 your favor, and
will, | am sure, give his consent
"You are an angel" exclaimed the
young man. "The happiness of my whole
life"
"Wait till everything is arranged, said
the fair girl, with a smile, and then trip
ped on to join her father
stood aghast and potrified. Were her
love glances at me, then, merely coquetry,
or had deceived myself? No, no. there
was no mistake Her looks had expressed
love, IL ever such was painted in maidens
eyes. And yet-in fury | dashed out
Of the room. | met General Upton in the
ante-room; | could have strangled him for
his daughters sake.
A commonplace remark from him as to
some foolish freak of mine made me still
more enraged, and | retorted, in violent
excitement, 81 do not choose, General
Upton, TO hear from you any insoent COM
ments on my conduct | consider your
conduct, sir, unbecoming a gentleman"
"Sir," replied the old soldier, "If your
deliberate design is to insult me- it. were
better TO have the conversation conducted
through the medium Of friend"
CAS- you please; shall expect him."
answered with a stiff bow, and hurried
away, leaving The old man more grieyed
aud astouished than angry.
Shortly after Colonel Bell, my dctested
rival, stood before me, and requested to
speak with me in another room. l fol.
lowed him. He stated that he came on
the part of General Upton, who thought
my insulting language to him the result Of
some misunderstanding, aud wished to be
assured that il was So
My fury nearly choked me at sight Of
the man who had defrauded me Of happi.
ness. refused to retract or explain M
words; and when informed that duel
must inevitably result, / acquiesced, and
the tine and plac, appointed the next
morning at Q, at Norwood, Scrubs. |
bade Colonel Bell select and bring what
weapons be might please. He went out
and then asked one Of my friends 10
walk homeward With me. | told him Of
the impending duel, aud requested his
services as my second, which he promised.
He was amazed to hear who was my oppo.
nent, and that the ccurtly General had
ventured an unscemingly jest. Afeer a
pause, he said, "Poor Colonel Bell In
case Of misciiunce to the General, what is
he to do2"
What do you mcan?" | asked, trcm-
bling violently p
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