Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-03-05
z gleasant Sturp.
MY FLIRTATIONS.

Overhearing, the other day. some scraps of
a conversation between two young ladies, in
which the words "a nice little Irritation " oc-
CURED, reminded me of the only affair of the
kind in which ever participated; and it oc-
CURED to me that might possibly do some
good by relating that passage in my history
Illuminating as the remembrance always is
to me, | should feel richly repaid for dwell
ing upon it, if could hope that, by so doing,
might lead even one thoughtless girl to
shun the sin of coquetry.
1t was Il deliberate Irritation on my part
81 did it on purpose" as the children say,
and tho fact that did not realize what was
doing was no excuse for me; neither can
plead extreme youth in extenuation of my
sin. There was my temptation. My sisters
had married very young, and used laugh
ingy to declare that | would certainly be
the old maid of the family, for had reached
the age Of one and twenty, and had never
received IAN offer" This was a standing
joke in the family,a and | always took it with
such apparent good nature, that they had
no idea of how it wounded me, and how
foolishly allowed it to rankle in my heart.
What made it more irritating to me, was the
fact that my other sisters were beautiful,
while |, though not positively homely, was
only saved from being 50 by my bright color
and viyacity of manner and expression.
My home was with my sister Sarah, and
as her health had been delicate during the
past few years, had been very little in so
ciety. This winter, however, her strength
seemed TO be fully restored, and she declared
her intention of giving large party to in
troduce me. The eventful night at length
arrived.
"Get yourself up with no regard ~ OK
pense, Clara" said my brOthcr-in-aw George
Wilson, as | went up stairs to dress, 4" for if
you don't make your market this year, |
shall consider you past praying for"
Don't be too anxious on my account" |
answered, laughing, q for the next year, you
know will be leap year, and, even at the ad
vanced age Of twenty-five, may find some
old bachelor or widower forlorn enough to
take compassion on me-"
His hearty laugh echoed through the hall
as closed my door behind me. Little did
be imagine how my vanity writhcd under
his light words, and how | vowed NJ ar
ranged my hair, that | would show that |
possessed the power Of attracting when |
chose to exert il. Not that wished or in
tended, 10 "set my cap" for husband that
! would have scorned, but was determined
to win an admirer; and as placed the last
flower in my hair | was mentally saying
mol" iDthe haughtiest manner, 10 the offer
Of loyc-lorn swain. could not help laugh
ing nj my own absurdity, "a caught sight
Of my tossed head and curling lip in the
mirror before which | stood, but without
changing my resolution, or Withdrawing my
vow, and my laugh gave place ~ Il smile OF
satisfaction, as studied my own appearance
My eyes were large and dark, and, with the
rich, warm color mantlng in my cheeks, |
thought that few would note that my nose
was an unmitigatod pug, and my mouth
though perfect in shape, decidedly large
My dress was white, with brcast-knot OF
scarlet gernniums among cool, green leaves,
aud clusters Of the bright blossoms set of my
dark, abundant hair was satisfied, and
80 were George and Sarah when presented
myself in the parlors. That evening passed
like dream of delight. Hosts were not, in
our village, ~ in larger towns, compelled 10
stand ill midnight receiving fashionably
tardy guests all Of our friends had assem-
bled by nine o'clock, and was released
from my position at Sarali's side TO take part
in the dancing.
My first partner was gentleman hitherto
stranger tO me, a young physician, IIor-
ace Grant, by name. His attention was
marked throughout the evening, and the
next morning at the breakfast-tab was
numerically rallied upon by them. When
George started for his office be turned back
81 say:
ashanti send up DR.. Grant, Sarah
don't think Clara looks well Hey, Callic ~
] Any affection Of the heart lo-dayy Sure not !