The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-11-01
Selert Story.
CHERRY'S PROPOSALS.


in w University. and the labors OF
the year fairly over, the studious as well
as those to whom books and study were
synonymous of boredom, Joined togelh
er in all modes of rejoicing allowed by
college discipline, and in others, which
if not exactly permitted, were at least
winkcd at on occasions like the present,
and many social glass clinke6 to the
stereoty ped toasts considered necessary
TO such convival gatherings.
The senior class of the year 1856
was composed of eight young men, each
of whom it was predicted would one
day make his mark in the world. Simi-
| lar predictions are no uncommon things,
and perhaps no class leaves the precincts
of the university of whom the same has
not beer said; but, for once, the wise
acres seemed to have some fair grounds
for their prognosticatious; for though
among them lowered no intellectual
giants, yet there were no sluggsrds or
mental pigmies.
In one of the rooms, around table
that held glasses and the paraphernalia
requisite to the compounding of that
time.honored beverage known as
"puncb," believed by many antiquarians
to be the veritable ambrosial nectar,
these eight luminaries Of W Uni-
versity were seated, each in the position
that accorded best with his bumor or
his Incidence, and almost invisible from
the thick cloud of smoke issuing from
choice Havana or much loved and much
abused meerschaum. Toasts had been
drank, hopes and good wishes exchang-
ed, each successive candidate being re-
ceived. with a vim and enthusiasm i'm
possible to recall, once our footsteps
have strayed beyond the portals of coll
lege life.
Suddenly Frank Lewis, tall, fair.
haired young fellow, claiming North
ern home, rose, and, lifting his glass,
said: -"A briming bumper to the toast
of many former reunion, the blue.eyed
enchantress who holds US all in thrall.
Need name the fair, mischief-loving
Cherry Brompton ?"
A simultaneous shout OF approval
met this speech. and every glass was
returned to the table, drained OF its con-
tents.
1t may as we'll be mentioned here that
Miss Cherry Brompton was the only
daughter of the President of the college,
and shared the fate COMMON to all young
ladies occupying such aposition. that
OF having at one time or smother every
youth, whether Of suitable or unsuitable
age, within the University walls, for her
devoted admirer. But Cherry certainly
did not owe all of. her popularity to the
forluitous circumstances of being her
fathers daughter. else there are no vir-
tues in bright eyes, rosy cheeks, and one
Of the very best dispositions in the
world.
The same young lady was likewise
possessed Of the very demon of mis-
chief; and many q mad prank coul be
traced to the cunning brain and skillful
execution of the late Presidents daugh-
ter The most exasperating fact, how
ever, was that though counting her VIC
tlms by the score, she seemed to laugh
with impunity atthe rosy little god and
vet each new victim felt sure that II op.
portunity only offered, which, by the
way, very unaccouutably never did offer,
he should receive such assurance Of re-
ciprocated attachment as would remove
all smart from ranking wound How.
ever powerful the remedy might prove
if once applied, had until now remained
mystery for. with tact truly Napo'
Ieonic, Miss Cherry had contrived to
keep each and every devoted ,admirer in
a state of blissful ignorance. SO that Il
became her great boast, contrary to al
preconceived ideas on that subject sup
posed TO be indulged in by young ladies
that though having many lovers. sh'
had never had proposal s Ich boas
was slur on the courage and gallantry
of the university, which many an un'
happy youth sought to retrieve, bu
Cherry Brompton knew too well how II
fence and parry, and she invariabl!
came off victorious. This explanation
is necessary to what follows: -
Gentlemen" and this time the speak
er, Will Harrington, was dark and swar
thy, with fierce black eyes that told o
smoldering fires, 81 have plan to pre-
pose We have all been generous rival
in literature; let US continue such in tn
4 race for love. It we're useless for an
one present to deny that Miss Brompto
has taught US all lesson that, soont
or later, must be conned by every man
and think 90 not far astray when
add that we each secretly cherish u
. belief that in teaching him she b.
learnt it likewise Let each swear th
ere this time tomorrow Miss Cher
will be made to listen to our feeling
and have made choice. She can be
no loss, for there are among US tall an
stout, dark and fair. the lively and s
da,e-a goodly lot to choose from; al
whatever fate betides, let there be l
e malice or ill-will, the unluckv trump
ing in the knowledge that at one f
swoop we have out generated one Of t
hest feminine taciicisns, and nolens vi
lens. compelled Miss Cherry Brompt,
:. to terms of surrender, .-e4.
"Agreed! Agreei!' went from
'rt to lip, one among the number remaini
silent.
What say you, Bayard ?" ask
or Frank Lewis, turning to his right ha
neighbor, tall, slightly built you
Imam.
o. A peculiar smile lit the face Of
one addressed, but he shook. his be
decidedly s -
"Count noe out of that frolic,"
said. 81 think seven proposals will
as much as Miss Cherry will be able
= master; and, besides, really"
Not afraid of getting the mitt
Bayard Come, we know you are
modest man, and are, perhaps, the Of
~. one who,. proving the happy man, wo
na. be prepared for the letters matrimonia
"Perhaps that may account for
1. unwillingness to Join J! cried anOth