The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1881-05-19


your Imagination seem SO sterile. as to risk
revealing myself"
1T is true that poets, in whose number
you seem willing to count me, are accus-
toned to exercise their genius throughout
imaginary space; but we do not feed our
selves with illusions only; and as for me,
I can only say that in the matter Of pleas
ure, am, and always shall be for the pos
tive"
''And what pleasure can you promise
yourself in seeing my facet"
"That of admiring it, if it is pretty, as
presume it is; that of adoring you.
"You have alteration ever on your tongue.
You poets deserve to be banished from ev-
cry Christian republic. Either you talk of
Alteration, through idolatrous impiety, or
just for the sake of pleasing prattle. You
do well in coming without mask. Poets
have no need to lie; you would be masquer-
aiding always.
If that is certain, for my part, accept
with much pleasure, quality that likens
me- to tho fair sex"
care women such dissemb'ers?"
Ives, my little masquerader. With re-
spect to that, you cannot say that the raen
accuse you groundlessly; but at the same
time, must confess that mems suspicion
and tyranny occasion your lack of sincerity,
and That, in general, your fctions are we'll
worthy of indulgence, because the same
desire of gratifying us obliges you to tell
them. But is it possible that I am not to
see your facet"
''it cannot be. The desire of gratifying
You connsels me to keep the mask on"
Your conversation charms me, and
every word makes my Impotence to know
you more lively"
''Do you need to see my face in order to
suppose it full of attractions? Did you not
call me the sweet object of your inspiration?
Believe me, your and my interest oppose
each other in the matter of condescending
to what you ask. While remain con-
cealed, I am sure Of hearing hattering ex-
pressions from your mouth, to which I am
not accustomed, perhaps. If I remove this
protecting Grape from my face, then fare
we'll, to illusion! Rigid courtesy, gloomy
seriousness will follow the eulo@es, tho
endearing expressions, which, if they have
not made me proud. have at least diverted
and pleased me-"
''This modesty is, to me, the best proof
of your merit"
"Yes, have the merit of being modest
no, I am wrong; I mean of being sincere.
IF would confound you with the mass
Of women, it would not cost me much trou-
by the silken ma k feign less than with
their own faces; they have such few oppor-
tunities for telling the truth with impuaity.
But you, you are not ugly, l can swear it.
I have by dint of errors and receptions,
acquired sort of tact, a certain skill in
seeing through masks. do not mistake so
easily. Like to the greyhound, I have a
keen scent and good nose"
On saying this noticed in my companion
q movement, either Of surprise or disgust.
T fancied that such vulgar phrase sounded
i'll in her ears, and fastened to exculpate
myself for not having made use of more
elegant language, as she merited. But my
mountain girl laughingly clasped my hand:
and declared that she pardone9 me fully
and with good grace, for so trivial a lapsus
li',ga@.
But one thing would grieve me, con-
tinued, eff you should unmask."
"What?"
"That it would not be lawful to speak to
you as to mountain girl-as to masque-
raider. Would it not be pity to renounce
the delightful familiarity which the carni-
vel balls permit? Now Ispeak to you as
an intimate friend or lover would do. "
''Well. then, were to commit the in
discretion of taking off my mask, you would
hasten to leave me; you would hardly be
able to articulate an Indifferent and irrita-
BILE Farewell, lady"
"What enjoyment you have in notifying
me. Do YOU think me capable of such q
lack of poiiteness? will suppose for mo-
ment that you are ugly, hideous, could you
remove with the mask the spell that allures
me2 II the attractions Of your conversation.