The Evening critic., 1882-01-02
NEW YEARS SKETCH,
" hich May or Mny Not be Founded
on Fact.


plato glass, gilt framed mirror IN the cle-
eant drawingroom Of her sunptuou' home
on Hanisonian avenue. Sophronia Suggs,
like The year, was dying-dyi TO know
who and how many Of her admirers would
call in to gaze upon her loveliucss. height
encd as it was by all that her papa's wealth
could Afford and that the co'tumer's,
the hair.drcssci and the painters art could
give. Cd.
lIark What is that? Ii Is The bell. It is
the ring of Henry Hawkcsworthy. Sophro-
mia knows IL well. Horny lIawkcsworthy
thought TO pull only the inert matter vul-
carly called bell, but he did more he
pulled at Sophronia Suggs heart strings.
Therefore Sophrona gazcd into her mir
Tor to see that her Montagucs, water waves,
irizzes Ct n. were IN becoming order, Thea
she sat herself down beside the ormolu con-
ire table. and WAS mt once absorbed in the
thrilling pages of Huxley.
II were impossible to guess how long
Henry Hawkesworthy might have stood
gazing u, the lovely Sophronia, all uucon-
scious Of his presence, had it not so chancsd
that Henry, who was suffering from acute
catarrh, suddenly sncc2ed u suecze that
might have awakened thoroughly ma
tuIed mummy.
Sophronia looked up and spilcd. Henry
had smiled before he came in.
Piithee" spake the fair damscl, " why
comest thou hither, brave gentleman? Me-
thinks thou art too lavish of thy company.
IL was bHt ycstcmight, or | mistake me,
that thou vert in this scllsalne apart
ment."
Exclaimed Henry, intcrrupting-
Fair maiden, it is ndeeda as thou sayest.
But know the reason thereof am in
love-"
with whom
"Canst ask il :?
Didst not hear me-"
Il didst"
At this Henry knclt himself at the feet
of the fair damsel first taking thc precau-
ton to spread his pocket handSer chief on
the carpet, that he might not soil his
neither intcguments.
"I am thine to command" lie remarked,
after he had got himself into proper position
for the tableau.
Thou lowest me not" said Sophronia.
"By my troth, fair lady, but ] dost,"
argued Henry. Put me but to the proof,
If thou doubtest."
"That will /, and at once replied So
phIonia. "Hearkcn, sir; this is the DEATH
day of the spent year. How wilt thou
make thyself worthy Of one whose papa
holds a seat in the common council"
IL will drink no morc'
Have q care, sir
Nay, but ] swear it -
otis enough Begone, Thou hast pro-
nounced thine own dismissal!'
And Sophronia was gone gone! gone!
"By my halidam p cried Henry, rising
and shaking the dust from his handker-
chief, "hcre's go!''
Then he walked hastily ont of the rooul
ont of the hallway, out OF the front door,
out into the night.
Then Sophronia came back into the room
again, and was again immersed in Huxley,
when another ring at the doorball aroused
her in time to see James Shortjohn by her
side.
Thou art come to tell me thou lowest
mop she said, anticipating him.
Thou sayest truly" James replied.
How mayst | know thou speakest from
thine heart p querried SophTouia.
by this" answered James. 1T is the
last day Of the year. To-morrow's morn
finds me slave to tobacco no more. i
chew no more forever | have sworn it ~
Ha ba," laughed Sophronia Thou
doube-pated knave. Thou CONTEST to mock
nc but hence! Let JIarrisonian avenue
be forever freed from thy poiluting pres
encc.n
James took this as HAT to go, and he
went.
Next came Theodore Battlebig. The
odore got on famously till he spoke of
love.
Prove it, sirrah - exclaimed the unim-
lrossiblc Sophronia.
"Thou knowcst," he began, 81 that"
81 know it all,n said Soplrona, inter
rupting. Thou wouldat say that thou
smoEest.'
Il ,voul1et
"That thou smollest no more
a. have sworn it.'
Thou wilt find the door open, sirrah
Hence "
And Theodore was also sent about his
business.
But vet fourth time did tho doorbell
.iangle.
Samuel Swansdown entered II. | L. to
Sophronia J.. c.
samuel was about to declare his love. In
deed, he was come for that purpose; but
Sophronia stopped him.
Dost smoker" she asked.
Z" j dost, murmured Samuel.
"And chcwest? "
A." Nee caIpa."
And drinkest?'
81 should smile
And hast thou sworn to abandon
| ciher?"
udSt Hbt.
Hast not sworn it, "
Mary"
and thou lowest me?'
:" dost.'
! Thou art accepted. Thou modest not
| speak to papa. lie will not thwart my
dearest wish
These stars indicate where they talked
| IL over. As Samuel was about to depart
| Sophronia said, looking into his happy
| face:
"Sammy, hate smoking, | hate chew
| ing, ] hate drinking but there is one
| thing | hate worse than oither. Henry
has sworn never 10 drink more, and have
| discarded him. James swearest neyermore
to chew, and he has gone hence disgruntled
Theodore hast plighted his trotl henceiorth
to Gorceo smoking, and he is gone. Thou
hast promised naught, and art accepted
and for why? -
why is it, dearest ?" softly whispered
Samuel.
| Because | hate lying hissed Sophronia
Aud then the two fond creatures kissed
each other a Happy New Year" kis
| Doctors ana Churches.
The doctors of New York city, hundred,
Of whom have personally visited Speer's
vineyards during the wine. making season
say his Port GIapo Vino has proved to br
| purp. uundulteraio1 af IA iiue flavor and