Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1891-07-03
MY MISS SMITH.

MY MISS SMITH.
When I was about to come to America
for though I was born here, had lived
most of my life in London-every one who
spoke to me on the subject told me that /
should find young girls had much more
liberty in the United States, and that this
made it pleasanter for young men who de-
sired to pay them attention. Whatever
else they said, they were sure to say that.
was very young-barely large enough
as yet to wear high hats and dress coats on
occasions of importance-andt though SOL
emily shaved twice week, all that ap-
peared on the edge of the razor was little
pale yellow down.
was to go into business in New York,
to take the place Of son of certain Peter
Smith, who had insisted upon going upon
the stage instead of into the cotton bust
ness.
Old Mr.. Smith was, I had heard, con-
stantly prisoner in his own room in con-
sequence of the govt, and his daughter,
Miss Smith. was to come on board the ves-
sci to receive me. l remembered afterward
that had never heard Miss Smiths age
ture spinster.
"You can't remember Miss Smith, am
sure" said my elder sister, who had
brought me up, our parents having been
taken from us while l was yet child
"But she used to come to see us often when
you were four years old, and admired you
greatly. 1t is likely that she will think
you ought to have some recollection of a
10 nd ho crow
"a horse and wagon?" said l.
"Yes," said Sophia; land you'd better
pretend to remember it, for I know she is
very touchy-very touchy indeed"
I promised to do so. AS my sister and
her husband intended following me in six
months our parting was not melancholy
one. My voyage was pleasant, and l ar
rived in New York without having met
with any unusual experiences.
1t appeared to me absurd that I should
have been sent over to be called for as if l
were a parcel; but as it had been done
waited in the cabin like lamb until one
of the walters appeared, bearing upon a
read it and started to my feet.
miss Smith is here, them" said ].
eyes, SIR" replied the waiter
a lady in a gray walking suit, who came
running toward me, holding out both
hands.
II was so afraid you would not wait for
met" she said.
had expected an elderly lady. The per
son who addressed me was both young
and pretty, and hesitated moment be-
fore returning her greeting.
''This is Miss Smith," asked.
eyes," she answered. "And this is Mr..
John Smith,"
bowed and held out my hand.
SIT is alright, Johnny" she added. 'Let
us get into the carriage at once. Is every
thing arranged about your baggage? Dear
me, how strange to see you again after all
these years! How you have alteredP'
Naturally" said. II was such little
fellow when you saw me last"
81 am older than you, you know" said
she, as we took our seats in the carriage.
eyes, your hair used to curl; but suppose
you have forgotten me entirely"
Her lip quivered. She was touchy, as my
sister had said. FASTENED to soothe her.
Forgotten your No, indeed" said l.
IT was speaking only yesterday of the toy
horse and wagon you gave me-"
'Did II" said she. 81 had forgotten all
about that. What sort of horse was it?"
"Oh, brown" said l mendaciously; "and
a little wagon with wheels"
She nodded.
eyes, think family remember" said
She SIT has been sad, has it not, never to
see each other all these years?"
AS had no remembrance whatever OF
Miss Smith, knew that spoke in some
what formal and conventional tone when
replied, Extremely So" and in a moment
more saw that tears stood in her eyes,
and that she was trying to wipe them away
with her handkerchief without letting me
perceive the fact.
She was so pretty and 80 sweet that
really felt myself quite brute. l drew
near to her and began:
"My dear Miss Smith,
She suddenly sat bolt upright, her cheeks
flaming and her lip quivering.
England must be the stiffest, meanest,
most dreadful placep' said she. ''You are
like poker, or column of ice, or some
thing Miss Smith to mel l suppose they
do so over there; but it enrages me. I've
been longing to see you-thinking of you,
remembering how nice you were, feeling
as if the world would change for the better
as soon as saw you, and you call me Miss
Smith, as if we had had a QUARREL"
81 suppose we are more formal on the
other side" said l. sit is the custom over
there"
can abominable custom" said she.
'ThereI am not angry, but Oh, john
ny, JOHNNY suppose ought to have re-
membered how long it was"
"You see," said |, 81 felt surprised. /
expected to see a spinster; had no idea
you were SO young. / haven't got over
the surprise"
'sHow queer men arel" said she. "Of
course ! am older than you, but we are
just of an age to enjoy ourselves together.
Now, aren't we?"
"Of course" said 1.
"Call me Tiny, and kiss me, then," said
Miss Smith.
'sWell might they have told me that
American girls were freer in their man.
ners than English maidensi' l thought.
Then I put my arm about her waist, and
said:
my dear Tiny, don't think any man
could be cold to you, even after being An
glicized so thoroughly as l have BEEN"
"Oh, that English way is not bad," she
Paid quietly, patting my hand and return
ing my kiss with interest. "It's gentle
manly, and you are well dressed Pm
quite proud of you, and we'll live together
all our lives, and never, never part again.
viii WEI"
/ sat dumfounded. This was gong
rapidly. Evidently this American Miss
Smith had taken advantage of leap year,
and was making an offer of her heart and
hand
ssTherel you are silent again." said she.
sob, Johnl l believe you have fallen IN
love with somebody-that you are engaged
to some English girl Tell me at once II 1t
is so, that may not build my poor little
air castles only to have them knocked
over"
81 have never deeamed of engaging my
SELF" said L 81 haven't been in love, and
I don't think myself in circumstances to
marry"
81 begin to breathe again." said Miss
Smith. GAS to circumstances, can make
a dollar go as far as FIVE I'll show you
how to live on next to nothing, and live
we'll Kiss me again. Jack; am so happyl
When shall we go housekeeping"