Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1892-06-08

Sirainia 3Eee grsss.
Hour Some Men Propose.

Some young ladies' were describing ho'
long ago how they had been proposed 70 al
different times "Of course Charles case
has brought the matter forcibly before Just
now" said ono of them mournfully; but l
always have contended that mon don't know
when to propose. Charlie, you know,pour-
ed the story of his passion into my right ear
at the theatre, during tho performance OF a
play in which tho lover proposes in a very
eloquent way to the heroine. He said 1t
reminded him that he had been worshiPing
at a certain shrine, etc. | refused him on
the spot. His performance was lamentaoly
poor after that of the stage hero
"a nice fellow, whom | will call George,
selected a particularly cold evening last
month, when the mercury was as low as 1t
could be, and made his little speech on our
front steps My toeth were chattering, my
nose was red, had Il cold in my head, and
it was getting worse every minute. My
refusal of George was kind but prompt
"NIy experience WAS worIe than that, .
said another girl. "The youth propose tC
me at supper, after the theatre, and his re
marks were varied by bites of bread anc
butter, and by delicate attentions in thu
way of urging food upon me. | actually
became so confused before he got through
that he didn't know whether he was offer
ing himself or the cold chicken. Anyhow
declined them both"
The most interesting proposal of IN!
experience" remarked third, twas that
an absent-minded young man who use(
notes. 1t was during a dance at our house
and, of course, my time was much occupied
The poor fellow realized that this would b
the case, and, to facilitate matters, h
brought with him memorandum. after
wards found it on the floor, where he ha'
dropped it in his agitation.
Mention raise in salary
"'Mention loneliness
Mention pleasure in her society.
Mention prospects from Uncle JIM.
"'Neyer loved before
Propose
"Im being q sister to him now.
"Ah," said another, Il really believe tina
l should have accepted one offer but for Al
awkward mishap. 1t was at an orchestra
concert, and all the instruments were being
played at their full strength, and taking adj
vantage of this my male escort, whom vii
call Philip, speaking in my ear, begun hi
tale of love. But, as i'll luck would have it
Just at that moment every instrument il
the orchestra was hushcd, and with the hor
rible effect, so as to be heard all over tn,
stalls, came Philips words My Alteration
is surely written in my eyes
Even the members of the orchestra turn
od round and the whole of the occupants o
the contiguous rows Of stalls were convuls
ed. l shall never forget the scene as long a
I live. Philip fairly turned green witt
misery, and as he arose to beat a retreat
sounds of suppressed laughter were hearc
on all sides. He somehow never dared face
me again"
you're all very critical" said a quie
girl who hitherto had not spoken; 'bu
what do you think a man ought to do"
Gle should exercise tact" said one.
'IIo should wait until the two are alone
with no chance OF interruption" said an
other.
Gle should be sure that the surrounding
are in harmony with the situation"
ale should give his undivided attention
to the girl"
"Above all this rose the quiet voice Of {
pretty girl who had not spoken before.
"The man who doesn't propose at the
right time is exasperating," she said softly
"but what of the man who doesn't propose
at all?"
There was a sudden calm, and over the
face of every girl present settled look o.
patient suffering.