Year: 1859

Walter, why don't you marry? A
the lone, lonely t-ct 1l


This leading and somewhat abrupt ques-
ton was asked by Edward Lection, the
chosen friend of him to whom it was ad-
dressed, as they sat together over a cheer
full fire, indulging in a running chat upon
almost every conceivable subject; and
after a moment of silence, Lection had
asked the question, Walter why don't
you marryY


Walter Maurey gently laid down the
glass but half emptied of the sparkling
wine, turned full look direct upon his
companion, then burst into low musical
laugh, saying


ed, that is new idea of yours, ema-
mating from your too prolific brain. You
know that L boast of my power to retain
my liberty, against all the array of beauty
ever presented. have never yet seen the
fair lady who would stand the least chance
of becoming my wife. My dear friend,
how could |, with my impatience, brook a
well-turned lecture, because / ventured to
remain out late with some choice friend ?
| am very happy as am, don't excite my
fancy


'Were you Stempted by the many
beauties we saw at Mrs. Belden's party
last night


h0'Yes, Ed; l counted them twce-sev-
enteen lovely creatures, young, all waiting
to be asked. Out of respect for the kind
hostess, danced with nearly all of them,
butwhisper it not, it was great bore, and
at supper felt tired with the cxertion-
SO much so that I dropped plate of oys-
ters right into the lap of Miss Dell, and
spoiled her moire antique. | beard some
kind expression of sympathy near by but
L only caught the words, How stupid p
With what sweet smile Miss Dell reliev-
ed my embarrassment. Then Mrs Belden
asked me to turn the music for Lottie,
while she performed some favorite oper-
atics vocal, you know,D and while the rest
of the delighted company retired to the
extremity of the room to enjoy the en-
chantment that distance lends, was fore
ed to take the whole thunder of it but
Lottie is grand performer. BY the way,
Lection, l did not learn the name of the
modest young lady dressed in pure white,
who occupied the musical throne a few
moments later2 was charmed with her
manner. How sweetly she gave my ia
vorite air, Ever of thee l envied your
Office that brought you so near her side.
Ed if | ever fall in love, it will be with
one like her, who prefers simplicity to af-
fectation. Up to the present moment l
have not found out why | suffered myself
to go without an introduction but | was
so engaged


hos ;,,k,
ton, for | overheard her asking for one
from the hostess and as, moment after,
Mrs. Bolden asked you to be introduced
to a charming partner for the next dance,
you pleaded a previous engagement, and
went up stairs to smoke, thus losing the
only chance of becoming acquainted with
one of the loveliest of her sex


'Oh don't Lection, replied Walter. hall
serious and half playful, who was
sheY


THE same, | suppose, that she is now
Miss Julia Alltreive-a non resident of this
city, who returned to her own home
this morning. Walter, you will never re-
cover what you last evening lost--a place
on her list of friends.


1T was really too bad, Lection. / will
decline Mrs Beldens future invitations
out of pure spite


My dear friend, you will make me think
you are in love- but never mind, keep up
a good heart, and in future never refuse
an introduction when it is offered for by
so doing you may recover the past. There
it is nearly nine o'clock, and must leave
you to meet an engagement so let us
take parting glass, and l will give q
toast, one know your bachelor heart will
echo, Now fill Life, a good long din.
ner; Matrimony, fine dessert Good
bye, Walter. and away went the light
hearted Edward Lection, leaving his friend
TO amuse himself for the remainder of the
evening as best he could.


There thought Walter Maurey, as the
door closed upon the form of his retreat
ing friend, ED has set me thinking, HI
little knows that my boasted pride o
liberty is only mask, under which for
ward my plans. lie does not think tina
my greatest wish is to find heart tha
will answer to my own and when find i
l will transfer my so cafled liberty int
its safe keeping but | will never choos
wife from Mrs Belden's coterje, they ar
not at all suited to my taste And will
these reflections Walter managed to rais
numerous tall castles, which he furnishe,
with the strongest fancy. Strange tha
his dream that night should be Of JUL
'~ .tiit7~sF%ev~ tr7'--


A few months have passed since we lei
Walter Maurey and Edward Lection, an
now the springtime has given way to sum
Iusr skies and summer heat. The country
with its delightful retreats, cool nook'
aud shaded walks, is sought by all VIII
can escape the noise Of the crowded city
and leave its walls behind.