The deacon’s notice proved something of a damper upon their gaiety; but after all was far less effectual than that given on the preceding Sunday; as many a chasing for the kiss which was to redeem a pawn, and loud bursts of merriment testified; much to the discomfiture of the deacon. But there were at the party two who kept themselves aloof from the festivities of the evening, and were observed to sit in a corner together, engaged in conversation and apparently unconscious of the merry scenes around them. They were none other than the daughter of Mrs. Citybred, and the intelligent young physician of the village. It was evident that they had been accustomed to the refinements of education and good society, and were for the first time in their lives at a parsonage gathering. Many were the sly jokes and whisperings interchanged by the company touching these exclusives; but of none effect on the doctor and his unsuspecting companion.
What they conversed about is none of our business; but certain it was that the lady’s countenance glowed with pleasure; and it was observed by all that the doctor never looked happier before. On the breaking up of the party, it did not escape observation nor remark, that the doctor waited on Mrs. Citybred’s daughter home.
What the effect of such an agreeable meeting was, none could say decidedly; but as they were afterward seen riding together several times in a very exclusive looking vehicle; and as the doctor has never before been known to ride out with a lady alone, since he settled in the village, of course there were rumors of a wedding to take place before the next gathering, and much commiseration wasted on the doctor in anticipation of his “extravagant wife.” But as the next New Year’s day found him still a bachelor, it yet affords matter for gossip and conjecture among the villagers whether the Dr. and Mrs. Citybred’s daughter will ever be married or not.
Liberty, Pa. April, 1841.
TO AN OLD ROCK.
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BY G. G. FOSTER.
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Well! hands of friends have all been pressed—