Page:The Ladies' Cabinet of Fashion, Music & Romance 1832.pdf/90

Rh be mistaken, while between the different airs he would inquire if the last tune was not "very pretty," or " exceedingly fine," or " more beautiful than all the rest.'

Music, which has charms to " soothe the savage breast,' seems to have operated differently on that of the young lady, on this occasion; for the antique velvet vest, the pink neckcloth, the smirking, the bowing, and above all, the short naps which her visiter seemed to enjoy with such complacency, were altogether so irresistibly ludicrous, that in spite of her endeavous to suppress it, she was compelled to burst into a fit of laughter. Johnny, who very properly considered this as an unequivocal expression of delight, was overjoyed at his success, and adding his own bass to the melodious tenor of his fair companion, shook the room with peals of obstreperous mirth.

Thus ended the first act of this comedy. The second commences with a sprightly dialogue. Johnny, who had now found his tongue, opened the conversation by asking "Lucy" if she did not think he ought to be married?

"Undoubtedly, Mr. Anson," was the reply ; " nothing could be more proper ; provided you believe that marriage would conduce to your happiness ." " I don't know as I should be any happier, but somehow I think I should be better contented ." " Then you ought certainly to marry, for contentment is the chief ingredient in the cup of happiness." " I shall quit drinking entirely," continued the lover, who misunderstood the last position of the lady. " I am glad to hear it. Sobriety is becoming ; particularly in married men." "And who do you think I ought to have ?" " O dear ! I cannot tell, indeed. That is a delicate question ; and perhaps it might be necessary to determine first who would have you." " I think, a'most any of ' em would be glad to catch at me," replied the swain ; " for father's left me a snug house, and three hundred pounds, besides the baking business.' " Quite a fortune, I declare !" exclaimed Lucy. " To be sure there's some that's richer than me, and some better looking," continued Johnny, glancing at the mirror which hung opposite to him ; " but then you know Miss Lucy " Tha thalf a loaf is better than no bread," added the young lady, ironically. " Yes-just so- that's it to a notch, a half bread, as you