Page:The Ladies' Cabinet of Fashion, Music & Romance 1832.pdf/97

Rh Mr. H—— was an old and much-loved friend; of course I accepted it. I learned that there was to be a large company, and what was of more consequence to me, that Miss L, whom I had addressed for the last six months, was to be there. No one will think it strange, then, if I devoted more than usual attention to my toilet. Finding that the style of my boots was a little passée, I resolved to treat myself to new ones. The shop of the artisan was not far off, and thither I betook myself. Having selected a pair which came near the beau ideal of a boot, in my mind's eye, I proceeded to try them on. " A little too tight on the instep," said I, after I had fairly succeeded in drawing them on. "'Bout right, Sir," said the man of boots, rubbing his hand over the place indicated ; 66' they ' ll give a little ; fashionable cut, Sir ; make ' em all so, now ; fine foot, Sir, yours, to fit a boot to ; high in the instep -hollow here. They look well, Sir." The last part of the man's argument had the desired effect. He had assailed me in a tender point- almost the only one, I believe, in which it was possible for him or any other person to flatter me. My better judgment and understanding were overcome. I kept the boots. Having made my toilet, and put on my future tormentors, I set out for the residence of my friend. The arrival, salutations, announcement of dinner, etc., are matters of course- so I let them pass. In due time, I found myself walking into the salon de manger, with Miss Lon my arm. A moment more, and I was seated at the table beside her. I did the duties that fell to me ; said to my companion every pretty thing I could think off ; sent her plate for some turkey ; carved a chicken that stood before me, and offered the wing to the lady opposite ; drank wine with my hostess, and procured some tongue for a lady on my left, who had no gentleman to take care of her. By the way, wish she had eaten her own, considering the use she afterward made of it. In fine, my mind was so completely occupied by the pleasures of my situation, the few good things I said to my companion, and the many she said to me, that I was unconscious of the curse that from the first had been developing itself. Soon, however, I became aware that something prevented my being perfectly happy. A few moments more, and I was fully aroused. I found the instep of my right foot in a state of open rebellion against the strictures that had been laid upon it, and particularly against the act of close confinement. In truth,