ing over the smooth gravel-walks of Fairmount--for there
we had stopped--and exceedingly refreshing were its cool shades and
splashing fountains on that sultry June day. I kept as near her as I
could without appearing rude, especially as I had received one or two
half glances from her bright eyes, that nearly annihilated me, such an
unearthly fluttering and bumping in the region of my heart did they
create. Mercy upon me! what would a whole glance do? And for a whole
glance I courageously resolved to strive, let the consequences be what
they might.

Now do you not expect an earthquake, or a roaring bull, or at least a
rabid dog? It was nothing more however than a refreshing shower of
rain--truly refreshing to my thirsty soul, for it gave me that coveted
_whole_ glance. Heavens! I actually staggered, and would undoubtedly
have fallen had it not been for a friendly sappling--you will sneer at
witless I--that grew near me. But just try the effect upon yourself--a
shock of electricity is nothing in comparison to a shock from a pair
of bright eyes--such eyes as hers. The truth of the case was here, of
a sudden, apparently from out the clear sky, came down, with not a
moment's warning, a perfect avalanche of rain-drops--all expressly got
up, or down, for my benefit, else why did I happen to have an umbrella
in my hand? "A Wise man--" you remember the rest. My beautiful
incognito was away up those long stairs, and walking leisurely around
the immense basin, when the rain came down. I was not very far from
her, and in less than an instant my umbrella was over her pretty
little blue bonnet, with--

"Be kind enough to accept my umbrella, Miss"--in the most insinuating
manner of which I was master.

"Thank you! but I will not deprive you of its shelter," with that
whole glance of which I spoke. So on we went together, and somehow
after we found ourselves under shelter, it was the easiest and most
natural thing in the world to fall into a pleasant conversation. After
talking about the scenery, weather, &c., we had mutually enjoyed
during our short stage ride, I spoke of the beauty around us, and
asked her if she often visited this lovely spot.

"Not very often," replied she. "It is very beautiful though, in spite
of all they have done to spoil it."

"To spoil it!"

"Yes, by making it as much like a chess-board as possible, all
straight lines and stiffness. That is Philadelphia however."

"Then you are not a Philadelphian,