occasionally, from their elevated regard, present themselves as the
said "worthy objects" for the youthful affection? Queenly and most
lovely dames of uncertain age, and tender instincts, it is not
the present chronicler who will so far forget his reputation for
gallantry, as to assert that "I should like to marry" is your favorite
madrigal.

Therefore let it be distinctly understood and remembered, as a
thing necessary and indispensable to the true comprehension of this
veracious history, that the beautiful Miss Sallianna was not attracted
by Verty's handsome dress, his fashionable coat, rosetted shoes, well
powdered hair, or embroidered waistcoat gently rubbing against the
spotless frill--that these things did not enter into her mind when she
resolved to attach the young man to her suit, and turn his affection
and "esteem" toward herself. By no means;--she saw in him only a
handsome young fellow, whose education could not prosper under the
supervision of such a mere child as Redbud; and thus she found herself
called upon to superintend it in her proper person, and for that
purpose now designed to commence initiating the youthful cavalier into
the science of the heart without delay.

These few words may probably serve to explain the unusual favor with
which Miss Sallianna seemed to regard Verty--the _empressement_ with
which she gently fanned his agitated brow--the fascinating smile which
she threw upon him, a smile which seemed to say, "Come! confide your
sorrows to a sympathizing heart."

Verty, preoccupied with his sad reflections, for some moments remained
silent. Miss Sallianna broke the pause by saying--

"You seem to be annoyed by something, Mr. Verty. Need I repeat that
in me you will find a friend of philosophic partiality and undue
influence to repose your confidential secrets in?"

Verty sighed.

"Oh! that is a bad sign," said the lady, simpering.

"What, ma'am?" asked Verty, raising his head.

"That sigh."

"I don't feel very well."

"In the body or the mind?"

"I suppose it's the mind, ma'am."

"Don't call me ma'am--I am not so much your senior. True, the various
experiences I have extracted from the circumambient universe render
me somewhat more thoughtful, but my heart is very young," said Miss
Sallianna, simpering, and slaying Verty with her eyes.

"Yes, ma'am--I mean Miss Sallianna," he said.

"Ah! that is better. Now let us converse about nature, my friend--"

"If you could tell