A Cool Proposal.

because they think the time is come , or because they want a position , or because they are ' hard up . ' So I mean to propose to her , and 1 ivant you to help me to write a civil letter to that very respectable individual , her mother . I wish , however , that Eupbrosyne would not be so civil to that' gunner . '"

"Anthony , " I said , solemnly , " can nothing dissuade you from your rash project ? You know absolutely nothing of your adored Euphrosyne , you have seen her four times at the most , and you are so little acquainted with her

feelings , that you do not even know , whether she does not much prefer the youth with the blonde moustache—may not even be engaged to him now , and that your proposal is not certain to bring upon you an indignant refusal . "

" Well , " lie said , " Mentor , in for a penny in for a pound , if you won't help me , I must indite a letter to the old gal , I mean the elderly lady , myself , though somehow or other my hand is very shaky this morning . "

" Anthony , if you will not be overpersuaded by your old friend , to give up- your silly undertaking , 1 at last replied sadly , I will , help you to compose your letter , for it is just as well if you do write , that your composition

should be j > roperly spelt and in decent English , accomplishments in neither of which the youth of the present day happily excel . But remember , Anthony , I added , yon have really no warrant to make such an offer to an honest irl

g , and it is honestly and truly on such , baneful views , and such hopeless notions , that as Octave Eouillet so well says , we make to-day in our convulsed society , so many' sots manages et de vilains modeles . '"

" I am like Paddy , he said in reply , when he met the bull ; ' Bad luck to you says he , you roaring baste . Go back I can't , so forward I must go , so take your horns out of the way , you stamping ommadown . "

"Retreat sometime " I said , "is an act of discretion , despite Paddy . " " jSV ' says Anthony bravely , my motto is Tor wards '

So Anthony sat down , took the pen in his hand , and I dictated to him the following charming little letter . " Dear Madam "—he wanted to begin dear Mrs . Brown , but I said that was too familiar , and that on such an

occasion as this , at any rate " les mceurs " should be " observees , "— " I trust that you will pardon the liberty I take in thus addressing you . " Very neat and introductory he remarked . " I am most anxious to speak to you about

a subject which is nearest to my heart and feelings at this present moment . "—Anthony rather suggested " interests , " but I thought it looked mercenary and so he waived the word . "The claims of your clear daughter

Miss Eupbrosyne Brown have made a deep and lasting impression on my mind . "—Nothing can be better he said . — "I trust that , from our previous acquaintance it may not be deemed presumptuous in me , if I venture to

ask your most- kind permission to offer to her , through you , the acceptance of my humble heart anel hand . "— " The old

gals he said , confidingly , always like the idea that it ' s clone through them , though there never was so great a delusion . It really is first rate I could not have not done it better myself . " " It certainly is , " replied I , " A 1 for' cheek '

and for audacity . " " The entire similarity of our tastes and opinions , the charms I have already discovered in her personal and mental qualities render it certain that our union will be a most happy one , and productive of

the greatest contentment to both families . "— "Ah , I like that , " he said , "that lias a business air . But don't , " lie said hurriedly , " mention anything about settlements or property , mine is a pure marriage of affection . "—

"Venturing therefore to hope that these my sincere and earnest addresses to your charming daughter , will receive the affectionate sanction of the best of mothers , "—first rate lie exclaimed— " I feel I shall not be too far trespassing on your maternal solicitude and kindness , if I ask to be permitted to speak to