"Nothing is more disagreeable," continued Ralph, philosophically, "than these public evidences of affection; it is positively shocking to see and hear two married people exchanging their 'dears' and 'dearests,' 'loves' and 'darlings'--especially to bachelors; it is really insulting! Therefore, it is equally in bad taste with those who _are to be_ married;--logically, consequently, and in the third place--and lastly--it is not proper, between myself and you, my Fanny--hum--Miss Fanny!" This syllogistic discourse was received by Fanny with a mixture of blushes and satirical curls of the lip. "Hum!" more than once issued from her lips; and this expression always signified with the young lady in question--"indeed!"--"really!"--"you think that's mighty fine!"--or some other phrase indicative of scorn and defiance. On the present occasion, after uttering a number of these "hums!" Fanny embodied her feelings in words, and replied: "I think, Ralph, you are the most impudent gentleman I have ever known, and you wrong me. I wonder how you got such bad manners; at Williamsburg, I reckon. Hum! If you wait until _I_ marry you--!" "I shall never repent the delay?" asked Ralph--"is that what you mean? Well, I don't believe I shall. But a truce to jesting, my charming cousin. You spoke of Williamsburg, and my deterioration of manners, did you not?" "Yes!" "I can prove that I have not deteriorated." "Try, then." "No, I would have to read all this book, which is full of compliments, Fanny; that would take all day. Besides, I am too modest." "Oh!" laughed Fanny, who had recovered her good humor. "Let us hear, Mr. Ralph," said Redbud, smiling. "Yes--let us see how the odious, college students write and talk," added Fanny, laughing. "Well, I'll select one from each branch," said Ralph: "the friendly, pathetic, poetical, and so forth. Lithe and listen, ladies, all!" And while the company listened, even down to Longears, who lay at some distance, regarding Ralph with respectful and appreciative attention, as of a critic to whom a MS. is read, and who determines to be as favorable as he can, consistent with his reputation--while they listened, Ralph opened his book and read some verses. We regret that only a portion of the album of Mr. Ralph Ashley has come down to modern times--the rats having devoured a greater part of it, no doubt attracted by the flavor of the composition, or possibly the paste made use of in the binding. We cannot, therefore, present the reader with many of the beautiful tributes to the character of Ralph, recorded in the album by his admiring friends.