Well, the time had arrived when we promised to meet Josiah at the appinted rondevoo.

Indeed Blandina, went a little ahead of time, for as second chaperone she said it might be he would get there a little early, and bein' naturally high-sperited he might get impatient, and she said men ort to be guarded from anything that would wear on their tempers, jest as much as possible.
So I looked 'round a little more, and when I got to the place appinted, there sot Blandina readin' extracts from "The Noble Achievements of Men" in a paper cover, which she carried 'round in her pocket.

But no Josiah wuz there.
Minutes passed; my happiness and peace of mind passin' off faster than the minute hand, and no Josiah.

A quarter of a hour passed, and still no sign of that dear man.

And when half an hour had gone by I busted into tears, and Blandina I could see wuz torn with anxiety and offered to go out into the streets of St.Louis and hunt for him.