The Lancaster ledger. (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, February 26, 1852, Image 1
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V u " B\ LAST hih:\l\li N MAIL what They say~ Z ~~ ~ ~Fi;.,sm-i. - <rr7Ti7 1
Hff Mf the receipt - .. . ~ *~ when ho deems ,i necessary for tin- "* llllj J THK J>AI\ U ' , . .
B a o tliM date: Arrlrftl of the 8teamer Cambria. 'Ir thanks to tho Editors of tho Preag, interest of the people of the State he will VII IT II III V II I Til 11(11! iw\/i m 'SILL
E ja 01,00 Baltimore, Feb. 23, 1852. f?r the favorable mention made of our pa- t*110n ntlvo?*to the doctrine of the party ' ''""d ILL I 111 I Ull. (j R()( y K R V
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I | DEVOTED TO LITERARY, COMMERCIAL, AGRICULTURAL, GENERAL AND LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
il^ VOLUME I. LANCASTER, C. H? SOUTH CAROLINA, THURSDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 26, 1352. *!""?
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|JfiLECTBD TALSS.
THE PLIBT.
chapter I.
V " My dear mother," said the young and !
H beautiful Mrs. Stevens throwing aside her 1
bonnet and sliau l, " do you know, that 1 I '
9 have l>oen thinking that it is very odd 1
HHmI Augusta Miles does not get married. '
t tihe is now past three ami twenty, and so f
i. r**y nnd agreeable, such a fascinating '
i gift lind so clover, and so much admired ; *
I twl. to iny certain knowledge, she lias
been on the lookout for a husband, those 1
* . - ?
w*t nvc years."
" What you said last, my dear,'7 replied 1
lira Andrews, u explains all. If she looks 1
out f >r a husband, she will never have one. 1
It U no more her pluee to look out, than 1
iU her* to make proposals."
* There is *>mo truth in that, certainly," 1
tho younger matfon , thoughtfully ! *
jj* ? km 4*a you know, moth?T, she duos not ("
K tdlnny ?iwj she'Hi OU the hiok-out."
M Pardons me, Louis" said tho old la- r
f dJ' " she does. 1 It manners are too for- 1
f ward; she is too fond of display. She is
r brilliant, hut she does not toueh the heart; J
is very fascinating, and proves the | .
belle of the ball-room, and the life and I
soul of every private jMirty ; hut though !
this Is very charming, and brings her a
train of admirers, yet not one of those ud~
will ever make a change to a lover 1
?r a husband. Kvery one can see that
Iter abject is to make an impression, to get
?n admirer," Ac. '
* Ileallv, mother," said Mrs. Stevens, ,
u you have hut a poor opinion of uiy eou itt
Augusta. lint as to her being for- ,
Ward, and all that, sec what a noisy, rack- '
ctty girl I was, always flirting with the
beaux, and not half so clever or pretty as
August a ; ami yet, see hem I am married '
??have been mnrried nearly a year, and
mh not of age yet."
"Vdl vae a very noisy girl, dear Lou- .
ra," mM bar mother, u but totally ditt'er?tt>?>Om.yoar
cousin. Your flirtations,
M JOB call thorn, were no flirtations. They
wera the ft* of a thouglitless girl, fresh
front boarding school. By your nnturul
. careless manner every one eon Id see that ,
I' .making a coixpicst was the last thing you |
I thought of. I do not believe you over 11
I- *OMOght of having a lover till you found
yam had one."
H No, that is true enough," said Louisa,
laughing; "I did not even notice that dear
Frank paid me attentions till you named
H to me."
"fust no," replied the mother, "and
this prove* my argument good. Now, if
You I)ad tried yourself to make a conquest
^ MnfFfrank, ten to one the blind god would
havd run away, and you would have been
i Hke Augusta. Now, look at Mary Miles;
kali-five years younger than her sister;
1 nataear so pretty, perhaps not so clctor,
though 1 believe she hns talent, yet 1 will
venture to prophcry that Mary will change
her name before Augusta does."
you really think so 1" said Mrs0taren*,
in surprise. " No, I cannot agree
y%ith you. Mary is such a poor, quiet 1
*ss2btrei rvtU?-*ut m word to aay Ibr herself.
I 4b aot really think she w# erer be mar^^Well
time wfl show," said th? ohl lady.
And time did show, as our readers are
' cuai'ti;HvH.
Mjrm. Andreas was the wwfvw of a Lont,
titer merchant, after whose death she still
'Ymifcd in the city, educating an only
?2hter. wlir. ?? ?b- - ' - ?
?, ? ..r> U1 iwwiljr, DO e?QM
tho wife of a young physician, to i
whtoi !?he was deeply attached.
JrMtton, the brother of Mm. Andrews,
VIM a wfcatthy and prosperous merchant,
who had been left a widower soon after
the birth of bis tedy sow; who at the period
of our histMy, was fifteen vears of
- ge, the much beloved and indulged favorite
of lib only remaining parent Mr. <
Miles had two daughters, two whom he 1
was warmly and oqually attached. The >\
, character of Augusta, tho eldest, has been
swfticiuntly remarked upon in Mm coarse- ,
sotion of the last chapter. As to her appea
ranee, Mm eras a heaUtiAirbMhlMte,* ifh j
Mack eyes sad nren treses,1 th?L ad
T
S' ^ ^
mirvu, noi on'y try people in general, but
by herself -?leo?
Mary was ttfghtecn years obi, tall
and alight') and unlike her sister, for instead
of Augusta's black braids, Mary
sported a promsion of fair ringlets, which
co\feur Oould bring to straightness. There
I w? no sirikLig beauty in her fair face and
gentlo blue eye; but, though almost every
one agroed that u Augusta Miles was
twice as pretty as her sister," there were
some who thought Mary lost nothing by
uio contrast.
CHAFTMI III.
44 How many do you expect tonight
Ix>iiisn,M saicl the yottng Doctor Stevens to
his blooming wife, as he was preparing to
leavo the hollse on some professional or:
rind ; 44 will it be a large party, my dear J"
44 Oh, no!" said Ijoiuso, 44 not above
twenty?very friendly indeed, you know
Frank."
44 Very well, then, I think I shall ask
Jack C'lore to pop in. I am going to see
him ; yon know lie has not been well, hut
if it is a quiet friendly party, he might as
well come."
44 Jack Clare !" cried Louisa, ' who is
Jack Clare, my denr?"
44 Oh, Sir John Clare, my old friend at
Oxford. Ho is a nine fellow, Louisa, a
capital lau.W man?only 1 must not let
him dance much."
44 Oh, ask him to c'?me by all means !"
said Mrs. Stevens ; 44 a baronet will give
an air to the tiling. Apologise for short
not'rfcc, you know , Frank, mul say, it is nothing
of a party. There, gio^d-bye."
At tile Appointed time numcrv*'w carriages
drove up fh l)r. Stevens' hotu<\ and
the brilliantly lighted rooms l>ognn to hll.
The ,'ances la-giity, There was Augu, n
MikA diJ'ssed witn ulofe elegance than ?
<nv lu.Ur ?!< ? room t>o\vi??.? ?il :-1? '
J ?. > ?"..-..M UW
ntroduced to ^CW partners, waltzing with
jvory stranger, nun bi "oming, in hhort,
nil at slio had docidou.'v i vi>ected to bcx?nie?the
Wile of the* iw'?- Presently
die n ils requested to ping; -she " had a
old," and she "couldnt roniKuber one
(ong," and she "had learned nothing new;"
jut she did sing and the company we.*? in
raptures. She afterwards expressed hu""
iclf fatigued, and tlnnight she should "drier
the carriage," and ihc company were
n the deepest affliction ; she presently dcdared
she vould not "give way," and
neant to dance at least six times 'more,
ind the company were in raptures again,
ind straightway she was provided with
.ix respectnblo-w 11iskensl partners for those
iix dances. Presently a servant ]iand"d a
ard to Mrs Stevens , who immediately
(topped into the ante-room,where a gentleman
was waiting, who bowed resjaictfully.
4I belieavc I have the pleasure oi'addressng
Sir John Clare," said Mrs Stev?na.?
Hie gentleman l>owed. " l)oetor Stevens
ins just been called ottrlh lie. he was engaged
to attend a patient?a doctor's time
you know, is never his own. j am sorrv
be is not herc,but as it is, jierhamyou will
illow me to introduce you to my friends."
The baronet replied politely, and they
entered the ball room together, just at the
dose of one of the dances. Sir John Clare
i_. i ? * -
?iw miruuuceu iu nmnv 01 uic guests, nnd
linvitig found a sent by Mrs. Andrews,
was conversing with lu*r when Augusta
Miles was handed hy her partner to tin:;
vacant seat hy the side ot' the baronet.? '
[*resentlv she joined in his conversation,
intl by degrees Mrs. Andrews grew silent
and finally left her sent, and Augusta and
the baronet conversed without her. "Prnv
wlio is that lady f" said Kir John to his
lovely companion; "I have not Ihvii introItiml
to her. She is a beautiful girl !"
MDo you mean theyotttig ludy in pink;"
said Augusta.
M Yes."
" Renlly, why that is tny sister Mary.
She is so dreadfully timid, so nervous, that
she scarcely ever enjoys a party. l)o you
knot she sings quite prettily, hut she is
so excessively nervous, that she cannot
sing lxrforo company."
4* Indeed !" said Kir John, " that is a pi* j
ty. But will you ?b? mo the honor to introduce
me, nnd I will try ami prevail upon
her to sing."
Augusta ooukl not refuse and she nnd
the baronet approached Marv. a Sir John
Clare?ray sister Mary." 'lite introduction-was
no sooner over than Augusta was
claimed by her partner for the next quadrille,
and Sir John tried without success, to
become as intimate with Mary Miles ft* he
had made himself with her sister. Hut
no! Mary gavo him no encouragement;
and when Annnmtn nn n( l.? -1
^ ...? ..V HWV..^, . ? ?<ld
reused himself to her again; became her
partner for three dances; her escort to
the Mupi>er-rt>om ; ami finally, handed her
into her carriage.
* What a delightful evening I hwvo
spent," said Augusta, as they drove home;
"positively 1 have ouite enjoyed myself."
441 nm glad of tliat," saitf Mary ; 441
hsve enjoyed myself too."
" You actually sang," said Augusta.
44 Ye*; I did not wish it, but I was so
much pressed."
U t* S .
-iw, rur John Clare prraaed you I j
know, lie ui)l he should when I told :
hiin what a poor timid creature you were."
44 He aiMms a very nice young man,"
said poor Mary, in a moat hearth** tone.
M Oh! he's well enough," wtid Aaga<A,
yawning;44 but for my ptfrt 1 dort ace
mucli in him."
Thia waa aaid in a very carclcm tone,
an<j Mary believed it to be true; but in
her heart Augu?ta was enraptured at reoeiving
attention* from the ouly titled
beau in the company, and delighted at
the idea of making such a conquest, fc
44 He aaked if he might call," aaid tike'
in thaaamo yawning tone,44 but I am aura
I hope h? won VI don't want him." Oh !
Atiginta Mil on! what a rare jewel truth is !
CHAPTER IV.
The next morning a handsome carriage
drove up to Mr. Miles' door, and out of it
stepped Sir John Clare. This was his
first visit, but not his Inst, for, some how
or other he was so often 44 going that way"
of an evening, and it was so handy to pop
>?? and take a hand at whist with Mr.
Miles and Alfred, and one dummy unless
Miss Mary would take a hand for Augttsta
"detested cards." And after the fttln
her was over, perhaps Miss Miles ttotlld
play an overture and sing uii Italian song,
for Mir John was " so fond of music or,
may be, Miss Mary would favor him with
^ .r i ? - - *
wn? or nor little ttittieSj and then he must
go. Another flight ho had suddenly become
iK^osetl of three concert tickets,
and why on earth should not the young
ladies go with him. On the whole, it was
most marvellous if Sir Jolm*s carriage did
not roll down It street at least four
times in the week.
' Well," said Alfred Miles ono evening
to his sisters, " who docs Sir John Clare
come to see?is it you, Augusta ?"
a Nonsense," said Mr. Miles, "what a
silly fellow you are, Alfred. For my part
1 see nothing in his coming. He has a
game at whist, and talks politics with me,
hut I don't see that he does much else.
However lye Is a hicc fellow, and I hoj>c
he will come as often as he likes."
Augusta, who had l>een e<during deeply,
now said, " Really, Alfred, you are so
, that I can't think why you , upon
my word, it is so absurd, thntj
Poor Augusta wanted something to relieve
her embarrassment, and a timely double
knock was a convenient interruption, while
I the colour mount**! to her checks again
j when she heard the step of Sir John Clare
> in the hall.
ClIArTF.R V.
It w as a frosty evening, and a blazing
fire roareJ >u the comfortable parlour,
where I)r. au'd Mrs. Stcveus sat at tea,
c'hatting very p.'e??antly.
"Then you rea'ly think Sir John pays
attention to August*.'." ' wd Dr. Stevens.
" I suppose so," said 1 A'lisa, " I ealhsl
the other day and found tlu ru alone together,
ami she coloured ?.'uelv when I
u.? i in IWil? I t-!>..? l./v -r.-w *>.??.
evirv uight?his carriage passes hero on
its wvv.
" Well, I suppose it must bo so, Ib/Mb"
said the diKtor, " but, really, I Lav."
known JaOi' a Jong time, and should never
have thought lie would have chosen
such a girl as A ugusta MUtfi Well, it is
a nice evening cone liere to the window,
I?uisa, and see how bright the moon is.
Will Jack pass tonight <"
" No, I t(link not,'* said Louisa, " they
said they were all going to the theatre tonight.
Well, really, thet e i-r his eaiTiage
?stopping here,I declare, li'els actually
coming to see us, Frank."
Knter Sir John Clare. llo w;ra going
he said, up to Mr Miles'.
" Are you?" said Louisa, "why, don't
you know they are all at the theatre f"
" Pardon me, Mrs. Stevens, not aL1.?
One of the ladies has a had headache
and cannot go."
"A headache! indeed," said Louisa,
looking archly at her hushand. "So Augusta
has a headache; it has come on
suddenly, for she was nuito well when I
met her out this morning. Headaches
do come suddenly sometimes. Now, sit
down. Sir. John, and take some tea?bless
me, Kratik, why don't you ring for another
cup."
" \ ou liave mistaken the invalid," said
Sir John with mock gravity " it is Miss
Mary who Is indisposed."
"Then you will not stay long," said
Louisa, passing him some tea, "you will
certainly ioin the others at the theatre."
" Possibly. Mnt. Stevens," said Kir John;
i....... v . ...:n ..II. ...
ou\niivi (i 11.* an nu^m 11 jvn ti hi iiiumt
in*'?thank you?yes, I may feasibly go
to L>rury Ltine."
44 You know you mean to go," anid the
doctor,44 you know you are going Jack?
you and your possibilities."
'My d*?ir Stevens, you actually Room
to know letter than I do myaclf. Hut
pray excuse me now, I must go."
This is a very shabby visit," said Ixnii*n,
arshly; M and even a shabby visit from
you Is a rare thing now, but, knowing the
state of your heart we w ill not reproach
you.
" You are too kind?too indulgent,"
said th?j baronet laughing and lowing
himself out.
lie soon arriv?xl at Mr. Miles' house,
and entered the }>urlor whore Mary sat
rending. She arose and welcomed him,
saying ,4shc thought he had been at the
theatre."
44 No, I seldom attend the play," said
our baronet, 44 and to-night I am not so
disposed. I heard you were not well, and
came to inquire after you."
Mary thanks! him, and wondered why
he took the trouble; and then, somehow
or other, neither of thom fouud anything
to say.
At last Sir John began : 44 Mar)-, I am
going to speak on a subject which I have
long wished to mention. I know not
whether I shall surprise you?I trust I
shall n??t offend you; but what I havo now
to say must find its way to your ear. I
have now knowu you mtuu months, Mary,
and have been a silent admirer of your
goodness and the sweetness of your amiable
disposition. I kjve you, dear Mary, I
cannot say liow dearly and deeply; and
have loved you long, though I have never
aid so. I waa once a witness of em of
vour kind actions, that raised you higher
*mi my opinion than any fascinating bchaTO>r
Or elegant accomplishment could have
done. I will tell you hotr it waa." nnd
Sir John's arm found its way round Mary's
little waist. 441 waa attending your
sister on one of her morning w alks, when
alio broke tho chain by which she held hci
d?g, and tho animal darted down a byestreet.
I led Augusta into a shop, and
went to look for her favorite. I saw it
enter the open door of a poor-looking
house. While if stood on the threshold
I caught it | (mdfins I glanced in t saw
you, dear gith sitting by rt poor sik woman,
whose nllltl ttajtltl your aftils, tthile
yotlr maid was emptying a heavy basket
of provisions for this poor family. That
sight was l>catififl to me, Man'. 1 had
always thought highly of you?from that
moment I hare loved you devotedly. 1
repeat this little incident to show von that
it is for your worth?your goodness, dear
Mary, that I t>ve you?not merely for
your matchless beauty. Mnv 1 hope, dearest
girl, that you will ever return my love?"
Mary's eyes wea; bent on the ground.
The deep astonishment she felt overcame
every other feeling during the first few
minutes. At last she spoke and owned
she never considered him in the light of
-a lover before.
44 Then I will not press you to answer
me now, dearest Mary," said the young
man, rising: but Mary ventured to detain
him, gently. 441 Have always had a very
high opinion of you," said she; and then
words failed her again.
44 Mary, my own Mary ! I soe I am accepted,"
cried the lover, clasping her hand;
you love me, and t am the happiest of
men!"
There was a short pause, and he spoke
again.
44 Some fancy, 1 find that 1 entertained
a regard for your sister. 1 know not why
such an idea exists. Augusta can tell
you, that I have never given report any
reason to say so. You were the object of
my frequent visits, Mary though I find
vou were unconscious of it. Hut you
know me now, dourest. To-morrow I will
wait upon your father,*' ami now 1 will
leave you," he added, observing that Mary
seemed agitated. The next minute he
took a small case out of his pocket, from
which he drew a superb diamond ring,
and placed it upon Mary's wedding finger.
" !.;< A'-" u?' " 1 "
v... ?*iN'f \?vai i???n > , IKU " UI11U
tho happy day arrives o*j 'jdiich I mnv
change it lor a plain oneJH Jllcthcu look
leave. rs. \
One, two, three ltours plus *1, and still
Mary sat on tli" sofa; herliooyhud fallen
from her hand,- and,her wi;i^y?a.s untouched
on tho table. ' Mary's bright eyes
were fixed on her linger; and there spark,'"d
as pretty as any lady eAu wished to
have?except a winding ring, Certainly
Mary had stiddcnVyVhanged from an industrious
li^le lady to a very lazy one;
for there she N't, almost without moving
until a loud rap announced the return of
the play-goers. Ai.J??ta sauntered in,
and thing herself lungin JIv en the sofa,
" dreadful! v fatigued."
"(Jotdled, (iussv; goto Ikv.1," t'uid the
father; "and Mary, too, go to bed, my
ehildi Why, my I'ollv, how your eyes
sparkle The head's better, isn't it ?"
"Mueli 1 letter, thank yqu, father," said
Mary, quietly.
"That's right?that's right," sai<l Mr.
Miles, stroking her hair, "has any one
boon, here dear ?**
44 No one, father, except Sir John Clare." j
Mary owned much to the lump here,
for, surely, if that laiilp had not burnt |
dim, father and brother would have wondered
why Mary's white neck and forehead
burned the colour of her checks.
"Dear me," said Augusta* yawning,!
i. 1 1 I? 1 I * - * ?
mis oir iiuim oeen ners ; i uiongnt Ik* I
knew wo wore all at tins theatre. Well,
it is a good thin*; he did not follow us. fftr |
what with Henry Mercer, unci Saunders,
and Fitzgerald, an?l that friend of yours,
Alfred, our hox was full; Is-sides, he is
sueii a l*>re." With this edifying speech
our flirt followed her sister ujwtairs.
___ i
CHAPTER VI
44 If you ]>lea?e. Miss Miles, my master .
cannot eon us to you just yet; he is engaged
in the library with Fir John Clare."
44 Good gracious! what on earth can
they jiossihly lie talking aliout, and how
polite of Sir John not to eomo and see
mo?see us, I mean, lirst. It is strange,
is it not I" said Augusta Miles, turning to
her sister, who was bending over a frame
embroidery, and who murmured some unintelligible
answer. 44 lb-allv, Mary," continued
Augusta. *' why, wliat arc you
blushing about f Bl*r? roc ' are the
colour of that scarlet tlower you aro working!
And, goodness! what a magnifieeut
ring you have got on! Here, let me
look. Why, it is a diamond of the first
water. Where did you get it, Mary?
who gaVo It to you l"
Before Mary could reply, Mr. Miles entered
the room, with a smiling face. Ho
went to his yoUngest daughter, and took
her hand.
u My dearest girl,11 ;utid he, M 1 am much
f leased, and somewhat surprised, at what
have just heard. Sir John has just left;
he preferred seeing you in the evening. 1
need .not say a word al>out his communication,
f xoept tliat you have my beat wishes
and ready approval.^
Mary looked up but was too agitated
to apeak. Her father led her to the door
and bade her retire and eompoao herself.
M And now, Augusta," said he, turning around.
liut Augusta was gone.
ciiaitkk VII.
Sir John Clare, on leaving the house of
Miles, drove again to Dr. Stevens, and
found the young couple discussing luncheon.
" Vou are a singular fellow, Jack,41
said Stevens; M first you cut us for a whole
month, and then you come and see us for
two days together. But how well vou
look, old hoy, and bow joyful! Why,
you look like--?liks? "
" Like an accepted lover,M suggested
Louisa.
44 Very well, Mrs. Stevens," said
good-natured Uarouet, 441 possibly i
, tor I mil one."
,4Yotl don't say so ?" said Louisa. ^
then, I believe 1 may call you my fu
coUsin ?"
Sir John bowed and tried to look gr
4* 13ravo!" rried il?o vAtin?
.... j v%?lig UWIVI]
wish you joy."
" Bo do I, and I shall certainly go
sec how Augusta Is," said Mrs. Steven
44 Miss Miles is quite well, I belie
said Sir John.
44 You went to the theatre last nigh
course <" said Louisa.
"On the contrary," said the l>ar<
441 sat and had a long talk with Mary
44 You did ?" said Br. Stevens. 44 A
zen fellow you are! But, come J nek,
and I are old friends ; you must tell
all about it. When did you?when
you?put the grand question?"
44 Last night, Frank."
"Pshaw! she was at the play."
44 Your pardon, my dear fellow ;
was not well, and would not go."
44 She not well, too! Then I sup'
she was in her own room, and you
and talked with her sister. You're a
fellow."
"She was not in her room; she
sittting on the parlour sofa."
44 Was Mary in the room then ?"
44 Yes."
"Pooh! you didn't make love hefo
third person, 1 know. 1 never could
it myself."
4* I assure you Mary was in the nx
" Nonsense, Jack, you're cramming
But I'll go to Augusta and make, her
me sill about it."
44 She doesn't know anything nbuii
for she was at the theatre."
Stevens looked at his wife with a
that secured to say, " This fellow is m:
ami then he looked at his friend, thei
his wife, again, and finally took a 1:
pinch of snutf. while Louisa set up a 1
ringing laugh. " You are a very rxtri
dinary person," said she to the barot
44 but ]>ray solve this riddle. We d
: understand how Augusta managed t'
at homo on the sola, and at l>rurv L
at the same time."
"1 never said Augusta was sitting
the sofa," said Sir John.
44 You did. Jack ; Voti know you d
said Frank Stevens.
44 No, pardon me," said the baronet,
simply stated the ease, which I'll sin
state again, I went last night to Mr. Mi
I found Miss Mary Miles sitting on the s
I sat down, made her nnoft' r, and
44 Made her an oiler?made Mary an
fer ?" cried the doctor and his wife i
breath.
4'I did so ; I was not aware 1 had d
I anvthiiu? so nuirvolloiK1'
"Marvellous!" cried Louisa, " w
bless my heart, we all thought that ;
were in love with Augusta."
" Indeed!" said the baronet, " I am
aware that I have ever shown suci a st
of nnud."
"Oh, perhaps not," said Stevens, "I
you see, you-were always going there.1
" Certainly; hut Mary lives at home
well as Augusta."
"Oh, yes, Jack! but then, you kn
wo never thought for a moment of M
getting married."
"l)id you not ??but 1 have though
it for a great many moments though. /
now, my dear fellow, pray excuse '
short visit?1 only called to tell you
news. Good bye."
"Good bye," said Louisa ; " I wish ;
jov.
" And 1 hope you will go and see li
Augusta is, ma lain," replied our burnt
making his exit.
Stevens and his wife looked gravely
each other. " A pretty mistake we h
made, lxs?," said the doctor, at last
j " Think of Mary being Lady (.'late !"
" Ah ! think of it, indeed ." said Lou
" 1 am quite astounded, and shall js>p
I directly and go and see her."
etiAerxn vui.
1 The wedding was all nminged, and
| day fixed. Augtista was of course to
one of the bridesmaids, and a favo
friend of Mary's the other. "Wc can
pretend to enter into the feelings of
former at this juncture, 'olit certain it
1 that, *f aim felt any mortification, she 1
! womanly pride enough to conceal it; i
: (Hwiuuwivuuinnn iM'ffc, It'JOl
; at the approaching c ?*nt with the ns
'her family. She h;l never lo\ed
: John Clare, law a titled husband 1
! something worth tiding for. 11 owe
j she consoled herself w ith the reflect
that Itcnry Mercer, a ne v admirer of h
was quito sis rich sut the baior.ei, and
course she conic) soon mas an entire t
quest over him ; and eve; if she she
Hot, there was Mr. Pitzgcru <1, and yot
Maunders, and a whole train of others/
had discovered that she wa a l>esiul
and fascinasing girl, hut wh . in rca!
had no thought of trying > lu-ther
would prove a good and affect mate v
Well, the happy day arri\?K. and
readers inust pan Ion our oinittii ' to <
cribe it. A beautiftil bride, richl) droa
a handsome bridegroom, a splcndi< dej
Ac., Ac., aro very nice things, bui ur
tunately, rather common-place, and w
we tell cur readers that all went on v
and that the happy pair departed o
oountiv tour, we nave told enough.
** ' <* '
CIIAITKR IX.
Twelve years had elapsed since the ev
recorded in the fonuer part of our
Twelve years, what an age to look
ward to?what a slight space to look 1
upon. We beg our readers to fancy tl
elves in an elegant house in Port
Square, where the splendid drawing-;
is filling with company.
the | Apart from the rest of the guests, on !
may j sofa, sat Mrs. Stevens and her aged mo
! then
(Veil | " LouL?a," said the latter, M look at La
lure i dy Clare?now see how elegantly she i
dressed, how gracefully she bends to cacl
ave. guest, and how happy aud blooming sir
, " I looks. Now look at her sister, doomtn
to remain Augusta Miles flow I am cer
and J tain?look at her now, I say, her wrinkle*
s. i brow, her thin face, and that expres?itm o
ve," | uneasitless that has long ago spoilt he
| Ix-auty. Twelve yeftf3 ago, this day, Lou
it, of isa, I told you that Marv woftld be mar
! ried first?you see I was right; Augusts
met, will, of course, l>e sin old maid."
." " You were right,- indeed, mother," sau
brsi- Louisa Stevens, but still there is no dis
you ; grace in being sm old maid, you know.'
me ' No disgrace sit all, ceftainly," replies
, did Mrs. Andrews, "when the lady is eonten
tod or desirous of being one. Hut whci
si young woman spends her youth in ma
laeuveringto get a husband, and sifter end
I,m
.v.-.- ini.iuouH ians, evidently much to lie
j disappointment, why, then, if it is not i
pose disgrace, it is u subject for pardonable ri
sat dictilc. There is not a young man of he
nice 1 acquaintance that Augusta has not triet
i to chain. When her views for her pros
was | out brother-in-law wore defeated, my friem
llenry Mercer, was her next object. Wei
j you see, the result was, he saw througl
i her plan, was disgusted, and finally mar
re a ried a very plain unattractive girl. Tliet
do James Fitzgerald was lixed upon by on
! coquettish relation ; he went suddenly t<
?m." i India without taking leavo of her. Thci
me! | Frederick Saunders was to be caught, am
1 tell it seemed more likely to be a match thai
the rest, till she was prudent enough to gt
t it, ilirting to the opera with that young col
I lege friend of Alfred's. Then she lifts hat
face more beaux, that I know nothing about
ul:" and the end of it is that poor Mary,wlion
1 at ! she secretly despised, is a rich baronet'.'
irge j wife with a handsome house, an excellent
ong husband, plenty of money, and three sweet
iu?r- 1 children. Alfred has been married a ycai
iet; ] and is prospering, and Aucrusta?whv
'wyanu Sc.,;rlgw ,,rothcr and
>U,d ?jx?!n!hrs i IX'jd ,r?'" ? cf * lmrry," said
' , i ? some orders to n
[!ful j ~ " V go to tlie roil
V* u TTovr. Ttyr A Wrt Wme.'
she , ttere JVLlBtefVl Will Annul
ule. i y?\, > j j I, with a vain at
our i Jem] ?**?-., g, r?, Ocorjjr Olmm
Jew- bens ?* > noraan tub,
wed, jyoor la^KY TfJI^f; V
km, i Geoi,? 'heir line. V
itor- j " lo lo / A and health?-t<
Iw.m a)iui>o viltl. 4 J
in n ami your ?or
k ell, j rows, your . ,'ard. I>o you pron
a miser, J.
Another nod.
"And you, Mrt '' 'I mire to take thi
man lo ho your hi wwf
A nod And a Idt im Mary.
<uta ?-To Jove him?ho. Vim f
tide. Another nod. 1
for- . "And obey him.?* ^
t>a< k A doubtftd look from Mary,
ion - "Iu all thing* trnar.nable! added tin
inai clergyman; and *he aodded. 4 And b
oom make him a true andttfbcfioiiat* wife, d<
you pioniwef
"ii i h|u- is certainly an old maid P
:ine i THE ODD BRIDEGROOM.
< 11
111 PAVI. CllEYTON.
iii - ! ?
A \ oung clergyman sat in lii.s studi
" 1 | com posing a sermon. It was a bright
pl.v l spring morning, ami in order to concen
h'H\ . tratc lii> thoughts upon the subject of th<
?'ta. discourse he was writing. Mr. Barton was
?' | obliged to close, the window blinds, ami
1 j shut out the beauty of nature, whtch tc
!? a | him was so nttract'vc. In an obscure
: light, liis pen was beginning to move
one i (juito rapidly, when the wind blew the
j blinds open again, and sent his lnanuhv,
1 s ript tlnitering across the floor. The sunvoii
; ]i;r|,t gushed in, and at the same lime
Mr. Burton's ideas flew out.
,lot He turned in his chair and looked out
ate ' of the window. Beauty eharined his eye,
! and the music of singing hirds fell freshly
,ub ! on liis ear. Nature at that moment api
peared considerably more attractive than
i as 1 Theology. The green leaves of the trees
i caused him to forget the leaves of his manow,
u^ npt. The plumage of the birds made
?? >' him disgusted with his grey goose quill,
Yet Mr. Burton felt that he ought to labor
' that morning.
n"l In casting about him, to find an exausc
this for ;l |;U|c idleness, he saw a chaise driv
",c l ing down the street, and stop ltefore his
i own door. A rri*n\ lrt??V.I>w# .-1 1- 1
.. SV,?VI ..nruill^, MIIIHin MTi'Syou
ivM] young man, helped o?.' a pretty,
I graceful girl; ami they >n<>tiiitc 1 the steps
low | together. Mr. Burtoa heaid 'lit* doorllcb
i Ih'11 ring; and prcsunth a dnm.?uc came
| to inform him that ayouug gentleman and
' n* I ladv wished to set! him on business.
aVe i ?. y marriage, I am sure, thought the
| clergyman, smiling.
! lie vas not mistaken. Thcyimginn'i,
isa; i jn ;i fV;? d?, oil-handed manner, told him
out | he had called for tin' purpose of being
I inorrieil t-> his umponion; and the girl's
i bluslu-s told (he . une story1.
Very wil,saidMr. Burton : "I run althe
w ays ready to n,alrc young people happy.
Ik* \'o? lov efleli other L"
rite , li"Wc v. uld wait a day or two if we
not | did not,"' repl'cd the youth,
utu : lli. com anion blushed again,
t ?S "Have y u witnesses?" asked the clcrlad
! gynian.
ind not rieli," answered the brided-d
o.lP.tk*. ?V)ought I could not afford
( ( low -is .'..a lie anv Df ouj. friend*
" 11ashki.tinvv"!;;ul^havi
w n- , Vou will call ui someti?
Mu'it HaVO 1 ' **'" #aid the clcrr.
1L VI Mi: i
J-i t ill X) U II ').
i ] Mary gave a decisive nod. Mr. Hurton
>- added a few words more, and pronounced
them man and wife. Mary wiped hef
eyes and George drew a long breatli.?
? fhe clergyman then made out bis marj
riage ecrtlficntej to which the witnesses
e put the.-r names, and ended by ^giving
1 them to the newly married couple, togc*
ther with a few words of advice. At the
1 same time George slipped something into
f his hand, done up in a piece of white par
per. Afterwards, the bride and the hride
groom rode oil* in the chaise; the house
Keeper went to the kitchen laughing.?
r llurton returned to his bocks, and the
clergyman to his sermon.
1 jC- ? ? - - -
- I J.** mciniivr sai uowu to write, think
, ing of the queer marriage < n monv lie
" had just performed, lie listl-ssiv unfolded
lithe bit of paj>er the bridegroom hail
- : plaeeil in his hands. l\;rhaj>-'lie preach11
j er was curious to know how much so odd
- a man had feit able to pay for his mar
riage certificate.
r j From the size of the piece, Mr. Huriou
i 'judged that his fee must he something
- handsome. It was larger than a h df-oar
gle, larger even than an eagle, Could it
1 be a twenty dollar piece I 'ike pa{?< r l?o
ing folded and refolded, it was .some time
1 before the clergyman could get at the coin.
1 His euriosify by this time w as o nsivleral >ly
i excited. At length he saw s omething
w glitter. It was a new, reil?cunt! Mr.
i Burton was a little disappointed,
r laughing at the ludicrous mistake,
J locked tne cent up in his d- d., and di
ed himself to bis sermon during t!:?
1 maindcr of the forenoon.
i Sbfyenrs j>assed aWay. The suae--?
) clergyman w as one Otcuing surprised
- a visit from a stranger. A handson
1 dressed fine looking man lifted his 1
, bowed respectfully, and off;r- .l Mr. I n
i ton his hand.
i "Your memory is better tl .a min<. if
t we have ever met before,'1 1 tin c
L gyraan.
r "My name is (loorge Chambers."
, Mr. Burton had forgotten that he had
ever known such tin individual.
" 1 think I can refresh yom memory
mentioning an incident," said Ucoigf
"Do you remember marrying a couple,
years sigo, and receiving for your trou! .
j the fee of one cent f
Mr. Burton laughed, went ! > liis desk,
' and took from a small drawer a little r I
t of paper. Unfolding this, he produe. >1
the copper in question.
i "Yes, I rememl?er all about it now."
i "Well, sir, 1 am the man?
I "I remember your oountcnanc* .'
? "You undoubtedly supposed 1 intended
! to insult you !"
t No?1 thought you were p? r."
"So I was. I did not know that I
could afford to give yon any nn.ro. Ma.
riage. yon know, is a sort of h .'.ten-. 11 a< i
I given you five or ten dollar . and got a
poor wife in return, you must conless ii
would have been a miserable bargain.?
Well, sif, the wife you gave no 1 a pviz<.
It has taken me six yeah* t > lital oal all
her virtues, and now I have c<1 > make
you a suitable acknowledged.
lie plaeed a purse in the hands of the
astonished minister, who 1m itatcd tone
cept it.
"You need not serunle to t mi., if tl>nnL -
J to my wife, I am now a tolerably rich
I man.
The odd bridegroom took l.i- departure.
; Mr. Hurton examined the contents <>t tin'
| jair.se w ith lively curiosity ; and lie was
not a little surprise and gratified to find
r that they consisted of ten half-eagles,
bright, shining?apparently fresh from the
mint.
And that was the last the clergyman
ever heard of the bridegroom.
llr. At TV of Women1.?1 there "<a >
beauty and a charm in l!i:.i \ra.de
I and veneeiaU-1 w.imun, v.h- ..t tieI
majestv of agelxtside tlie 1>7tv.\.Y ..f her
.son; slie who mined him in i.f : , ten.i,
ed him in youth, counselled h.ini in .
hood, anil who now dwell. as tutelary
goddess of his household? What a host
of blessed meirfhries are linked with that
mother even in her reverence and chair
days! What a multitude of sanctfjing
associations surround her ai.d make her
lovely, even to the verge of ilio grave. Is
there not a charm iu that matronly woman
who Is looking fondly on tho child
I In her? Thereis a holy infhu nec armind
' her and does not the observer at on. n
! pronounce her lovely? V.'hat though
the fire and linnment of youth are thd.
Time has given far more thnn ho has
taken away. And is there nut a beaut v
and a charm in that fair girl who is
i kneeling before that matron?her own
womanlf sympathies just opening t<> active
I life, as she folds tho playful infant to her
1 bosom. All are V?eautiful?tl oju nitig t<?
i active life, and the callousInvrt, stimulant
I for passion, only shows that it has no
' correct sense of beauty.
Tlio following is an inscription on a
5 tombstone in Massadinsett :
11 came in the morning?It was Spring
A *wt i -?:f^i
ivim i r>i?iwru?"
* I walked out at noon?It was Summer,
Audi wna glad?
I sat me down at even?It was Autumn
And I w:w aad?
i I laid me down at night?It was \V inter,
And I slept.
If a man will reap'whataoevrr he sowcth,'
what a liarvest of coata and hreeeht-a the
tailor will have one of theae days!
There are three or foor tiling* w liioh it
' looks awkward for a woman to do to ?wt.u
* tie, to throw htone* at a cow, ?moko rofgfct,
1 m . llfnh a garden fence. *
" - " *