The ladies' garland. [volume] (Harpers-Ferry, Va. [W. Va.]) 1824-1828, 1827-07-07


and she could not hel p thinking, if she were
ly twenty years younger, and unmarried, how
many sweethearts she should get
Dame Easy had all the joy to herself, for
poor Gillian wretched being attached to
L4ubn, an honest lad, who had been brought up
IN neighboring village with his uncle. He had
asked the consent of farmer and dame Easy TO
| marry Gillian, who had agreed to it; and he
was now gone to the west country to ask his
fathers consent also, and on his return, the
wedding was to take place Immediately Gillian
| could not bear the thoughts of giving up Lubin,
| who was young and handsome, for old Steady,
who was ugly and formal. She did not care for
! riches; she would rather milk the cows and feed
| the poultry, with Lubin for her husband, than
| be the greatest lady of the. land without him
but her mother told her she must marry AIR.
Steady Gillian believed that no young woman
ever dared to disohey her parents; and she
knew her mother would be obeyed, for her ia
ther did every thing she bid him, and never said
| nay. Gillian was taken to live In the great
house, was dressed out in nice clothes had
masters TO teach her the useful arts, and ser
wants to wait on her; but Gillian was very IN
happy; day and night she thought Of Lubin,
and when alone, was always in tears. She was
afraid to tell Mr.. Steady that she dlsliked him and
loved another; still hoping Lubin would return
and find some way of getting her out Of Mr..
Steady hands; and, if she was but once the
wife Of Lubin, why then it would be her duty
to obey him, and no sin to dsobey her mother.
Day after day she watched and waited, but
Lubln did not return; and her mother began to
taunt her, saying, he was unlalthiul and had
forsaken her; Gillian knew better she felt as
sured Lubin true she was always trying
his truth and in all her trials he was ever con
slant: when she tied her carriers round the bed
post, repeated verses nine times, and went back
wards into bed. she was sure to dream of Lubin;
or, if she put apple pippins on her cheeks, and
gave them names, Lubin was sure to stick close,
though all the rest fell off; then, if she pared
a turnip and threw the rind over her head, it
would be sure to make the letter L.. and, there
fore, to doubt him was impossible, yet she was
very unhappy at the delay She feared he was
very i'll, or his father would not consent but
how to get letter to him was the difficulty So
she had money enough (for Mr.. Steady gave
her plenty to pay any body well. yet who to
trust she could not tell; and if they were to be-
tray her, what could she then do? Mr. Steady
would send her home, and her mother would
perhaps turn her out of doors
1t was trying situation; she knew not what
was to become Of her; it was now the 29th of
April, and on Mayday she was to be married:
the wedding clothes were making, but the pref
ty white silk dress, all trimmed with satin rib
bon, so fine and handsome, to her looked very
ugly indeed The mantuamaker was Just gone,
| and she was sitting crying when Floretta came
IN. Floretta was her waiting maid, goodna-
tured, smart girl, who grieved to see her young
mistress 50 continually unhappy; but she feared
! to own her nifty, or try to serve her with Lubin,