The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1837-12-09

THE DOCTOR DISTRESSED;


do At home9" This remark was addressed to a
stout. rosy matronly looking woman OF nifty, who
was seated by the fire knitting. and who acted IN
the double capacity of companion and house
keeper to the reverend gentleman.
oHumph!' responded Mrs. Grams, without
raising her eyes from her work. "Do! why, he
will do as most young people do in his circum-
stances; cut dash rs long as his money lasts,
and when It's all gone depend upon his wealthy
relations to pay his debts
'sHe's an extravagant dog; but | can't think so
harshly of poor Harry. No, no, Mary Grams;
the half pay of lieutenant in the army is but a
rihe, mere trile. must allow him something
yearly to keep up his place in society," This
said in hesitating under tone, and with
timid glance at the housekeeper, whose counte-
nance, now pale, now red, betrayed considerable
marks of agitation.
s.Oh, your reverence may do as you please
with your money, but am sure, !: were IN
yonr place, would never deprive myself of my
little comforts to encourage young man III his
idle and expensive habits If his half-pay is not
enough to support him, let him do as many better
men have done before him--join Don Pedro at
Oporto."
"'Tis a hard alternative" said the doubling but
compassionate doctor.
Mot at all, sir" replied the crafty Mrs.
Grams He's fine young man; let him try his
fortune in matrimony, and look out for rich
wife,
Nonsense said the doctor, whilst frown
drew his gray bushy eyebrows SO closely to-
gether that they formed shaggy line across his
wrinkled forehead ''The boy would never be
so absurd In his circumstances 'twould be mad
ness Pshaw! he's too sensible to think of such
a thing
a.; IL al
replied Mrs. Grams, frowning in her turn; for
well she knew the aversion the doctor had to
matrimony.
'And old people foo,' said the doctor with a
bitter smile; Sin which they show their want OF
wisdom
Il hope, sir, you don't mean me by people.
am not an old woman. 1t is my own fault
that | am single. The foolish respect enter
tanned for your reverence" she added, adroitly
applying her handkerchief to her eyes, ''made
me reject many advantageous offers. But
thought il better to enjoy the company of clever
man, and contribute to his domestic comforts
than to be the mistress of house of my own
''You were wise woman, Mary Grams,
said the doctor, greatly softened by this piece o
flattery "a married life embraces many cares
We are free from them. Our rest is unbroke1
by the squallng of children and no, urnal lee
lures. You may bless God that you are wha
you are"
''Indeed, DR.. Beaufort" said Mrs. Mary, in {
sulky tone, 81 never trouble the Almighty witt
blessing him for such small mercies; and since
we are upon the subject of marriage, | think j
right to inform you that I have received an offe
of marriage Just now; and to convince you that
am neither old, nor ugly, nor dcspised think
shall accept it."
ssWhat do you mean, Mrs. Orams?' said the
astonished old bachelor, sinking back in his chair
and staring the housekeeper full in the face.
s'To marry
''YOu are not in earnest!' .... ..
'tQuite serious"
"A woman of your years, Mrs. Orams.''
''Pray, sir, don't mention my years.
'sOh, l forgot; but what in the world can in
duce you to marry!'
81 wish to change my condition; that's all"
ssAre you not comfortable here!"
ssWhy, yes, tolerably comfortable; but one get:
tired of the same thing forever. Besides, | dom
choose to be despised.'
ssDespised! Who despises you!"
ssYour neices, and their MOTHER
"Mrs. Hartford and her daughters!"
eyes They are jealous of the good opinion
your reverence entertains for your poor servant
There's not one of them will speak civil wore
for me; and this fine Mr.. Henry, YOU are so font
of, the last time he was at home, had the impu
dence to call me, a respectable woman, toad,
to nv face. He might well have called M
a bad woman at once | have been nsulted an,
ill-treated by the whole family, and rather than b
thought to stand in their way, which your rever
ence well knows is not the case, continued Mrs
Grams, casting shrewd glance at the alarmed
old man, Il will marry, and leave you and tlle1
you know, sir, shall no longer be servant
hut hove a hnuse nj m own -
"And who is to be your husband?'
'Only Mr. Archer, Squire Talbot's steward,
said Mary, simpering, and looking down into he,
capacious lap. ''Your reverence can make nc
objection to him. He is regular church goer
and never falls asleep in the midst of your rever
ence's sermons, most of the other parishoners
do. IT'S true he is somewhat advanced in years
but who can attend to an old mans comforts SC
well as his wife! What hireling can take such ar
interest in his welfare, and all his domestic con
Germs! Gray hairs are honorable, as Solomon
says; and he has plenty Of money withal''
DR.. Beaufort groaned aloud during Mary's elo-
auent harangue on the advantages to be derived
from the Archer connexion, which he suddcnl,
cut short by exclamng in mournful tones, can,
what am | to do when you are gone, Mrs
Orams!' For he perceived, with no small
alarm, that the affair was likely to prove of