Madison Whig advocate. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1839-1841, 1840-02-15
Fron- tie La3g's Bo9k.
The last offer.
- -. -.

And so, Cara, you have rejected Mr.
llneiord-l own | do regret IT," said
Mrs. Crosby to her niece.
My dear aunt, would you wish me to
marry widower with as many children
as followed JohH Rogers to the stake but
whether there were nine or ten has al
ways been puzzle 10 me. Do you think
Mr.. Iineford could solve that question
wish had asked him." said the young
lady, looking very demure.
''ir. Tneford has but three children,
as you very we'll know" said Mrs Cross
by.
But YOU know, also, my dear aunt.
that my Imagination always expatia,es
IN the Rule Of Three'-that is, making
three for one, which just brings out the
nine, without any remainder"
"Come, Clara, pray leave off this tri-
ling; 1t does not become you, and Mr.
IIDetord is not a character which should
excite ridicule," said Mrs. Crosby. grave
ly. You acknowledged yesterday, that
You thought him excellent, intelligent,
and agreeable"
Il do think him worthy Of nearly eve
ry good adjective in our language" said
Clara D.nsmore, earnestly. Il esteem
his character as highly as YOU debut
| could never think Of marrying him.
"Oh, Clara!"-
spare me, dear aunt. know all YOU
would urge in his favor. aud know. too.
many reasons which your tenderness for
my feelings would spare me. I am TWEEN
ty nlnc-O, wo is me, that | have arrj-
we'd so near the verge of old maldisn.
My beauty IS gone-nay, don't shake
your head--Aiiss Jones saws / ioak posi-
lively old, and that she Is quite shocked.
you know her benevolent affection for
nc,) to see such a change
Il do not see it, my dear CARY, nor is
1t so. Your cheek j. not as blooming as
It was At nineteen, bur there is at times
more lovely expression in your couUte-
nance, chasteued thoughttuiness. which
gives promise Of that tenderness ana
goodness y hich | know was always in
your disposition, bat which in The years
OF your brilliant youth, You did no. dis
play"
who would blame me Tor being vain
II they knew my aunt iiatte red me thu5t'
exclaimed Clara, tears of gratitude aud
pleasure filling her eyes. But | must
not nattcr myself, that others see with
a change; my mirror. as well rs Miss
Jones, reminds mo Of it; and the Young
ladies. those who were in my utrz=ry
when | came out, called me old''
I'll is great pity that the girls are
permitted 10 come out so young" said
Mrs. Crosby.
There is no use Of preven:iyes in nay,
case, dear aunt" replied Clara. smiling
with her usual cheeriu!ness. Il am
twenty-nine, with little beauty and 10
money at all. How can ever expect
another offer.
My dear child, it is none OF these mo- /
uvos which induce me TO wish TINS mar
rlage to take place" said Mrs. Crosby, /
bat know that Mr. Tine I
ford loves you; and lie estimates also /
your worth Of character, or ha would /
not, in the maturity Of his judgment, /
when he has reached such a high cntn I
ence In his profession, and acquired suca .
reputation, he would uot
has renew the homage he paid you zen /
years ago. | do not see how sou can /
nave the heart TO refuse him q second /
time
Simply because I have no heart % +
give him. said Clara. with a sigh. and I
men she gaily added, you know, aunt,
ne has been married, and appeared 70
owe his wife most tenderly-hc doubt
ess loves his children, SO that between
he regret that be is bound 60 cherish for
he memory OF tine one, and the affection
le must beslow On the other, there can
De little room in his heart for love TO-
yards me. This second dIsaPpo
viii uoI aict him; 50 DO not urge tine
match on his account
Il wish it on your own, dear Clara
Since the loss Of my property, b. the
allure of The bank, my whole coace rio
las been for you. by annuity will
ease with my life, and feel my strength
aiIing daily. Do not look 50 sorrowfal,
ny darIing, should welcome the change
With Joy, were your welfare secured
And 10 Mr TInelord would eHtrast
our earthly destiny with perfect conf
leuce."
Il wonder if there ever was good
said Clara, striving to
urn the conversation from her alnt7s III
ieahh. which she could never bear 70
Tear named, although she felt that there
vas hardly any hope tt4at sac could be
ayed.
-.fou would make a good one, Cara;
know your heart is overlooking with /
Elections and tender symPa-hIes YOU
would love those little children dearly
heir mother was your intimate friend
nd if their father was your husband.
iudying your happiness ana securing toI
-ou every rational source Of ENJOY nI5nts
-ou could not refrain from loving his
or rather you would feel that
hey were yours. cannot baar 70 think
-oa will finally refuse him, and b ielE 70 /
truggle alone with the hardships, and !
ares, and sorrows, which q single wo-
aan, without reIauons>or FORUMS, must
ncounter.a
.-How careful you are. my dear aunt
or my happiness said Clara, grateful
J. II wish | could follow your advice;
u should wrong Mr. Tineiorl's gsnsr-
IS heart ii married hin when do no
owe him.
..Tou would love him, Cara
.-Ohi never attempt 70 persuade ne