The Hawk-eye and Iowa patriot. (Burlington, Iowa) 1839-1843, 1840-03-05

the distance which separated him
from his parents, he caught himself
utterng-l am by no means sure
that Captain Seawall is not more than
half right, after all. / always thought
he was a sensible man, It is need.
less to say that, James Campbell was
warmly welcomed beneath the pater.
nal roof. He was beloved by his pa.
rents, and he deserved, by his correct
habits, and the integrity ofhis charac.
ter, all their affection. The fatted
calf was killed, on the occasion Of the
return Of the wanderer, and his pre-.
sence increased the joy and gladness
OF the happy family.
1t was but natural that James
should step over to Deacon Will
iams's the next forenoon, to inquire
after Harriet's health, and learn if
she had suffered any inconvenience
from her fright Of the previous even
ing. Indeed, polileness alone, would
have dictated this course. 1t is not
improbable that Harriet herself, ex-
pected something of the kind, for she
met him at the door, with smile that
would have softened the iron in the
bosom Of an anchorite--and was
dressed as neatly, and looked as pref
tily, as if she had just crept out Of the
handbook. The interview was, appa-
rently, pleasant one to both--an,l
James afterwards declared, and
doubt not truly, that he would rather
pass one such hour, in pleasant
room, by the side Of cheerful fire,
and in lively chat with virtuous and
intelligent girl, than to pass t,vo hours
on the weather main-topsail yard-arm,
hauling out the weather earrings for
close reef in snow-storm, on the
winters COAST
James afterwards had a long talk
with his sister, about Harriet Will
Jams. He had known but little OF
her for some years. He heard that
she was as good as she was beautiful
was dutiful and affectionate daugh-
ter, and a faithful friend; and, whis.
pered he to himself, such girl would
surely make an excellent wife. But
said his sister, smiling, and with 4
shake of her finger as she left the room,
take care, James, don't fall in love
with Harriet-there are many suit.
crs for her hand
The caution. however, came toe
late. Cupid's bird-bolt had already
flown. James could not contend a
gainst Harriet's laughing black eyes
musical voice, and captivating smiles
He had already made up his mind t.
surrender az discretion, but he hopee
she would be prevailed upon to gran
quarter. He had been SO long accus
toned to the ungainly forms, rougl
i language, and rugged features of hi
shlpmates on the previous voyage
that a woman, young and blooming
with cultivated mind, like Harrie
Williams, seemed to him like supe
rior being, sent by benignant Prov
: idence, to watt him to happiness.
J, James was not induced to chang
his determination by his sisters re
; marks. He surrendered at discre
: ton, but humbly sued for quarter
) and Harriet's looks correspondent wit
her character; she was not cruell
$ disposed. =,
: One evening, after he had been q
e home about ten days or a fortnigh
0 as the family were seated around til
/ supper table, his father turned t.
e wards his son, and said abruptly
James, how should you like to &C
n married?'
d James started as if a bullet ha
f been lodged in his thorax-'Marrie,
t sir!' repeated he.
= sYes, married. But it is too lat
e now.' rm
e Too ate?-married? Father,
y not understand you.'
} ''Why' replied the old gentlema
e s:to-morrow is Christmas day, and f,
n twenty successive years there h;
IF been wedding in the Campbell far
n lily on that day, which seemed to 81,
zest to our rejoicings, and aid US
1t celebrating the happy day which ga,
lie to the world the Savior of mankin
IS these marriages have always prospe
j. ed. Last year your cousin Jon;
e, was married; the year before tn;
n your sister Elizabeth; but this yea
'e among all your uncles, aunts and CO
t. sins, not one is ready to be marie
h on Christmas day. Ihope that 20
g. sister Maria will be ready by ne
TO- Christmas-and did at one time hol
IS that the slow moulded mortal, Zen
TO Blackwood, would have arrang
t. matters with your cousin HELEN,
r. as to be married tomorrow. cal
h. conceive what the numbskull has be-
h about. According to present pr
tie poets, they won't be married the
n three months, at least. | feel qui
provoked with him. IT'S too bad
r. have M wpddinr IN Christmas dav