Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-04-17
THE STRATAGEM.


81 really don't know who love best"
said Jane Manvers to her friend Marian
Westwell, as she returned from splendid
party where she was the admired of all
ADMIRERS William Stanton or Frederick
English. Out of host of admirers that
my fortune, now that am an heiress, has
brought to my feet, | have selected them.
They are neither rich-both are filled with
sentiments of honor as far as expressions
and general conduct go. Both love me.
Neither have expressed it in strong terms
but either only wait for the necessary
encouragement, / am sure, to pop the ques-
ton. To either, my fortune would be an
advantage. They may-it is an ungener-
Gus thought--but cannot help entertain
| ing it, love my fortune, and not me. Do
you know, Marian, have strong thoughts
of putting their love TO the test!"
allow can you do it,"
IL have thought of way. You may
remember that had cousin who was
supposed to be lost at sea, and the property
which had made a poor, unnoticed girl so
much courted, was to be his, if he were
living"
Yes, but you have had the full and pos
tive proofs of his decease."
Il know it, but the world does not, nor
can my two favored lovers be acquainted
with the fact. therefore propose to state
in the papers that my cousin is not dead as
was supposed. To give up for time, my
splendid establishment, and retire into COM
parative poverty. 1t is said that Kings
and heresses rarely hear the truth from
the hatterers by whom they are surround
ed. This will at least test my friends
What think you of my plan!"
"Excellent--try it by all means"
The idea was acted upon, and it was Gu
rious to see how James admirers dropped
off one by one. Her two lovers waited
upon her at first in her retirement, and
Jane was more puzzled than ever which to
chose. Frederick Englsh's visits in a short
time became more like angeps--that is few
and far between-whle William Santon's
were constant.
Upon one of them he said, "My dear
Miss Manvers, l have known you long.
In the days of your prosperity
as you were by many lovers who were
affluent, and | did not dare to disclose to
you passion which had felt from the
moment knew you, and which has grown
; and strengthened with my acquaintance
Now that you are poor, like myself, the diff
fdence which had else Theoretically sealed
my lips from divulging my hearts passion
is removed. | am not affluent, but / cal
support you with responsibility at least
- and if you win accept for your HUSBAND
one who loves you devotedly,I do not thinl
that you will ever regret the hour tina
makes you mine. At least will try neve
:, to give YOU cause"
: 81 believe you, dear William" said Jane
"and if you will accept beggar, for l an
D little better"
H. "Say not so dearest--I cannot listen t.
ID such wrong even from your lips"
oil "Your fortunes shall not suffer by the
union"
THAT they never can. When shall oul
. marriage take placer"
! "Next week, if you will"
i "At your lodgings here?"
q "No, at the house of friend. Call fol
E me, and we will proceed together there
At the day appointed, William was il
!, readiness, accompanied by Frederick En-
e glish. They were both surprised at the
/. magnifcence of James attire, and thought
), it somewhat out of character with her cir
T. cumstances, but how much more surprised
l. were they when stepping INTO carriage
> with Jane and Eliza, they were driven to
n James former residence, and found her still
d the mistress and the heiress, and learned TIT
:. pct by which she had tested her lovers
If The way Frederick cursed himself and hi
fortune was net slow.
Girls, you who possess money, make 1t
point of finding out before the irrevocaD,;
r knot is tied, whether you are loved fol-
t yourself or your fortune.