The Illinois free trader. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1840-1841, 1841-05-28
OTTAWA, ILLINOIS, FRIDAY, MAY 90, 1o41.

tne SUangcr-yOuiu was hose Mason, the
$ iaircst flower that bloCmcd on the banks
of the Ohio. She was the adopted daught
5 or of Col. Zane, the intimate friend Of hen
5 gallant father, who had lost his life in !
: desperate conflict with the Indians, during
, the early stages of the war. Rose had re-
, cclycd her education at one of the best sem
inaries the sold settlements" afforded in
those days but she had imbibed no sent.
mcnt that destroyed the native simplicity
OF her manners. She was a young lady
of fine intellect; and her heart was filed
with affection and gentle sympathics, to
the exclusion ofevery unworthy PASSION
Although she was dclicately sensible TO
every thing unbccoming her sex, she saw
no improperly in contributing all in her
power towards allcviating the sullerings
of fellow mortal. She volunteered her
services cheerfully to act the part of nurse
to the patient. She felt rational pleasure
in supplying the invalid with every little
comfort which his situation required. I'm
der her soothing ministration Elliott re-
gained his health.
The youth now often spoke Of continu-
ing his journey 10 Kentucky Day after
day, however, passed by, and he still re-
manned at Wheeling. lnsparseH popula-
ted regions strong personal attachments
are quickly formed. The manly bearing
of Elliott had rendered him iavouritc a.
mong the settlers, and they stongly urged
him to abandon his original intention, and
remain where lie was. 10 this PROPOSE
ton he declared he could not acccdc; but
l when the image of Rose Mason presented
I Itself before his minds eye, he was near
attempted 10 recall his words.
, Hpce the arrival of young Frazier, a
nc" Aeling had found its way into Roses
iioar'-1 feeling which she was unable
10 eNpiaN When he spoke TO her abou,
Ills OK pccN departure, shade of mel
j aiicho'y "o'l ovcrsprcad her countcn-
ahcc anu pan completely the bright
s,nl'o s'' s; os"I,' dwelt upon it. There
$ was no d,sslmulaAq in tic maiden; she
c felt that his bsenc1youM cause her to
!. be unhappy, and SIN took no pains to
a conceal the sorrow wy which She con-
: tcmplated the event.
y "Elliolt," said she, d dov ovou
n must agree to remain wilh\ We can.
= not spare you"
C at will never do!'' cxch med ,ho
of you,li.-'I have been idling my q 10 hero
f. too long already; and I'll jump Soarl
&c the first boat that passes down the rAr ;,
s. ave will all feel very unhappy IN,
1t you are gone"
g "Not more so than | will, Rose" r,
'r piled Elliott. "The happiest days of m
. lile," he continued, "wcre those of m
h recent sickness. If it were not wicked
r could almost pray for another opportunit
lc TO have you for my ministering angel"
I'd "Elliott ~
Iii "Forgive me Rose. felt deep sens
: of gratitude for your kind attentions, an
t. | knew not how to express it,"
ig 81 am going TO Short Greek to-moI
to row, to visit friend said Rose, San
a you must go with me-"
ut cit is hard to refuse you" replied Ell
IL Oft; "but may miss an opportunity
$, descending the river if GO with YOU
!, !; The water is up now, and boats may |
n expected tomorrow.
- 81 will not excuse you," said Rose
lit "a day or week is Of no consequence
nd you. If you miss the first boat, you c;
TT, wait for another"
mt "Truc but
ar 81 will listen TO 30 more objections
!cr interrupted the maiden "you must
N my companion to Short creek, tome
r row."
Nv "And why not for lilc!' asked Ell
Oft.
he No reply was made to this questio
he Rose had not anticipated such an int,
m rogatory nor did its full meaning, at fir
IN flash upon her mind. But when its II
ca sense became apparent to her, tn
st- went to her heart, and deep blush $
.lc- fused her check. For the first time, S
~, now found that she was in love- s
ass spoke in an altered tone, without ras
ar her head, which she had, unwilling
he east down.
"You will go with me o. she said.
lay "Most surely, dear Rose" replied
ne, liou, who was delighted to find that
cl- had no. offended her by the abruyn
fin of his words. ~ can refuse you ne
ned ing," he added; "and the boats u
mes come and go, by fleets, for all tina
un- care"
ibc 81 will depend upon you" said
hen maiden, as She left him; for Roses II
Urn, was filled with such strange ideas
ow- she was glad to seek solitude.
ing Soon after the sun had risen on
,rly following day, Elliott Frazier was be
'est- the door busted in cleaning his ril
pom Lewis Wclzel just then approached
s at from 'he dncctA q Of the high hill IN
ndi- of the fort.