The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-11-04
picon lest be might he hurrying on a deed invo w.

ing future misery. He was at his wits end TO
discover the true standing of the young woman,
who evidently was so far in disguise that she was
not the rece of the person she termed uncle and
aunt Her p'ebeanism could not be maintained ;
her whole bearing was of the highest order, while
their den.eanor declared them for a station greatly
inferior. In heI interc ,use with them the utmost
respect was invariably observed; but in theirs to-
wards her, there was less of the confidence of pa
lernal rights than of deierenlia subserycncy. The
uncle made more than one excursion to the city:
for plain the attire Of the females, they did
moi affect simplicity TO that degree as always to
appear in the same dress. The old mans GRAND
evidently had some connection with this, for he
returned with extra luggage.
Anderson, suspecting that he might again be
subjected to solitude, resolved to accompany the
uncle on his next visit; and as the only mode of
clearing up his doubts, intended on the passage to
obtain if possible the secret fora the old gentle
man. But although met by him with the utmost
cordially, he found that he had been too strictly
schooled to divulga more than that the young la
dy was no widow, and was yet single; that her
parents, who bad been able 10 give her n decent
education, were both dead that she had compe-
tency TO keep her above want, and had volunteer
ed TO accompany her friends to America, it being
their intention to settle somewhere in the Uued
States as farmers.
81 have hereto only known the young woman
by the name of Selma said Anderson. "IIave
you any objection to tell me hel other name !"
"Names," replied williamson, care of little
consequence. We call her Selma only, and she
likes her friends to call he, by no other. The
very word Miss is i'll applied" The conversation
then turned on some other subject, and the trav-
ellers on their arrival separated to their respective
lodgings, Anderson, INDUCED in sage reflection,
made up his mind to propose marriage without fur
Their prelude, on his return TO West Point
Being welcomed by the lady with unGeigned
pleasure, he easily found an opportunity the same
day He minated that it would naturally be ex-
pccted he should give some account Of himself he
was therefore ready to furnish references to per-
sons of the first responsibility in New York; but
duplicated that due diligence should be used that
his happiness might not be delayed. Selma did
not hang down her head, look sheepish, or answer
cyasyely, as many silly woman think it pretty TO
do on such occasions. She replied honestly, that
the encouragement she had though, |, not improper
to give Capt. Anderson must have assured him that
the proposed union would not be rejected. She
supposed, she added, that reciprocity must be ex-
pccted Of her, and she lamencd it, should he in
sIs on its necessity. 81 ask but your namc,' in
terruptcd Anderson, "and that YOU say il You are
indeed related to these good people!'
"You may well say "good," she REPLIED "they
are truly most worthy couple who for their en-
collence have chosen as guardians and confden-
tia friends; but we are not indeed related and |
AIN IN orphan, You, Capt Anderson, should
have taken wilhou, inquiry who You are, other
than what my own penetration has found you TO
be, or what YOU may be beyond what | believe
you, Il man Of honor and merit. That am not
destitute is all that shall declare; the expectation
of support in marriage need not contemplate
What am in other respects you have had sufi-
Gent opportunity to discover" Farther than this.
the lady would not, if she could, give reference -.
Family Names" she continued, "aya nothing in
my case. What mine is may only be of use to at
ties, my faith at the alter; and elsewhere would
decline diyulgng it in this country"
Something in the shape of interrogation was sag
gos'cd, as to what might he the desire ITO future
residence. So wise was the lady's remarks us TO
the propriety of "leaving wcgh,y matters to be
settled when occasion should call them up" that
no more was urged on the subject
The parties returned 10 the hotel, Of one accord
in all things. a most amicaLle understanding sub
sisted between them, which resulted in dc,ermi.
nation to marry on given day near at hand. The
Captain himself thought proper 10 communicate
his design in despatch by mail TO an intimate
friend in the city, in words something to this eff
feet "When least looked for, my dear friend,
have found that which have iastidiousIy been
seeking many years, Rapair by fridays boa, to
the Military Academy at West point You will
Just be in time TO witness contract of which am
no, ashamed, although ally myself to n namcless
orphan, without other ATTRACTIONS than striking
sense and unpretendng simplicity"
Friday came, and on the boats appearance
Capt. Anderson, nbhed no otherwise Than usual,
presented himself at Tic landing place, and smi-
ingy extended his hand to his expected friend
for explanation was cut of,,as several
passengers were ascending the hill at the same
time, and the conversation became general. Two
gentlemen in particular addressed themselves oc-
casonally 10 the Captains friend, though i. evil
IDENTITY appeared that they were but acquuinlanccs
Of the moment.