Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1842-04-08
TIE STRAEAGE.M.

III really don't know which l love best"
said Jane Manvers to her friend Maria Weston,
as she returned from splendid party where
she was s'the admired Of all admirers" VIM.
Stanton or Frederick English. Out host Of
admirers that my fortune, now am an heiress,
has brough: to my feet, | have selected them.
They are neither rich-both are filled with
sentiments Of honor as far as expressions and
general conduct. Both love me. Neither
have expressed it 10 strong terms-but either
only wait for the necessary encouragement,
am sure to pop the question. They may, 1t is
an ungenerous thought-but canuot help en-
tertaining it, love my fortune and not me. Do
you know, Maria, l have strong thoughts Of
putting their love 10 the test!'
"How can you do it :"
II have thought of way. You may re-
member that had cousin who was supposed
to be lost at sea, and the property which has
made poor unnoticed girl so much cour,ed,
was to be his. if be were living"
Eyes, but you have had full and positive
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 pa
pers that my cousin is not dead as was suppo-
sed.-To give up for time, my splendid essab-
Iishment, and to retire into comparative power
~. 1t is said that Kings and Heiresses rare
~ hear the truth from the fatterers by whom
they are surrounded. 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 curl
GUS to see how James admirers dropped Oft
one by one. Her two lovers waited upon her
at first in her retirement, and Jane was more
puzzled than ever which to choose. Frede-
rick English's visits, in short time, became
more like angel's-that is, few and far be-
tween-while William Stanton's were coz
slant.
Upon one Of them, he said, "My dear Miss
Manvers, have known you long. In the
days of your prosperi;y-surrounded as You
were by many lovers who were affinent, DID
no. dare disclose TO you passion which had
fels from the moment knew you, and which
has grown and strengthened with my acquain-
lance. Now that you are poor like myself, the
difidence which had else Theoretically sealed
my lips from divulging my hearts passion, is
removed. ! am not affiuent, but can support
you with repectability at least, and II you will
accept for your husband one who loves you
devo,edly, do not think you will ever regret
the hour that makes you mine. AT least, |
will try never to give you cause.
II believe you dear William" said Jane,
''and if you will accept beggar, for ! am lit
tie better
= .Say not so, dearest-I cannot listen to such
wrong even from your lips" :.
sYonr fortunes will not suffer by the union.
"That they never can. When shall our
marriage take place :"
"Next week, if you WILL"
"At your lodgings here -
"No, at the house of friend. Call for me,
and we will proceed together there"
At the day appointed, William, was in rea-
diness, accompanied by Frederick English
They were both surprised at the magnifcence
Of James attire. and thought somewhat out OF
character with her circumstances, but how
much more surprised were they when stepping
into carriage with Jane and Maria. they were
driven to James former residence, and found
her still the mistress and the heiress, and learn
ed the plot by which she tested her lovers.
The way Frederick cursed himselfand his for
tune twas not slow"
Girls, you who possess money, make 1t .
point to find out, before the irrevocably knot is
tied, whether you are loved for yourselves or
your fortunes.