Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1843-04-01


storm of fragrant leaves fell like sUow-ilakes a
over the rich old easy chairs and moss-lk carpt
which decorated the room. Ga curious littI
table, with legs carved and twisted together lk
knot of serpenis, lay guitar, with an azor
ribbon just attached, and as yet unused; super
old book -case, crowded iih neatly bound volume
stood opposite the bay window, and a h,il
French workable, perfectly new, occupied n col
ner close by.
Mss Warner flung herself on a seat, and ia
king up the guitar, began to tritle with the string
rs she turned with unpleasant smile iowas
I Lido.
"lIow would you like this room Tor your own !?
she said.
"Me" said Ida, family; 81 have never dream
/ ed of living III such place as this"
! "Bu, you live here if you like" reptile
the mliner.
"My mother we'll off once. and she woul
no, let me live oa,' for any ,hlng," SAID The ap
prentice, for she could only imagine that Mis-
Warner wished to engage her for help whe
she should take possession of the homestead '.be
sides, | am not strong enough for very har
/ work"
ooh, didn't mean ,hat,'' replied the MILL
ner; "Mr. Gilbert wants wife, and this lad
here has taken a fancy that he likes you ra the
better than he does her she is quite willing TIA
he makes YOU mistress Of the homestead, instea
Of herself"
s.Dan't say so-it is cruel to j,ke in this man
nern said the bewlldered girl. turning very pale
n An spr,ei lie quite sure that Mr. G.'ber, neve
voice, and she had look of troubled doub, in he
eyes, If she almost hoped they would contra
dict her.
''Bu, he does think of you-he told me so las
nigh,r said Miss Warner; sand If | am willing
to give him up, what harm can come of lt?'
"And could you give him up?" said Ida, clasp
ing her small hands with energy which be
spoke her astonishment tha, could resign, o
her own free will, a being perfect.
sob, Mr. Gilbert is not the only agreeable mar
on earih,'' replied the young lady, removing the
azure ribbon from her neck, and laying dowr
the guitar" Il am perfectly willing to resign hin
al any moment-so prepare for tho wedding to
morrow, if YOU like!"
AS she spoke, Miss Warner and her companion
elided from the roam. Ida had power ,c
follow, she confused and strengihless, mis-
came over her sight, and sinking TO seat she
covered her face with bota hands, and remained
in state of mental bewi.dermen', almost uncon
scious of the solitude which surrounded her.
Miss Warner and the milner met Gilbert in
the hall, and both were laughing they NOV ed
toward him.
owe have broken the ice for you," said Miss
Warner; '.she is in the little room yonder, quite
prepared for proposal"
And you are really determined TO carry this
hoax to an end7' inquired the young lawyer,
gravey.
ooh! BY all nsans,'' was the reply; "it 8 real.
lv ridiculous, the idea of her believing US.
wish you had her clasp those hands, and
wonder how ! could give you up. Go-go! be-
fore she takes it in TO her head to follow Bu,
say. Gilbert. do remove that horrid ll'tle table
with the twisted egs-it is such a fright"
.'It was my mother's," replied the lawyer, qui.
etv.
"Wel!-weil; it can be pu, in the garrett. and
kept quite safe. But go aIong-your lady love
is waiting"
II I =
atfianced bride aud her companion disappeared
amid the oaks; he then turned with a calm face
and rosolute step where Ida had been left.
She still sitting in the easy chair, sobbing
like child, and the tears were breaking, like
half confided Jewels, through the slender fingers
that concealed her face.
Gilbert approached with noiseless tread, and
gently taking one Of the hands from her face,
pressed it to mis- lips. She started up, and tried
to conceal her tears with the remaining hand,
while her brow and face and neck were deluged
with crimson.
His voice was strangely tender and musical for
the cruel plot he was acting
"They have told you DO fa'sehood. Ida" he
said, ~ do indeed love yon--very, very much
Will you come and live with me here in this pleas
ant old house where my parents were go happy
Can YOU love me, and study for my sake, when
we are married?-for If you can answer yes. to
what 1 have SAID, with your whole heart, in three
DAYS you shall be nv own sweet bride!"
The poor girl could not answer--sbe was per.
fectIy overcome by the sensation of exquisite
happiness that thrilled every nerve.
..Why do you weep so. Ida? Am | annoying
you by these ques'ionsF'
"No-no," said the young girl. half lifting her
ewes to his face, cit is not that! am surprs.
ed. so shocked-so very, very happy"-she broke
off 10 confusion. turned her head away instant,
and then looked him earnestly in the face.
You are sincere with me?" she said; 81 half
suspected that Miss Warner guessed how much
mean how we'll thought Of you-and was
trying to punish me with false thoughts; but you
Mr. Gilbert, you could not have the heart to tri-
fe with me so dreadfully-it would kill me, i.
would indeed"
Giiber, tried to look in the soft eyes, lifted SO
full Of e'oquence to his face, but he felt the hot
blood rush up to his forehead, and answered bur.
riediy that he was most sincere. most earnest TO
make Der his wife. He kissed her forehead as
the words were uttered, and when she became
suddenly conscious that they were alone in the