The Washingtonian., 1845-08-23
POPULAR SELECTIONS.
" From grave to gay, from lively to severe"
THE TUTOR AND THE PROPRIETOR.
AN AMUSING STORY.
BY THE AUTHOR OF THE "GREAr METROPOLIS"

BY THE AUTHOR OF THE GREAT METROPOLIS.
We passed pretty near house which was
a short time ago the scene OF an incident which,
in the hands of skiful novelist, might be SO
spun out as to make the orthodox three volumes.
In that house there lived-I am not sure that
he does not still reside there--an eccentric old
rich landed proprietor. His own dress and
manners were plain, and his modes of life home-
Of his family-tWo sons and daughter-it was
ucation. The daughter, being the eldest, had
returned from one Of the first boarding schools,
quite an accomplished lady. He doated on her,
and fully made up his mind that she should
either be married to man Of rank and impor-
tance in the world, or not married at all. For
the two sons, as he said, that they might be
educated under his own eye, and that he might
see that full Justice was done TO them, he en-
ployed talented young man, whom the old
eccentric gentleman constantly lauded to the
skies for his exceeding modesty Of manner
Things went on for season as smoothly as
either party could wish, the tutor growing ey-
cry hour in the good graces of his patron. He
became, in fine, confirmed favorite, and was.
in every respect, "treated as one of the family"
One day after dinner, the modest tutor, (there
being no one present but theInselves,) said to
the old gentleman, in hesitating accents, scarce
ly venturing to raise his head as he spoke, that
he wished to consult him conidentially for a
few moments, on very important and delicate
matter, and to get his advice as to how he ought
to act in the peculiar circumstances in which
he was placed. .
"Quite ready to hear you, sir, and to give you
the best advice in my poWer," observed the
other, who had always been remarkable for his
rough, blunt manner Of speaking. @"
II really do not know how to begin, I'm
almost afraid to mention the thing to YOU" re-
marked the tutor, tying and untying piece Of
twine in his fingers, on which he kept his eyes
thoughtfully fixed
"Oh, don't be afraid, sir. out with it. It's
nothing horrible, | hope.'
"Oh, dear, no." .....
"Well, then, let us hear it at once"
"It's about an affair of the heart"
h a.Ah! an affair Of the heart! Ah, j see you
young men know something about these mat
ters. It's long since had an affair Of the heart,
though have plenty of other "affairs +" far
more serious; but young men must be young
men yes, they must Come tell us all about
this affair Of the heart. This love story-ths
affair of the heart; you have fallen in love with
some pretty girl, and wish to marry her, | sup
pose" '..s@ #": >"
The tutor owned the soft impeachment.
Well, and why not marry her?'
"That's just the point about which | wished
to consult you."
as she an amiable girl 90
"The very perfection of every thing that is
morally good, and mentally excellent"
$50, so. And belongs 10 a respectable
family" .s.
"A very respectable family. Indeed, she
moves in a better sphere Of life than myself,
and her family are SO respectable, that any gen.
tleman might and would be proud to be con-
nected with it," ... ....
"Then why, you spalpeen, don't you marry
her at once?" said the old man, raising his
right leg, and placing it on All adjacent chair.
But have not yet obtained the consent of
her father" replied the tutor, speaking in a
seemingly subdued and timid tone, and not
having courage enough to look his patron in
the face.
"Then why, sir, don't you obtain it,"
"I'm afraid to ask it." ........
"Why afraid to ask? Don't be coward"
"Pm afraid, because she assures me that she
knows her father would never give his concur
renee to her marriage with one who is entirely
without means, and has nothing but his educa-
tion and good moral character to recommend
him."
Does she speak confidently on the point?"
"Oh, most confidently She is quite pos
tive" .M... ....
"Quite sure. eh ~
"Perfectly certain"
"No chance of the father yielding 2"
"Not the slightest"
"Is he an old mani" .. ..
He is advanced in years.
"Then, sir, he must be an old fool DO |
know this stupid piece of antiquty?"
Intimately"
"And for some time :" "
I" For very many years" ..........
"Do he and his daughter reside in this
neighborhood %
"They do" "@
"Is it fair question to ask the old IDIOTS
name !'' ........ ...... ....8
81 would rather not mention it in existing
circumstances.
"Oh, very good, very good. | would not
press you, not by any means-l say"
The love struck tutor was all attention.
Listen to me, sir. Lend me your ears"
"I will, with the greatest pleasure"
"What am going to say is worth hearing"
IL am anxious to hear it."
"I'll tell you what you'll do" a
81 shall be most grateful for your advice
in SO trying situation as that in which | am
placed"
q sis the young lady very much attached to
youa' sa. l.#l Stow .a..
....a~ - Ill. ~. 81. oe L..