Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1845-09-04
THE TUTOR AND THE PROPRIE-
TOR,
A ROMANCE OF REAL LIFE

n
We paused pretty near house which
was a short time ago the scene of an Incl
dent, which in the hands Of skilful nov
eIist might be so spun out as to make the
orthodox three volumes. In that house
there lived AN not sure that he does
not still reside thcre-an eccentric old
rich land proprietor, His dress and man
ners were plain, and his modes Of life
homcly; but intending handsome for
tune for each Of his lamiIy--two sons and
daughter-it was his great ambition to
give them first rate education. The
daughter, being the eldest had returned
from one of the first boarding schools,
quite an accomplished lady, He dotted
on her, aud fully made up his mind that
she should be married to a man of rank
and Importance in the world, or not be
married at all. For the two sons, in or
der, as he sqid, that they might be educp,
ted under his own eye and that he might
see that full justice was done them, he
employed a talented young man, whom
the old eccentric gentleman constantly
Iauded to the skies for his exceeding mod
csty of manner.
Things went on for season as smooth
ly as either party could wish, the tutor
growing every hour in the good graces Of
his patron. He became, in fue, con-
hrmcd fayoritc, and was in every respect
treated as one of the family. One day
after dinner the modest tutor there be-
ing no one present but themselyes) said
to the old gentleman in hestating accents
scarcely vcnturing to raise his head as he
spoke, that he wished TO consult him con.
| fdentalIy 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 give
you the best advice in my power, observ.
ed the other, who had always been re.
markabIc for his rough, blunt manner OF
speaking.
IrcaIIy do not know how to begin,
am almost afraid to mention the thing to
you, remarked the tutor, tying and unity.
ing piece of Irvine on his finger, ON
which he kept his eye though,tuIIy fixed.
oh, don't be afraid, sir out with tits
nothing horrible, hope
'Oh dear no.
well, then, let us hear it at opce.
It's abonnt the affair of the heart.
Ah, an affair of the heart. Ay, see
you young men know something about
these matters; it's long since | had an az
fair Of the heart, though have had pean-
ty of other affairs far more serious; but
young men must be young men-yes they
must Come, take glass of wine, and
tell us about the affair of the heart
AS he spoke, the eccentric old gentle
man poured out a 81 lass Of uneyceptiona-
BILE port, and handed it to the tutor, which
the latter deliberately drank off,
Now sir, for this love story-ths af
fair Of the heart: you have fallen in love
with some pretty girl, and wish to marry
her, suppose
The tutor pleaded guilty 10 the soft i'm
parchment.
well, and why not marry herr
That's just the question about which |
wished to consult you
rs she an amiabIe glrl!
The very perfection OF every thing that
is morally good and mentally excellent
so, So And belongs to a respectable
family"
"A very respectable famiy. Indeed,
she moves in better sphere Of life than
myself, and her family arc so respectable,
that any gentleman might aud would be
would be proudo be connected with IT,.
Then why you spaIpeen, don't You
marry her at once:' said the -oId man
raising his right leg and placing it on an
adjacent chair.
But have not obtained the consent Of
her falher?' replied the tutor speaking
in a seemingly subdued and timid tone,
and not having courage enough to look
his patron in his foce.
Then why, sir, don't you obtain it,?
I'm afraid to ask it,
why arc you afraid to ask it" Don't
be coward.
I'm afraid, because she assures me
that she knows her father would never
give his concurrence to her marriage toI
one who is entirely without means, and
has nothing but his education and good
moral character to recommend him.
Does she speak confidently on the point'
'Oh, yes, most confidently, She is
quite positive
Quite sure, ell? No chance Cor the
father yielding?
Not the slightest
is he an old man.
lie is advanced in years
'Thcn, sir, he must be an old fool, -
Come, take another glass of wine
The eccentric old gentleman here filled
up the glass ofhis sons preceptor, aud
The latter quietly quafled its contents.
DO know this stupid piece Of antiq'
ni,y?'
Intimately
And for some timer
For many years
Does he and his daughter reside in
his vicinity'
They do.