Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-07-08

had been a lawyer or a physician, could
j stand far better chance of winning Mary's
/ hand and heart, thanI can now, for most
surely she will rather be the wife of q pro-
fessional man, than of mechanic. Yet I
do not wish to change my business, am
contented with my trade, and like it better
than should the calling of4a lawyer or
1. physician, Y . ssg
5eorg strongly felt that he could not
iY Rithoilf u li6 SSapp6sed liB
would be obliged to, and vainly strove to
reconcile himself to his lot. In the mean
time neither James or David could obtain
any acknowledgment of preference from
Mary which they used every means in their
power to do. Of this George was made
! fully sensible before the end of one year.
He endeavored to muster courage to do
something for himself; and said to himself,
ga faint heart never won fair lady," He
concluded to write to Mary. Having
brought his resolution to sticking point, it
was long time before he could calm his
agltated feeling. He wrote, finally, very
sensible and respectful letter in which he
frankly expressed his feelings, laid open his
whole mind most sincerely and affection
ately with faint hope that it might meet
with q favorable reception.
This letter was perused by Mary with
feelings of fdeep interest. She had pre-
viously been forcibly struck with the mod
est and unassuming aspect and manners of
the young man; and had become acquaint-
ed with his industrious habits, good econo-
my, and noble and manly deportment.-
But said she, she is dirty blacksmith, if
he was only physician or lawyer l should
prefer him to either of the others" In her
answer to him she gave him leave to hope.
When George received her letter, his
heart bounded with joy. He could now
perform his labor much more cheerflly,
while he thought thus with himself; call
can do will do to be worthy of the affec-
ton and esteem of the fair Mary. Surely
she would not have given me any encour-
agement if she intended to marry either
James or David" Mary in the meantime
was devising some scheme by which she
could dispose .of the doctor and the lawyer,
and get rid of their importantly without Civ
ing them any Just cause of offence, or un-
necessarily wbunding their feelings. The
scheme was at length thus formed. 1t was
to inform each Of the three, that the one
who could, at an appointed time show her
the best hand she would accept as lover.
Esq. Anthony and DR.. Rogers, at once con-
cluded that the lady would be the best
pleased with smooth, soft, white hand;
and took every pains in their power to pre-
pare their hands for the occasion, while
Mr.. Newman attended to his business up to
the appointed hour and then without chang
ing his garments with his hands and face q
little blackened, and his leather apron on,
he left his work to appear in the presence
Of Mary.
The Lawyer and Doctor dressed in their
best garbs entered the lady's apartment,
where she politely received them. They
exhibited their hands which she admired
and praised, while each anxiously hoped to
be the object Of her choice. But at this
moment in comes the blacksmith, who was
as politely received and treated as the other
1.-TWO had been.
Il E.N LilO wv SCiluClllCA WOlO ttSCOulauCu u
this seeming want of propriety in George
and looked contemptuously upon him, anc
wondered why Mary was not offended witt
him. He looked perfectly composed anc
put his hand into his pocket, and pulled ou
:. !. a handful of half eagles, andpresented then
: to her; and she exclaimed, SHAT Is TIL
; BEST HAND FOR ME!o, F 4 s;G -r,
!. \ The doctor and lawyer withdrew in dis
appointment. The blacksmith was receiy
! ed into favora and 6nally y married the amia
: bic Mary Damon, and they were blesse'
; with prosperity, peace, and plenty. They
-|jwere useful and active members Of society
and the religion Of the Redeemer filled thei
! souls with cheerfulness, hope, and joy,
HUH 7a 75sFg& ssty :a1 - VIR. /,
n. u T.