The Democratic pioneer. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1845-1853, 1846-06-19

lor. When Mrs, Il. entered the room,
there lay the poor invalid, with brighter
color in her cheek than had been seen
there for week. She was decidedly bet.
ter. What had papa whispered in her ear
when her head lay on his shoulder 10 the
way down stairs. Oh, he only told her
that Mr.. Lawrence Norton had been there
every day to ask respecting her-that he
thought him fine fellow--tbat he wished
he had son exactly like him. That even.
ing he came again. Why should not Mrs.
Elton receive him graciously? was he not
married mani Why should not Grace
frankly acknow ledge that she was very
glad to see him again! Why should he not
stay as.late as he chose, and be urged to
come as often as he liked! Delightful mar
red man! Grace had never liked any body
half so well and she could not help think
ing that nobody had ever though so well of
her. AS he was taking leave, Mrs. Elton
smilingly asked if his ,oDe were in town.
"My wife, madam!" cried the poet,
looking as much surprised as ifhe had new
er heard Of such thing before.-"Oh, all
Il und ers and--she is In town." and Law
renee Norton looked at Mr.. Elton half
laughing, and added, II did not know that
had told you about my wife, or at least
had forgotten her for tho moment"
"Welll' cried Mrs, Elton, the moment
he had taken leave, ga line husband Iruly!
Really he looked as much astonshed as if
had asked the most ridiculous question
in the world! But all men are alike, be.
lieve. So you see, Grace, what YOU may
expect If you are ever married."
81 don't want to be married." said
Grace.
"That's good girl, and now we'll have
you up stairs and to bed-poor child! you
must be sadly tired! That man has aaked
you so many questions and made you talk
so much! ] could see that you wished him
out Of the house all the time!"
What could Grace say! She satisfied
her conscience with faint "Oh no, in
deed" which ner mamma did not hear.
The poet came so often, that Mrs. Elton
began to get out Of patience. He comes at
all sorts Of odd hours, "and what vexes me
is, thai he never mentions his wife, never
asks US TO go TO see hef, never brings her
to see US. Poor thing how much she is
left aIone!"
"My dear" answered Mr.. Elton serious,
ly, 81 could give you hint of something;'
and he glanced significantly at Grace.
"Oh, see now" said Mrs. Elton TO
herself. "Why diJn't think OF it sooner.
or course it's not odd that she is hot to be
seem"
1t became quite evident that the young
gentleman chad something upon his mind,
as the phrase is. Once or twice, when
Grace had been alone with him for min
ute, he had begnn TO say something which
had never been finished. Grace wonders
what it o,ud be. One morning papa ins
sisted upon taking her out for a ride. II
was fine day, and there was nothing to
prevent--yet Grace seemed somewhat res
luctant. She was thinking how the poet
might come during her absence. Papa
however, would not allow her to decide
for herself, and they set off. Presently
they saw Lawrence Norton coming down
street. "He's going to our house | dare
say. thought Grace. Papa must needs get
out Of the chaise to speak to the young
man. In few minutes he retiirned-de,
clared that lie had business that required
attention-that Norton had nothing 10 do,
and would like 10 take his place if Grace
we're Hing. Why should she not be WILL
ing! The poet, in happy mood, exerteu
himself to entertain his coinpauion, and
the ride proved delightful Que.
At last there catne paiise In The con
vefsation. All pauses are awkward, and
rather than say nothing Grace said some
thing about Mrs. Norton.
"Yon refer 10 my mother, presume, -
said he!
"OB, fo--to-io-yoii meh'ioied your
wife some weeks ago, | think"
'"My wife! OH remember. Is it pos
sible that you though me serious--that you
believed that"
"Indeed," said Grace, very much alarm
ed, "my father assured me that you were
married."
"That is sefyodd. Some time sgo-be
fore had seen you, or rather before our
acquaintance had commenced, your father
said TO me one day--'when are you TO be
marrieda' and | answered, 'Oh, for the
present, poetry is my little wife, The
young gentleman improved the opportuni:.
~ making known to Grace that he had
never been in love until now, &c. &c.
And Grace had owned that she was
~ illing 10 have him ask mamma a little
Certainly when the chaise
stepped at Mr.. Elton's door, there were
wo very bright faces revealed. The poet |