Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-04-16
VOLUME 13---.NUMBER 81.

"Met' said Ltdatalntly; 81 have never dream
ed Of living in such place as this"
"But you can live here if you like" replied
the mliner.
"My mother was we'll of once, and she would
not let me 'live out for any thing" said the ap.
prentice, for she could only think that Miss War
ner wished 10 engage her for 'help,' when she
should take possession Of the homestead 'be-
sides am not strong genoughfor very hard work. I"
"Oh, We didn't mean that" replied the milli-
ner; "Mr. Gilbert wants a wife, and as this lady
here has taken a fancy that he likes you rather
better than he does her, she is willing that he
makes you mistress Of the homestead instead Of
herself"
Don't say so-ii is cruel to Joke in this man.
ner!" said the bewidcred girl, turning very pale,
81 am sure, quite sure that Mr. Gilbert never
thought of mel" Ida spoke hastily, but in a
faint voice, and she had a look Of troubled doubt
in her eyes, as if she almost hoped they would
contradict her.
"But he does think of you-he told me so last
night" said Miss Warner; sand if am willing
TO give him up, what harm can come of itl"
Sand could you give him upl" said Ida clas-
ping her small hands with an energy which be-
spoke her astonishment thatany one could resign,
Of her own free will, being so perfect.
"Oh, Mr. Gilbert is not the only agreeable
man on earh," replied the young lady, removing
the azure ribbon from her neck, and laying down
the guitar, 81 am perfectly willing 10 resign him
any moment-so prepare iorlhe wedding to-mor-
row, if you like"
As she spoke Miss Warner and her companion
gided from the room. Ida had no power TO fol-
low, she was confused and strenglhless, a mist
came over her sight, and sinking to seat she
covered her face with both hands and remained in
state of mental bewilderment, almost uncon-
scious of the solctude which surrounded her.
Miss Warner and the milliner met Gilbert in
the hail. and both were laughing as they moved
toward him.
ave have broken the ice for YOU" said Miss
Warner; "she is in the little room yonder, fully
prepared for proposal"
"And you are really determined to carry this
hoax to an end!" inquired the lawyer gravely.
, "Oh, by all means," was the reply; it really
was ridiculous, the idea of her believing us.
wish you had seen her clasp those hands and
wonder how | could give you up. Go-go! be-
fore she takes it into her head 10 follow US. But
| say Gilbert, do remove that horrid little table
with the twisted legs-its such fright"
at was my mother's," replied the lawyer qui-
city.
"Well, well-it can be put on the garrett, and
kept quite safe. But so along-your lady love
is waiting"
Mr.. Gilbert stood motioness in the hall till his
af1ianced bride and her companion disappeared
among the oaks; he then turned with a calm face
and resolute step toward the little room where
Ida had been left. She was still sitting in the
easy chair, sobbing like child, and tears were
breaking, like haIfconfned jewels, through the
slender fingers that concealed her face.
Gilbert approached with noseless tread, and
gently taking one Of the hands from her face
pressed it 10 his lips. She started up and tried tc
conceal the tears with the remaining hand, while
her brow and face and neck were deluged with
crimson.
His voice was strangely tender and musical fo
! the cruel plot he was acting.
, "They have told you no falsehood, Ida" HI
r said, 81 do indeed love you-very, very much
t Will you come and live with me here in thi;
pleasant old house where my parents were so hap
| py? Can you love me, and study for my sakt
. when we are married!-for if you can answe
yes, TO what have sad with your whole heart
S I'M three days you shall be my own sweet wfe"
r The poor girl could not answer-she was per
fectly overcome by the sensation of exquisite hap
pness that thrilled every nerve.
"Why do you weep so, Lida' Am annoying
you by these questions!"
t "No-no," said the young girl, haflining he
eyes TO his lace sit is not lhat am so surprised
so shocked--so very, very happy" she brokt
off in confusion, turned her head away an instant
and then looked him earnestly in the face.
"You are sincere with mel" she said; 81 hal
suspected that Miss Warner guessed howl meal
), how well thought of you-and so was trying tc
I punish me with false thoughts, but you, Mr.. Gil
bert, could not have the heart 10 trlfle with me 81
dreaduy--it would kill me, it would indeed"
Gilbert tried to look in the soft eyes, lifted S
S full Of eoquence TO his face, but he felt the he
D. blood rush up to his forehead, and answered hur
|. riedly that he was most sincere, most earnest I
d make herhis wife. He kissed her forehead as th
\ words were uttered, and when she became SUE
l. denly conscious that theywere alone in the hous
n and wished to leave it, he drew her arm respec
d fully through his, and conducted her TO the hal
o went in search of Miss Warner and her compar
a ion. They were in the garden, chatting in hig
: spirits, and full Of laughter at the success of the
scheme.
u anu now ulu you SuCCecui ulu sue SuSpSC
TT how did she actl" they exclaimed together, rul
l. ming eagerly toward him.
d "As you predicted" replied the lawyer, wit
d grave smile; ''your pleasant little hoax will
n. carried out three evenings from this"
/. "But have just been thinking-who can W
find that will play the ministerl' exclaimed Mi
h Warner.
= "Here is dilemma" chmed in the MILNE
IN "Not in the least" replied Gilbert; 81 hay
r thought of that already. My friend Morris, wt
Or graduated with me at Yale last year, is just ii
le man. He looks as much like parson as if bre
es to the cloth--l will ride TO town in the mornin
er and let him into our frolic."
"There--now all is arranged. We must gi,
Ill her wedding dress, Gilbert, and that will CO..
r. sole her for your loss, said Miss Warner.