Richmond palladium., 1848-06-28

working on tho farm of a neghbor by the month
Mary, on going ON some errand to the next
house, met him OH the road with the usual sa!u :
fation-
Mary.--Good morning, Mr.. D
John-Good morning, Miss W. How is
your health
Mary.--Well I thank you-but to tell the
truth sick at heart.
John.-Mary what is iha troubie-vhat can
effect cheerful, lively girl like you. possessing
everything TO make you happy!
Mary.--on the contrary everything conspires
to make me miserable; I am almost weary Of
lie--but it is a subject cannot explain to you,
and yet l sometimes thought might.
John.-Any,l,ing that can DO for You Miss
w., you may freely command.
Mary.-This is promising more than you may
be willing to perform; but TO break lii. ice at
once do yon want a wife?
John.-A wife. we'll, l don't know--do you
want a husband?
Mary.-Indeej do, the worst way. don't
know but you will think me boid. and drfice Ii I
in the madenly modesty that becomes young
woman; but if you knew my situation, and the
Affections under which I suffer, think it would
be come excuse for my course.
John.-IIave you thought Of all the conse-
quences-my situation. ! am poOr-you are
rich--I atm a stranger, and
Mary-IndeedI have, till am almost crazy.
Let me expIain-you and every one else know
the unfortunate, dreadful situation of my poor
father. His habits are fixed beyond anne ndment,
and his property is wasting like the dew before
the sun. A set of harpes ARE drinking his very
hearts blood and ruin and misery stare us in the
face. We are almost strangers it true; we
have met in company a few times. but observ-
ed you closely. your habits OF industry, and
the care and prudence will, which you manage
your employers business has always interested
John-And yet, my dear young lady, what
can you know Of me, TO warrant you in taking
such an important step?
Mary.-Iti is enough for me that am satisfied
with your character and babits-your person and
manners. am a woman and have eyes-We
about Of the same age; SO if you know the
well enough, to take me there's my hand.
John--And my dear Mary, there's mine with
all my heart in it. Now whe., do you desire TO
be settled?
and W. will 90 to Esq. B--'s. and finish
the bargain at once. don't want to enter our
house Of distress again, till l have on whom
can rely, to control & direct the affairs ofmy dis
consolate home, and support me in my determi-
nation to turn orer a nesc leaf in donee-
tic affairs.
John.-But now in this old hat and shirt
sleeves
Mary.--fes. and in my old sun bonnet and
dirty apron. If you are content, let it be done
at once. ! hope you will not think l am SO hard
pushed for husband rs that comes to, but
want master; I am willing to be a mistress,
but to be the master is more than am equal to;
will then take you home, and introduce you to
my parents as my dear husband, signed, scaled,
and delivered.
John-So be it-and permit me to say that
have always admired you fom the first minute
saw you. for beauty, energy, industrious hab-
its and amisble department.
Mary.-Now, John il that is sincere. this is the
happiest moment Of my life, & trust our union
will be long and happy. I am the only one
my father will hear to; but alas, his resolutions
are like ropes OF sand manage him on all
subjects; you must take charge Of his business
and have the sole control; there will be NO diff
Guilty, am confident. in the result.
They were married, and a more happy match
was never consummated. Every thing prospe red
houses and barns repaired, fences and gates,
were regulated, and the extensive fields smiled
and hourshed like an Eden. The unfortunate
father in a few years sunk into drunk ard s
grave. Mary and John raised large family;
lie was for many years Justice of the Peace in
this town. and they still live, respected and
wealthy--and all from an energetic girls reso-
luton forethought and courage. and the pru-
dental use of lady's privilege of putting the
ini,iatory question during the nader MS jubilee of
LEAP YEAR.-Maine Farmer.