Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-12-15

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The Girl who would be Married.
Messrs. Editors IL was much pleased with
the dramatic sketch Of Turning Over a New
Leaf in January number If you think the
following story worthy of being a sequel to it.,
please publish it, 1t is a true tale, and happen.
ed in the neighburhood in which was born. /
have heard my mother relate the circumstances
many time and oit-and personally knew the
family we'll:
NJ W had by industry and economy
accumulated large property. He was man
OF rather superior mind and requirements, but
unfortunately became addicted to habits of in
temperance. Naturally fond of company, and
possessing superior conversational powers, his
society was much sought, and he eventually
became sol. His wife was feeble woman,
without much decision of character, but an only
child, a daughter, was the reverse, illustrating
one of those singular laws of nature, that the
females of,enest take after the father in charac-
ter and personal peculiarties, and the males af-
ter the mother.
Mary, for so we will call her, was well aware
of the consequences that would inevitably fol-
low her fathers course, and had used every ex-
ertion OF reason and persuasion in her power, to
induce him to alter his habits, without avail |;
his resolutions and promises could not Withstand
temptation, and he pursued his downward
course, till the poor girl despaired of reform,
and grcvously realized what the end must re-
suit in.
John D. was a young man from the
East possessed of good education, as all our
New England boys are, and the most indomita.
bic industry and perseverance-was workI & on
the farm ola neighbor by the month.
Mary, on going on some errand 10 the next
house, met him on the road with the usual sal
uiafion-
Mary" Good morning. Mr. D."
John-'Good morning. Miss W. How's
your health 7?
Mary Well I thank you-but, to tell the
truth, sick at heart
John Pray what is the troube-what can
effect cheerful, lively girl like you, possessing
everything to make you happy 2
Mary On the contrary everything conspres
to make me miserable. | am almost weary of
iie-bui 1t is subject cannot explain to you,
and yet have sometimes thought might
John-' Anything that can do for you, Miss
W., you may freely command
Mary That is promising more than you
may be willing to perform; but to break the ice
at once, do you want a wife !
JOHN A wife! Well don't know-do you
want a husband
M ,ry-' Indeed do. the worst way. Idon't
know but YOU will think be bold, and deficient
in that madenly modesty that becomes a young
woman but if you knew my situation, and the
affection under which suffer, think it would
be some excuse for my course.
john Have you thought of all the conse-
quences-my situation. ! am poor-you are
rich-l am stranger, and
Mary Indeed have, till am almost crazy,
Let me explain-you and every one else know
the unfortunate situation of my poor father
His habits are fixed beyond amendment, aud his
property is wasting like the dew before the sun.
A set Of harpies are drinking his very hearts
blood and rum and misery stare us in the face.
We are almost strangers, it is true; we have
met in company few times, but have ob>erv-
ed you closely. Your habits, your industry,
and the care and prudence with which you
manage your employers business, have always
interested me-
john And yet my dear young lady, what
can you know of me, to warrant you in taking
such an important step?
Mary-'lt is enough for me that am satisf-
ed with your character and habits-your person
and manners. am woman and have eyes.
We are about of an age so 1t you know me
and like me well enough to take me, there's my
hand
john And. my dear Mary, there's mine,
with all my heart in it. Now, when do you de-
sire il to be settled 2
Mary Now this minute give me yonr arm
and we'll 20 to Squire BIS and finish the
bargain at once. | don't want to enter our
house Of distress again until have one on whom
! can rely To control and direct the affairs of my
dseonsolate home, and support me in my deter
mination to turn orer a neW ledfin our domestic
affairs
john But not in this old hat and shirt
sleeves
Mary Yes, and in my old sun bonnet ant
dirty apron. II you are content, let it be done
at once. hope you wilLnot think am SO hard
pushed for husband as that comes to, bu;
want master. ] am willing to be mistress
but to be master is more than ] am equal to
will then take you home and introduce you to
my parents as my own dear husband, signed
sealed and delivered
John So be it-permit me to say that
have always admired you from the first minute
! saw you, for your beauty, energy, and indus
trious habit and amilble department.
: Mary Now, John, if that is sincere, this il
the happest moment of my lite, and trust ou
union will be long and happy, am the only on,
! my poor father will hear to but alas, his reso
utions are like ropes CT sand. can manag,
! him on all other subjects (; you must take charg'
| of his business aud have the sole control
; there will be no difficulty, am confident in tn
result
They were married, and more happy ma,c
was never consumated. Everything prosperet
. houses and barnes were repaired, fences an
: gates were regulated and the extensive field
{ smiled aud flourished like an Eden. The ur
Z fortunate father in few years sunk into
9 drunkard's grave. Mary aud John raised
!. large family he was tor many years Jus'ic
d Of the Peace in his town. and they still live, re,
y p cited and wealthy-and all from an energeti
g girls resolution, forelhought and courage, an
8 the prudential use Of the ynung ladies' prviea
s of putting the iniatory question during the ma
Q den's jubilee Of LEAP YEAR.-Democratic II
u fector.