Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1848-10-13
From the Ladies National Magazine.
Bread cast Up0n the Waters.

lived short distance in the country. The boy |
was slightly built, anl his burth hin amos b.
yond his strength. Many tim : h, sat down To
r,sl himssf on his way upIhe hill. BIrit seem
g as f he would nsUer reach the summit
Each Iims he lifted the basket, it felt heavier
than fore.
The boy was about half way up the bill with
his basket, when a gentleman overlook and
passed him. lie had not gone on many PAGES,
when he stopped, and turning round TO the lad,
looked at him for a moment or two, and then
said. kindly
"Thu,'s heavy load you have, my boy
Come-Iet me help YOU"
And the gentleman took the basket and car
ried it to the top Of the hill.
"There. Do you think you can get along
nowl" said he, with smile, as he set down the
basket "Or shall carry it liulo furlherl"
"Oh, no, thank you sir" returned the boy,
with glow of gratitude on his fine young face.
81 can carry it now very well; and | am very
much obliged TO you"
"You are right welcome, my little man" said
the gentleman, and passed on.
Twenty years from that time, a cOreworn
man, we'll advanced in life, sat motioness in an
old arm chair, with his eyes fixed intenlly upon
the glowing CRATE. Tie sat alone, and appeared
10 be 10 a state of deep abstraction. In lule
while, however, the door of the room opened,
and the light form Of young and lovely girl
glided in.
"Papa," said a low, sweet voice, and a hand
was laid gently upon the old mans arm.
.'' "Is il you dear?" he returned with low sigh
ayes, papa" and the young girl leaned a.
gainst him, and parted with her delicate fingers
the thin, grey locks that lay in disorder about
his forehead.
81 would like to be alone for this evening,
Florence" said the old man. 81 have good
deal TO think about, and expect person on busi-
ness"
And he kissed her tenderly; yet sighed as he
pressed his lips to hers.
The girl passed from the room as noiselessIy
as she had entered The old man had been
calm before her coming in, but the moment she
retired he became agtated, and arose and walk
ed the floor uneasy. lie continued to pace to
and fro for nearly half an hour, when he stop
pedand listened. The streetdoor bell had rung.
In little while a man entered the room.
"Mr. Mason" he said, with slightly percepti.
BILE embarrassment,
"Mr. Page" returned the old man, with fec
BILE, quickly fading smile. Good evening"
and he offered his hand.
The visitor graspcd the hand and shook
warmly. Bul there was no pressure IN return
ssh down, Mr. Page"
The man took chair, and Mr. Mason SO
down rear him.
"You promised an answer 10 my proposal to
night? said the former after pause"
IL did," returned theold man; "but am as hi
tie prepared to give il as ! was yesterday. Ii
fact, have not found opportunity TO say any
thing to Florence on the subject"
The counlonanceof the visitorlell, and some
thing like a frown darkened upon his brow.
There WIS an embarrassing silence Of som
minutes. Alerwhich the man called Page, said
"Mr. Mason, have made an honorable pro
posal for yourdaughter's hand. For weeks yo
have evaded. aud do still evade an answer
This seems so much like triAing that begin I
feel as if just cause for offence existed"
"None is intended, do assure you" repIic
Mr.. Mason, with something deprecatjng in hi
tone. but you must remember, Mr.. Page. lht
you have never sought 10 win the young girl
afection, and that, as a consequence, the off
of marriage you wish me to make her, will b
received with surprise, and it may be disappr,
val. wish to approach her on the subject vii
proper discretion. To be too piecipilae ma
starlle her into instant rcpugnance 10 your wsl
es."
"She loves you, does she notl" inquired Pag
with marked significance Of manner.
"a child never loved aparentmore tenderly,
replied Mr.. Mason.
"GiVe her, then, an undiSguised history
your embarrassment Show her how your 70
tunes are trembling on the brink of luin; ar
that you have but one hope of relief and saet
left The day she becomes my wife you are r
leved from all danger. will you do ,hisl"
The old man did not reply. He was lost
deep reverie. 1t is doubtful whether he hG
heard all the man had said.
"WilI you do ,hs!' repeated Page, and vii
some impatience in his tone.
Mason aroused himself as from dream, ar
answered with great frmness and dignity.
mir. Page, the struggle in my mind is owe
! am prepared for the worst. | have no idt
that Florence will favor your suit, and will n
use single argument 10 influence her. In tn
matter she must remain perfectly Free A
proach her as q man, and win her if YOU hav
the power to do so. 1t is your only hope"
As if sung by serpent, Page started fro
bis chair.
s"You will repent this, sir" he angriIy reto
ed-"and repent it bitterly. Icame to you wi
honorable proposals for your daughters han
you listened 10 them; gave me encouragemel
and promised me an answer tonight. Now "
meet me with insult Sir you will repent this
Mr.. Mason ventured no reply, but mere
bowed IN token of his willingness to meet al
pear all consequences that might come.
Fof long time after his angry visitor had +
tired, did Mr.. Mason cross and re.cross the flo
with measured tread. At last he rang be
aud directed the servant who came, 10 say
Florence that be wished to see her.
When Florence came she was surprised
see that her father was strongly agiated.
"Sit down, dear, he saidin trembling voic