Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-04-11
Ferris bending close to her

.ar, Salu:
Anne. will you pluck me that rose, as
oxen Of affection! you must know how
,sdent mine is for you-or stop. dearest,
behind il blows the condruf. You know
he mystic language Of both, will you
choose and give me one!'
Hush, hush, Ferris said the blushing
md trembling girl, plucking and handing
lin the ROSE!
This passed when the attention Of the
present was drawn to some en-
yaging object. Never before had Ferris
received any evidence Of Anne's love
save from her tell-tale eyes. The flower
was placed next to his heart and he left
The apartment. He had proceeded blu: a
ce W steps from the house when he was
met by a poor mendicant. clothed in rags,
who was exposed at that late hour to the
Of the season.
Pray, sir, said the beggar to Ferris.
can YOU give me . trife!-I am nearly
starved, and chilled through by this nights
air.
Ferris after a few moments conversa-
ton with the beggar. for he had not the
heart to turn away from the suffering of
fellow creature, and handing him purse
containing five or six dollars urged him to
seek immediate shelter and food. The
beggar blessed him and passed Oh.
a few nights subsequent to this occur
renee he was again at her fathers house.
Mrs. H., Anne's mother, received him
as she did most of her visitors, with some-
VIVA, constrained and distant welcome.
Being . woman Of no great conversation
al powers. she always retired quite early,
her intercourse with society
in the most formal manner. Ferris was
much surprised that Mr.. H had taken
no particular notice Of his intimacy at his
house. for he seldom saw him, and when
he did the old mans eyes were bent
sternly upon him in anything but friend
" and inviting spirit. In this dilemma,
he was at loss what course to pursue.
since Anne's acknowledgement, Of her af-
fiction for him, and now he had succeeded
in this he was equally distant from the
goal Of his happiness, for his better judg-
ment told him that the consent Of her pa
rents could never be obtained. On this
occasion he had taken his leave as usual.
when he was met by the beggar Of the for
mer night, who again solicited aims. de-
claring that he could find no one else to
assist him. and that the money he had be-
fore bestowed upon him had been expen-
dcd for food and rest Of a miserable cell
lar where he had lodged.
Again Ferris placed purse in the poor
mans hand. at the same time telling him
that he himself was poor. and constrained
to the practice Of rigid economy in the
support of those dependent upon him
lie left the bcggar and passed on his way
happy, in having contributed TO the allevi-
alton Of human suffering.
Not long subsequent, Ferris called
one evening at the house OF Mr.. Il.
and fortunately found Anne and her faith
er alone. the former engaged upon piece
of embroidery of a new pattern. and the
latter porting over a volume Of ancient
philosophy. On his entrance the old gen.
teman took no further apparent notice Of
him than slight inclination Of the head
and good evening sir lie took a chair
by Annc's side. and told her Of his love
in low but ardent tones. begging permits
sion to speak to her father on the subject.
oh. he will not hear word of the mat
ter. know said the sorrowing girl No
longer ago than Yesterday, he spoke TO
me relative to connection with -; ]
can never love but one man. said the
beauty giving him her hand.
Ferris could bear this suspense no
longer. In fact. the hint relative to her
alliance to another, spurred him 70 action.
He proceeded to that part of the room
where Mr. H sat. and after few in
,roductory remarks, he said.
You have doubtless observed, sir. my
intimacy in your family tor more than a
wear past. From the fact that you did
not object to my attentions to your daugh-
ter, have been led to hope that it might
not be altogether against your wishes
May | ask. sir. with due respect, your
opinion in this matterl'
i have often seen you here replied
Mr.. Il. 'and have no reason to object
to your visits. SIR
Indeed. sir. YOU are very kind. have
neither fortune nor rank to offer your
daughter. hut still emboldened by love, |
ask for her hand
The old man laid by his book, and re-
moving his spectacles. asked:
Does the lady sanction this requestl'
She does
And you ask
Your daughters hand
1t is yours
Ferris sprang in establishment to his
feet. saying-'l hardly know how to receive
your kindness. my dear sir; had looked
for different treatment
Listen young man. said the father, dc
you think should have allowed YOU to
become intimate in my family. withou,
first knowing your character! do you think
| should have given this precious child
(and here placing her hand in Ferris') tc
you before had proved you! No sir. GU
Of Anne's many suitors from the wealthies
and highest in society. long since select
ed you as one in whom I could feel conf
dence. The world calls me cold anc
calculating man, perhaps I am so; but
had duty to perform to Him who had en-
trusted me with the happiness Of this bless
ed child; ! have endeavored to perform
that trust fai,hfully-the dictates Of pride
may have been counterbalanced by a de
sire tor my daughter happiness. chos'