The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-09-20

head, whose auburn tresses foated around
her neck of snow, all formed a real living
picture whose beauty can never be effaced
from my recollection. How it affected
Ned, one may judge when l assure him
that the tears were actually standing in
his eyes, when the family rose from their
knees.
We rose the next morning with the sun
and found that the entire household had
been stirring since the dawn. A comfort
able breakfast awaited us in the parlor,
after parking of which, with thousand
thanks to the family for their excellent
hospitality, we took our leave | must not
forget, however, to mention that Ned pre-
vious to breakfasting had taken a short
morning walk with Ellen and her young
brothers, and had bestowed upon the latter
divers little presents. AS he took Ellen's
hand, could perceive that he left her with
symptoms of actual regret, that there was
unusual tenderness in his tone as he utter
ed his goodbye.
Ned had but single subject Of conver-
sation on our way homewards.
why Tom,' said he, isn't it really as
tonishIng! That sweet girl possesses
more soul and true refinement thar our
whole village can boast. She's well edu-
Gated, too. found by conversing with
her, that she was proficient, and really so
in the higher branches of education. Hel
library is beautiful little sanctum. There
| found four neat little astronomical and
geographical globes, and all the standard
books Of our schools. There were histo-
ries, and biographies, and travels and the
only works of lighter nature that | saw,
were those of Irving and Goldsmith, a few
volumes of Walter Scott, and Of the stand
ard poetry. She is passionately devoted
to her little school, and krao,O these pref
ty scholars Of hers must be devoted to her.
What fine old man is her father, and
what tidy lady-like woman is her mother.
But Ellen-egad! isn't she beautiful? Do
you know Tom, that our falling in with
this happy family-their kind hospitality,
the bluff and frank intelligence of Gray,
the suavity Of the matron, the merry-heart-
edness of those little boys. the pretiness
and good sense of Ellen, and the piety of
them all, has made me better and happi-
er man.
And thus he went rattling on, sounding
their praises until he reached home.
Ned had now in truth become meta
morphosed person. He was the most
cheerful dog alive whenever me: him af-
terward. A year had elapsed since our
hunting adventure, when one day he en-
tered my room, bringing with him billet
of invitation 10 his wedding.
so Ned remarked, then it IS true
you are going to marry the petty school
misIress!'
Yes, Tom-and, hang you, don't you
laugh-I'ye thrown my law books to the
dogs, and purchased me farm
'Whe-e-wn
Yes continued Ned, good bye to the
law-to the hopes of becoming the states
man, the orator, and the judge. Good bye
to all these fantastic dreams of my young
ambition! I've changed my mind on those
subjects, Tom, and am content with the
prospect of quiet happy home in the
green fields away
.God bless you, Ned!' l exclaimed
grasping his hand, without feeling the least
inclined to exhibit the laugh which he so
much dreaded-syour choice both of a
wife and of an occupation. meets with my
entire approval.
A few days afterwards, [ saw my friend
lead the blushing Ellen Gray to the mar
riage altar, amid the smiles and congratu-
lations of a happy group of acquaintance
and friends. And took my leave of n ed
and his bride, convinced that they were
mutually happy in each other, and that
they deserved to be so.
Two years had elapsed, when as was
one day hurrying through the street to my
place of business, | was startled by the sal
utation of man, in corduroy pantaloos
fusIian coat, and hob-nail shoes, perched
on load OF hay, who exclaimed
Tom! how are your
1t were quite needless to say, that
knew the voice, and Immediately recog
nised in the hale figure before me, my ole
friend, the veritable Ned Hanson.
'Ah, Ned! is it you! How do you do!
said |, heartily shaking his sunburnt hand
as he leaped to the ground.
Still well and happy, Tom,' replie'
Ned. 1--WE beautiful farm, and the fin
est horses in the country. Iwork at hom
but then | live like prince. What vii
you give for this load of hay! Such cattl
and pigs as | raise would make your eye
water. Better still I'm the father of tw,
as plump little boys as you ever clappe'
eyes on. Come up and see us, won't you
Ellen sends you her respects. Do yo
want few cords Of hickory wood9 Ega
Tom, they've made me justice of tn
peace in our town, and I'm talked of fo
the Assembly, ] won't run though. Cate
| me away from the farm and the horse: