The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-12-06

you huo" WeH tle person. 10 WHOM you
commit your happiness in this world, and
in all probability, the next
"A coldly calculating spirit, Carlott that
nicely weighs and balances the merits and
defects of one beloved, is, in my view,
hardly consonant with true happiness in
marriage. All have defects of character
All are born with evil inclinations of one
kind sor another. Love seeks only for
good in the object of affection. Affini-
ties Of this kind are all most spontaneous
in their birth. We love more from i'm
pulse than from any clear appreciation of
character-perceiving good qualities by a
kind of instinct, rather than searching for
them
"A doctrine, Florence said Carlo til,
sthat has produced untold misery in the
married life. As | said at first, it is only
the moral virtue Of her husband that wo-
man can love-it is only this, as uniting
principle, that can make two married part
ners one. The qualities of all minds ex-
press themselves in words and actions, and
by close observance to these latter, we
may determine the nature of the former.
We cannot perceive them with sufficient
clearness to arrive at sound Judgment;
character of the tree by its fruits. Take
sufficient time to arrive at a knowledge of
Mr. Leland's character by observation,
and then you can accept or reject him .un-
der the fullest assurance that you are act
ing wisely
perhaps you are right murmured Flo
renee. Il will weigh carefully what you
have said.'
And she did so. Much to the disap-
pointment of Mr.. Leland, he received re-
ply from Florence, ask ing a short time for
reflection.
When Florence next met the young man
there was, as natural consequence, some
slight embarrassment on both sides. On
separating, Florence experienced a certain
unfavorable impression towards him; al
though she could not trace it to anything
he had said or done. AT their next meet
ing Leland's reserve had disappeared; and
he exhibited better flow of spirits. He
was more off his guard than usual, and
said good many things that rather sur
prlsed Florence.
Impatient of delay, Leland again pressed
his suit; but Florence was farther than ev
er from being ready to give an answer
Her request to be allowed further time for
consideration wounded his pride; and ac-
ting under its influence, he determined to
have revenge on her by suing for the hand
of another maiden, and bearing her to the
altar while she was hesitating over the of
fer he had made. With this purpose in
view, he penned kind and polite note,
approving her deliberation, and desiring
her to take the fullest time for reflection.
Marriage said he, in this note, SIS too
serious matter to be decided upon
hastily. 1t is life union and the par
ties who make it should be well satisfied
that there exists mutual fitness for each
other.
Two days after Florence received this
note, before seeing her friend Carlotti.-
She then called upon her in order to have
further conversation on the subject of the
proposal she had received. The tenor of
| this note had produced favorable change
! in her feelings, and she felt strongly dis
posed to make a speedy termination ofthe
debate in her mind, by accepting her at
! tractiye suitor.
Are you not well!' was her first re-
mark on seeing Carlotti; for her friend
looked pale and troubled.
sNot very well, DEAR replied Carlotti,
making an effcrt to assume a cheerful as
pect.
The mind of Florence was too intent
on the one interesting subject that occu-
pied it, to linger long on any other theme.
But short time elapsed before she said,
with a warmer glow of cheeks:
81 believe have made up my mind,
Carlotti.'
About whatF
sThe offer of Mr.. Leland
well, what is your decision?' .Carlotti
| held her breath for an answer.
Il will accept him.
Without replying, Carlotti arose, and
going to drawer, took therefrom letter
addressed to herself, and handing it to
Florence, said
Read that
There was something OMNIBUS in the
manner of Carlotti, which caused Florence
to become agitated. Her hands trembled
as she unfolded the letter. 1t bore the
date of the day previous, and read thus:-
'MY DEAR CARLOTTI: From the first
moment saw you, felt that you were
the one destined to make me happy or
miserable. Your image has been present
to me, sleeping or waking, ever since. l
can turn in no way that it is not before me.
The oftener have met you, the more
have / been charmed by the gentleness,
the sweetness, the purity and excellence
of your character. With you TO walk