The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-12-06
THE GENTLE WARNING.
BY ANNA WILMOT.

do not accept the offer, Florence said
her friend Carlotti.
A shade of disappointment went over the
face of the fair girl, who had just commu
nicated the pleasing fact that she had re-
ceived an offer of marriage.
You cannot be happy as the wife of
Herman Leland added Carlotti.
How little do you know this heart
returned the fond girl.
1T is because | know it so well that
say what l do. If your love be poured out
for Herman Leland Florence, it will be
as water on the desert sand
why do you affirm this, Carlottip
"A woman can truly love only the moral
virtue of her husband
Il don't clearly understand you
1T is only genuine goodness of heart
that conjoins in marriage
.Well!'
Just so far as selfish and evil affections
find place in the mind of either the hus-
band or wife, will be the ratio of unhappi-
ness in the marriage state. If there be
any truth ir morals, or in the doctrine of
affinities, be assured that this is SO. 1t is
neither intellectual attainments, noI per-
sonal attractions. that make happiness in
marriage. Far, very far from it. All
depends upon the quality of Affections
II these be good, happiness will come as
a natural consequence; but if they be evil
misery will inevitably follow SO close
union.
Then you affirm that Mr.. Leland is an
evil-minded man.
Neither of us know him well enough to
say this positively, Florence. Judging
from what little have seen. | should call
him selfish man; and no selfish man can
be good man; for selfshness is the basis
of all evil
i am afraid you are prejudiced against
him, Carlopi.'
.IfI have had any prejudices in the
matter, Florence, they have been In his
favSh Well educated, refined in his
manners, and variously accomplished, he
creates, on nearly all minds, favorable
impression. But the closer | draw near
10 him, the less satisfied did / feel with
my first judgment. On at least two occa-
sions. have heard him speak lightly of
religion
.Of mere cant and sectarianism, per-
haps.'
No; he once spoke lightly of mother
children to repeat their prayers before 60
ing to bed. On another occasion he allu-
ded 10 one of the sacraments Of the church
in way that produced an inward shudder.
From that time, | have looked at him with
eyes from which the scales have been re-
moved; and the more | seek to penetrate
beneath the surface of his character, the
more do see that repels me. Florence,
dear, let me urge you as one who tenderly
loves you, and earnestly desires to see you
happy, to weigh the matter well ere you
assent to his proposal
Pm afraid, Carllolti,' said Florence, IN
reply to this, shat you have let small eau
ses influence your feelings towards Mr..
Leland. We all speak lightly at times,
even on subjects regarded as sacred; not
because we despise them, but from casual
thoughtessness. 1t was, no doubt, SO
with Mr.. Leland on the occasions to which
You refer
I'VE are rareiy mistaken, Florence,
replied Carlotti, 'as to the real sentiment
involved IN the words used by those with
whom we converse. Words are the ex-
pressions of thought, and these the form
of affections. What a man really feels IN
reference to any subject, will generally
appear in the tones of his voice, no matter
whether he speak lightly or seriously
Depend upon it, this is SO. 1t was the
manner in which Leland spoke that salts
fed me as to his real feelings, more than
the language he used. Judging him in
this way, am well convinced that, in his
heart, he despises religion; and no man
who does this, can possibly make right
minded woman happy
what answer can l make' said she,
with sigh. He urges an early res
polse to his suit
DUTY to yourself, demands time for
consideration. Marriage is thing of too
vital moment to be, e,,decided upon hurriedly.
Say to him, in reply, that his offer is un-
expected and that you cannot give an i'm
mediate answer. but will do SO at the ear
liest possible moment
$50 cold response may offend him.
IF it does, then he will exhibit weak
ness of character uniting him to become
the husband of a sensible woman. If he
be really attracted by your good qualities,
he will esteem you the more for this act of
prudence. He will understand that you
set high regard upon the marriage rela-
hon, and no; mean to enter into it unless