Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-03-01
!3} OTTUMWA IOWA. FRIDAY, MARCH /, 1850

found wherever he turned among the OPP
posite sex, bright eyes to grow brighter
on his approach, and sweet voices to
grow more sweet as they gave him a
cheerful welcome. But of all he saw,
two only fixed his attenton-ElIen Bor-
don and Mary Danvers; and soon after
he commenced paying his visits to each
with what design he scarcely knew
himself, to decide which of the two he
preferred; but this was not to be so easily
decided; for the dignified look and ele-
giant conversation of Ellen, was always
counteracted by the sweet grace, mo lesty
and warm feelings of Mary. Both in
terested him, but in manner so opposite
that neither seemed perfect without the
qualifications of the other; and yet he
felt if either were away the other would
content him. But all quandaries must
have termination, ani at last his decis-
ion was made how properly will be seen
| anon.
Martin was a great admirer of talent;
and Ellen, who perceived this, and who
was determined TO make a conquest over
her rival, (for the true state of the case
was already whispered about the village.
that the young mechanic was striving to
decide between the two,) threw ont all
! her powers and became more attractive
than ever; while Mary, who began TO
feel an ardent attachment for young Mar
tin. became more timid and more re-
served, yet in his experienced eyes, left
! the balance in favor of the former, and
his decision was made accordingly. TO
Ellen his visits now became regular;
while on Mary he seldom called, and in
the course of the ensuing spring, he
made an offer Of his hand to Ellen, was
acceped, and the wedding was settled to
be on the coming Fourth of july. ..
"About this period the village of n
was thrown into state o. excitement.
by the appearance of two individuals,
who made a purchase of Spot of ground
in the heart of the place, at what the viii
lage considered an enormous price, for
the purpose, as they stated, Of erecting
mansion, to be the summer residence Of
young millionaire from Boston-one
Earnest Sunderland Alvord. That q
millionaire should select the town oi N
for his summer quarters, was an honor
the good inhabitants had never, even in
their palmiest days, dreamed of being
conferred upon them; and of course there
was no end to the talk, wonderment and
speculation to which such an important
! event gave rise.
''Some few sceptics were found. who
asserted the story was fabulous one.
and got up for humbug; but even they
were soon forced to Join in the general
voice when they saw large array of
mechanics upon the ground, and the
talked of building in actull progress. 1t
was completed in what appeared to them
an incredible short space of time; and
was, by the way, the beautiful residence
to which | called your attention. Now,
sir, comes the romance:
| LAS yet no one had seen the ownel,
and it was given out that he would make
his appearance and take possession on
the Fourth of July--the day appointed
for the marriage of Ellen Borden and
Charles Martin. A report also became
current, that Earnest Sunderland Alvord
was young, handsome unmarried man;
and this of course rendered not little
to increase the curiosity to see this para
gon: particularly with that class of le-
males who considered themselves, or
were considered, eligible to enter the, to
them, unlried state Of matrimony. Even
Ellen, as she proudly surveyed her fine
| form and face in mirror, sometimes
felt pang of regret that she had thus
thrown herself away, as it were by en-
gaging herself to poor, humble me
chanic; and at times strong temptation
would come over her TO break the pledge,
and once more be free; to try her powers
of fascination upon this young, hand
some millionair. sH
"Dou5iless his heart is Free she
would reason to herself 'and why may
not succeed in captivating him!' lam
handsome in person, have fine talents
and conversational powers, and-wthal a
manner of pleasing the most fastidious,
and why might not succeed in winning
him, were it no. for this hated and fool
ish engagement with wandering me-
chanic whom nobody knows' And then
what triumph it would be over the in
habitants of N, and what talk il
would make both privately and in the
daily public prints; and with what ease
and splendor | could live, and look upon
those who toll for their bread'-and as
this golden vision grew more and more
upon the mind of this vain girl, it took
more of the form Of reality, until at last,
her Imagination told her
1T was dream Uhich ,Das not all a
dredm.' a " "
/ And she already began to devise means
of breaking off what she consi dered a
foolish engagement.
| "Martin, who continued to visit hel
regularly. found. to his regret and morti.
, fication. coldness in her manner to
! wards him, and petulancy whenever he
, addressed her, which grieved and troub
, led him exceedingly-the mere SO as ht
could not account for it, and she wou!(
give him no explanation. But his sus
I'll nf .zt., h.