Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1850-10-08
A SHORT C0URTSHIP.

il hss ever boon question with the moro
prudent portion Of mankind whittier hasty
marriages are advisable or arc likely To prove
happy. Much philosophical disquisItIun has
been employed m the investigation Of the
subject, and many able arguments have teer
sdduccd both in favor aud agiin,, them. 1t
naui,ges we're contracted according TO th.
rules OF wisdom and prudence, there wouh
seem 10 be good reason that the parties s5Ouls
take time To become fully acquainted With
each others characters, disposition. and hab-
rs. snd thereby secure the bee, interest. aud
permanent happiness VI both the individual,
coneerrod
As love. however, iss blind, IDEAL satyr,
and seldom listens TO any Of the dictates at
wisdom, !, is though, by many that linle eost
I'LL necessarily result from long aequain.
,aneo, ard the interchange Of those number
less wiling looks and omiaOu. gestures 81
common In both the seies.
In a matter which 30 Immediately Sfccu
the whole future course NJ lie, IS tha, NJ mar
rsge, II would appear lha, too much clrcgm-
.pec,ion and prudence cannot BE- used, ru'
should the parties enter, too bis,ily, into en-
gaeemrnl. which are to unite their joy and
sorow,, their Interests and pleasures, ti!l
death l.olf shall dissolve the bonds.
This, however, is subject which acis
will elucidaie batter than the most profound
eousc Of reasoning or logical Investigation.
4 circumstances to the point, on the subject
of short eouriship, will give, which cane
under my o~n personal observation. ~ {; g
n.ghborhood aherc once resided lived \
family, possessing great moral worth, coucc
habits aud refined manners They ~ero q
pattern Of virtue aud excellence, and were
highly esteemed by all the villagers. Dulas
the summer of lsOs niece Of the lady spcr,
several monlhs 10 the family, and was herse,i
every ~ay worthy Of the sincere regard which
her aunt manifested for her. Having bcen
educated IN the same general principle, Of
morals, their passions and affections seemed
% eoalcsco 1nd harmonic N all their scilcus.
One DAY IN the month Of August, a gentle
man travelling in that part OF the country, Sas
o,er,asen by |. shower which had been gath
ering ioF some time IN the heavens, and bursi
upon the village Ius, as he VAS passing near
the house. He called ior shelter, ana ~s'
Hospitality received BY the lady, who invited
him in the paFlor In short time her pres
enca.Ya, required IN the chamber whsrc
child va. living sick IL the cradle, snd needed
her attendance.
Making an apology the gentleman for mo-
menis abence, she entered her chamber snt
requested her neice 10 at with the susnger
ull the rain permitted hm to leave, Polite.
ness forbade a refusal. snd she wen, belo~
and took ses, IN the parl.r.
The gentleman possessing cultivated mind
and extensive snowledgr, VAS able TO touch
upon many interesting topics Of conversation,
which were fully rcciProeaied by the yogn.
ady.
ln an hour and hall the rain mad passed
o,er and the gentleman took his leave. The
nece reloinod her aunt, and desul,Ory con.
'enaion ensued. Aitsr few little episodes
Of pleasantly, Mary says to her aunt, Z" And
what de- YOU think OF that senileman'"
Rally ] don't sno" what to think. lie
appeared fair"