Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

This passed when the attention of the
company present was drawn to some
engaging object. Never before had
Ferris received any evidence OF Anne's
love, save from her tell tale eyes. The
flower was placed next his heart, and he
left the apartment. He had proceeded
but 4 few steps from the house when he
was accosted by poor medicant clothed
in rags, who was exposed at that late
hour of the night TO the inclemency of
the season.
"Pray, SIR" said the beggar to Ferris,
scan you give me triile-I am nearly
starved and chilled through with the
nights air."
Ferris after few moments converse
ton with the beggar, for he had not the
heart to turn away from the suffering Of
fellow creature, handed him purse
containing FIVE or six dollars, urging him
10 seek immediate shelter and food. The
beggar blessed him and passed on.
A few nights subsequent to this occur
renee, he was again at her fathers house.
Mrs. H, Anne's mother, received
him as she did most Of the visitors,
with somewhat constrained and dis
tsnt welcome. Being woman of no
great conversational powers, she always
retired quite early, conducting her inter-
course with society in the most formal
manner. Ferris was much surprised
that Mr.. H had taken no particular
notice Of his intimacy at his house for
he seldom saw him, and when he could,
the old mans eyes bent sternly upon
him in anything but friendly and invi-
ling spirit. In this dilemma he was at
loss what course to pursue, since An
. mes acknowledgment of her affection
for him, and now he was equally distant
from The goal of his happiness, for his
better judgment told him that the consent
of her parents could never be obtained.
On this occasion he had taken his leave
as usual, when he was met by the beg
gar of the former night, who again soil
cited aims, declaring he could find no
one else to assist him, and that the mon
ey he had before bestowed upon him
had been expended for food, and rent Of
miserable cellar where he had lodged.
Again Ferris placed a purse in the
poor mans hand, at the same time tel
ling him that he himself was poor, and
constrained TO the practice Of rigid econ
omy in the supper! of those dependant
upon hilA. He left the beggar and
passed on his way happy in having con-
tributed TO the alienation Of human suf-
fering.
Not long subsequent, Ferris called one
evening at the house of Mr.. H, and
fortunately found Anne and her father
alone the former engaged upon piece of
embroidery of new pattern, and the
latter pouring over volume OF ancient
philosophy. On his entrance the old
gentleman took no further apparent no.
lice Of him than slight inclination Of
the head, and 'good evening, sir. -
He took chair by Ahne's side and told
her of his love in low but ardent tones,
begging permission to speak TO hei IA
Their on the subject.
'.Oh, he will not hear one word Of the
matter, l know" said the sorrowing girl.
! "No longer ago than yesterday. he
4 spoke to me relative TO connection
with r.; can never love but one
man." said the beauty, giving him her
hand.
Ferris could bear this suspense no
longer. In fact, the hint relative to her
alliance TO another, spurred him to ac-
ton. He proceeded to that part of the
room where Mr.. H sat, and after a
few introductory remarks, he said:
"You have doubtless observed, sir,my
intimacy in your family for more than a
year past. From the fact that you did
not object to my attentions to your daugh-
ter, have been led TO hope that it may
not he altogether against your wishes
May ask, sir, with due respect, your
opinion in this matter!"
81 have often seen you here" replied
Mr.. H. sand have no eason 10 objec.
TO your visits, sir.
'.lndeed, sir, you are so very kind. |
have neither fortune or rank to offer your
daughter, bat embroidered by love, ask
for her hand"
/ The old man lay by his book, and re-
moving his spec:acles, asked:
"Does the lady sanction his request"
"She does
sand you ask"
"Your daughters hand"
.'lt is yours"
Ferris sprang in establishment 10 his
feet, saying:
81 hardly know how TO receive your
kindness, my dear sill looked for diff
ferent treatment"
aListen young man. said the father,
lido you think / should have allowed
you 10 become intimate in my family,
without first knowing your character!-
Do you think should have given you
this precious child land here placing her
hand in Ferris 10 you before had
proved you? No, sir, out of Anne's
many suitors from the wealthiest and
highest in society, long since selected
you as one in whom | could feel conf
dence. The world calls me cold and
calculating man; perhaps am SO; but |
had duty to perform to Him who had
entrusted me with the happiness of this
| HOS cod child. I have apdaayorod IN ner