Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-03-01
5 WHOLE NO. rs,

~ SiutO,
noticing with surprise the singular effect
the question had upon her, she treated
me with contempt, and wished to be re-
leased from her engagement-giving as
a reason; that | was poor; unknown
mechanic, and that she looked for some
thing higher!' ... ..H. ... .....
is it possitle!' cried Mary, in surprise.
'lt is true! And now, to be brief; |
will tell you my errand hither. have
loved you both-now love but YOU
and am come to offer you my hand; will
you accept it, knowing me to be what |
am!'
So sudden and unexpected was this,
that Mary burst into tears, and for some
time was unable to reply. At length
she succeeded in arlculating:
Charles Martin, have loved you
long in secret and she leaned her head
upon his breast and wept.
'Charles Martin went away that night
happy man.
Il shall now pass over all minor eve nts,
to the eve of the Fourth of July, which
was to be an eventful night to the inhabi-
tants of N for tree invitation had
been extended to all; and at an early
hour the great hall of the mansion was
crowded with citizens of all grldes.
The apartment was splendidly decorated
with tapestry, banners, and paintings,
and lighted by five great chandeliers,
suspened from the ceiling. At the far
end of the hall, was slightly elevated
platform, or stage. splendidly carpeted,
at the back of which was door, through
which the great millionaire was to appear,
and be introduced to the public; and con-
sequently all eyes were turned in tLat
direction. As yet no one had seen Mr..
Alvord, although all were satisfied he
was now in the building, for an elegan,
carriage, with foul horses, richly capri
soned, had been seen but a short time
before to halt at the door in the rear, and
gentleman to issue therefrom and en-
ter the mansion. Presently band Of
musicians appeared, and struck up the
national air of Hail Columbia
Among the spectators, and near the
stage, stood Ellen Borden, richly and
tasteiully habited, and gazing around
with prond look, tha: made her the OBJ
ject of remark to almast every one pres
ent. Near her stood Charles Martin,
and leaning on his arm, Mary Danvers.
As the eyes of Ellen fell upon the two,
her lip cured with look of scorn, and
she was about moving away, when
Charles Martin approached her and in a
calm voice, said:
DO you still refuse to marry me,
Elem
Il do!' she answered, tartly. Il wed
no common mechanic?'
You hear!' said Marin, turning to
some of the bystanders-'she refuses me,
this was to have been our wedding
night; and returning TO Mary, he whis-
pered a few words in her ear, and disap-
peared in the crowd. :.
'When the band ceased playing. Hail
] Columbia a gentleman came forward
on the stage, and announced that Mr..
Ernest Sunderland Alvord would short
ly make disappearance. The eannounce-
ment was greeted with thunders of ap-
plause, which was only slenced by a
new peal of music from the band. All
now was hushed as the house of death
mot person moved-while many
held their breath with anxiety, and strain
ed their eyes to catch the first glimpse of
the, to them, great parsonage. For some
little time they were kept in suspence,
with their eyes riveed upon the door,
when it shortly swung back, and there
was general whisper-'He comes! he
comes'
What was their vexation and chagrin,
however, when instead of the great Mr..
Alvord, the hdmble Mr.. Martin deliber-
ately walked forward Although he
was rather favorire in The village, yet a
general hiss of disapprobation greeted
his appearance on the present occasion.
Apparently without hearing the murmurs
OF dissatisfaction, he took his station on
the extreme front of the platform, and
quietly folding his arms upon his breast,
stood and calmly gazed upon the assem-
bly, until the music had ceased; when the
gentleman who had appeared to announce
the coming of Mr.. Airord, again stepped
forward, and, waving his hand to com
mand silence, in a voice clear and loud
said:
Ladies and gentleman; the honor OF
introducing to the good inhabitants oil
N the proprietor of this mansion
how devolves upon your humble servant.
In the person before you known among
you as Charles Martin, you behold Err
nest Sunderland Alvord!' and with a
graceful bow he withdrew.
'Never did simple announcement,
isthril an assemblage as did the one ius,
f made. Men and women, stood speech.
les ldumb with surprise and wonder
SCARCELY able to credit their senses, until
the Stiffness was again broken by Martin
, or Alyord rs sha call him henceforth
Ladies and gentlemen, he began
'what you have just heard announced, is
true. am aSnSunderland Alvord
proprietor of the. 9uilding you now occu
py. You look surprised. and 40 won.
. der; but hear me lain. Born o
5 wealthy parents, nuH0I~4 in all the lux
ury unppy c0ul1 rroonra soo,, 49,.