Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-02-04
GIRL THAT WOULD BE MARRIED
s a SHORT AND TRUE STORY.

my accumulated large property. He
4 was d man Of rather superior. mind, ano
requirements, bdf unfortunately became
addicted 10 habits of intemperance. Nat
Iurany fond Of sociely, his company was
much sought, andhe became eventually a
sot. Hiswife was feeble woman, with.
sfnut much decisionso character; but an on,
child wasthe rpyerse, illustrating one of
i those laws of naturs, that the females often
/, est take after hsI4her in character and
personal peculiarl eand the males after
th9 mother. : 'Esst1se ssszFs
/ Mary was llaware Of the consequence
that would inevitably follow her fathers
course, and had used every exertion of per-
suasion and reason in her power, to induce
him TO alter his habits, but without avail;
his resolution and promises could not with
stand temptation, and he pursued his down.
ward course, till the poor girl despaired Of
reform, and previously realized what the
end must result in. s
John Dunn was young man from the
East, possessed Of good education, as all
our New England boys are, and their in
dominitable industry and perseverance, and
was working on the farm of neighbor by
/ the monab.
| Mary, On going on some errand to the
next house, met him on the road with the
usual salutation, morning, Mr..
Dunn" 80
'sGood morning, Miss Watts. Haw is
your health?"
swell, thank you, but to tell the truth,
sick at heart.o
''Pray, what is the trouble?" said John
-"what can affect cheerful, lively girl
like you, possessing everything to make
happy?"
s'On the contrary" replied Mary, "eye-
rything conspires to make me unhappy
am almost weary of life. But it is a
subject cannot explain to you; and yet
have often thought / might"
| "Anything that can do for you, Miss
Watts, you may freely command"
/ "Thas is promising more than you may
be willing to perform. But, to break the
ice at once do you want wife?" =
| ga wife! we'll don't know. Don't you
want husband?" 80
"Indeed do, the worst way. don't
know but you may think me bold and def
cient in that maidenly modesty becoming a
young woman; but if you knew my situu-
ton, and the Affections under which l. suf-
feE, ] ihink i you'd hses0ms excuse for
| my course.
slave you thought of the cosequences?'
said John, "my situation-I am poor
you are rich Il am stranger-and-
| 81 have till am almost crazy. Let
me explain. You and every one else
knows the unfortunate situation of my fatE-
er. His habits are beyond amendment, and
his property is wasting like dew before the
sun. Aset Of harpies are drinking his
very hearts blood, and ruin and misery are
staring US in the face. We are almost
strangers it is true; we have noticed you
closely. Your habits, your industry, and
the care and prudence with which you
manage your employers business, have all
/ interested me-"
| @And yet, my dear young lady, what
can you know Of me to warrant you in
taking such step2''
'Itis enough for me that 1 am satisfied
with your character and habits, your per.
son and manners. / am woman and
have eyes, We are about the same age;
SO, if you know me and like me well 8.
nough to take me there is my hand!"
T "And, my dear Mary, there's mine, with
allmy heart in it. Now, when do you
desire it to be settled?" .
.sNow, this minute; give me your arm,
and we will go 10 Squire Benton's and
have the bargain finished at once. don't
/ want to enter our house of. distress again
till Ishnve one on whom | can rely, to
control and direct the affairs Of my discon-
solals home and to support me in my deter
. mination TO turn over new leaf in our
domestic affairs.n
sBut not in this old hat, and in my shirt
sleeves, Mary .
s,Yes-and nay old sun bonnet and
dirty apron. If you are content let it be
done at once. IA g.,
/ 81 hope you will pot think am so hard
pushed as that comes to; but ! want mas
! ter; ana willing to be mistress. but to be
master Is more than am equal to. | will
then take you home and introduce you as
my own dear husband-signed, sealed and
delivered. y
$50 be ii-pernit me to say that have
always admired you, from the first minute
l saw you, for your beauty and energy,
and industrious, amiable department"
sNow, John, if that is sincere, this is the
happiest moment'of my life, and trust our
union will be long and happy. am the
only one my poor father hears to: but alas
his resolutions are like ropes of sand. |
: can manage him on the other subjects, you
: must take charge Of his business, and have
! the sole control; there will be no difficulty
Il am very confident Of the result"
They were married, and more happy
match was never consumated. Everything
prospered; houses and barns were repaired
: fences and gates were regulated, and ths
D extensive fields smiled and hourished 1ik.
3 an Eden. The unfortunate father in {
!, few weeks sunk into drunkard's grave
l Mary and John raised large family, ane
I, they still live, respected and wealthy-al
. from an energetic girls resolution, fore
: thought and courage.
ri an T 81