The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-11-19
THE ELOPEMENT.
BY T. S. ARTHUR.

"Young man, it is useless to urge this
matter. In declining your offer of an al.
lance with my family, | am in earnest"
IL am not content with simple rejec-
ton Of my suit, Mr.. Carlton. give rea-
sons for my own conduct, and like to
have reasons for all acts affecting myself
Will you say why am not worthy to
claim the hand OF one whose heart al
ready possess! Is not my family as good
as yours!"
The young man spoke eagerly, while
his brows were knit and his eyes firmly
fixed on those of the person he addressed.
"William," said Mr.. Carlton, manifest.
ing a good deal of excitement as he spoke,
81 do not recognize your right to demand
of me reasons for my conduct. | will say,
however, that the happiness of my child is
in my keeping as a natural right, and |
am bound to protect her in every way. |
regard only her happiness when | de-
cline the offer made for her hand. know
the heart Of Jessie well, and know that, if
committed to your keeping, it will be bro
ken heart in less than five years-it may
be in less than one."
81 love your daughter, Mr.. Carlton,"
replied the young man. "Why should |
break the heart OF one love?"
"Wiliam Levering, such love as yours
falls upon the heart as blight, not as
blessing. know you well, your princi-
Piles and your lfe-both are bad"
A red spot burned on the young mans
cheek, and his eyes flashed. But Mr..
Carlton looked calmly at him.
"Think," he added; "picture to your
self one Of your companions in vice ap-
preaching your own sister, and offering
the love Of his corrupt heart. Would you
not step between, abandoned as you are,
and risk your very life, rather than permit
the sacriice?"
"Mr. Carlton" said Levering, 81 cannot
permit you, nor any one else, to insult and
outrage me in this way"
"As you like" returned the other, cold
ly..H"You ask reasons for my conduct,
but are not willing 10 hear them"
For short time there was silence, the
Young man standing in an attitude ofirres.
olutiop. Then muttering something in an
under tone, he retired from the presence
Of Mr. Carlton.
A few hours afterwards, servant tap
ped softly at the chamber door of Miss
Carlton, the young lady referred to in the
brief conversation just given. rs !.
"What do you want, Philip" asked
Jessie, as she opened the door.
The servant slipped a sealed note into
her hand, with an air Of secrecy, and then
retired. $50,
Quickly re. entering her room, and turn
ing the key, Jessie broke the envelope Of
tho billet she had received, and read what
was written within. The communication
!. was from her lover, and ran thus
.Ihave seen your father, as you so earn
estly desired, and the result Of the inter-
yiew Is Just what expected. He was not
, content with an angry denial Of my suit,
butthrew me off with smarting insults. He
says cannot make you happy. Heaven
knows how ardently desire to fill your
cup with joy, even until it overruns the
brim. If the passionate love Of sincere
heart can make you happy, Jessie, then
your whole life will be blessed. cannot
imagine the ground Of his dislike towards
me- have never injured him nor his
This opposition on his part makes me
wretched. Are we then to remain ever
separated or will you leave all, and throw
yourself into my arms2 ! shall await your
answer TO this in the widest impatience.