The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-09-24

l u
BILE, perfectly new, occupied q corner close
by.
Miss Warner flung herself on seat
and taking up the guitar, began to triAe
with the strings. and as she turned with
an unpleasant smile towards Ida:
"How would you like this room for your
ownl" she said.
.."Me?" said Ida, family; 81 have nev.
er dreamed Of living in such place as
this"
"But you can live here If you like" said
the milliner.
"My mother was we'll off once, and she
would not lei me live out for anything"
said the apprentice, for she could only i'm.
agine that Miss Warner wished to engage
her for help when she should take posses.
sion Of the homestead; "besides am moi
strong enough for hard work"
"Oh, we don't mean that" replied the
milliner; "Mr. Gilbert wants q wife, and
as this lady here has taken fancy that he
likes you better than he does her; she is
quite willing that he makes you mistress
Of the homestead instead of herself"
"Don't say soft is cruel TO joke in this
manner!" said the bewildered girl. turning
very pale: 81 am sure, quite sure. that Mr..
Gilbert never thought Of me-"
Ida spoke hastily, but in faint voice,
and had a look OF troubled doubt in her
eyes, as il she almost wished they would
contradict her. tA
"But he does think of yop-he told me
so last nigh,!'' said Miss Warner; and |
am willing TO give him up-what harm can
come OF itl" ...s aars,t
"And could you give him up!" said Ida,
clasping her small hands, with an energy
which bespoke her astonishment that any
one could resign, OF her own free will, a
being so perfect.
"Oh, Mr.. Gilbert is not the only agreea-
BILE man oiaearth," replied the young lady,
removing the azure ribbon from her neck,
and laying down the guitar; 81 am perfect
ly willing to resign him at any moment
so prepare yourself for the wedding to-
morrow if you like!"
As she spoke, Miss Warner and her
companion gided from the room. Ida
had no power to follow, she was confused,
and strengthless, mist came over her
sight, and sinking to her seat. she covered
her face with both hands, and remained
in state Of mental bewilderment, almost
unconscious of the solitude which sur.
rounded her.
Miss Warner and the milliner met Gill
bert in the hall. and both were laughing as
they moved towards him. t~
1--WE have broken the ice for you" said
Miss Warner, 'she is in the little room
yonder, quite prepared for proposal
"And are you really determined to car
ry this hoax to an end!" inquired the law.
yer gravely.
.Oh, by all MEANS" was the reply; sit
really is ridiculous. the idea Of believing
us. wish you could have seen her clasp
those hands, and wonder how could give
you up. Go, go before she takes il into
her head to follow us. But say. Gilbert,
do remove that horrid little table with the
twisted legs-it is such fright"
sit was my mother's," replied the law
yer, quietly.
swell, well, it can be put in the garret,
and kept quite safe. But go along-your
lady.love is waiting" r.a.r
Mr.. Gilbert stood moiionless in the hall
till his affianced bride and her companion
disappeared amid the oaks; he then turned
with calm. free and resolute step toward
the little room where Ida had been left.
She was still sitting in the easy char, sob.
bing like child, and tears were breaking
like half confined jewels, through the slen-
der fingers that concealed her face.
Gilbert approached with noiseless tread.
and gently taking one of the hands from
her face, pressed it TO his lips. She start
ed, and tried to conceal her tears with the
trembling hand, while her brow and neck
we're deluged with crimson.
His voice was strangely tender and mu-
sical for the cruel plot he was acting.
They have told you no falsehood. Lida, p
he said, 81 do indeed love you-very
much. Will you come and live with me
here in this pleasant old house, where my
parents were SO happyl Can you love
me and study for my sake, when we are
marriedl-for il you can answer yes to
what have said, with your whole heart
lin three days you shall be my own swee,
wifel" ? PSF 9.@ i.''' ~ w 'a'.9l
The poor girl could not answer--she
was perfectly overcome by the sensations
of exquisite happiness that thrilled every
nerve.
"Why do you weep so, Lidal Am
annoying you by these questions?"
"No--no," said the young girl, hal
lifting her eyes 10 his face, "itis not that
am so surprised, so shocked--so very
happy"-she broke off in confusion, turn
ed her head away for an instant, and then
looking him earnestly in the face:
"You are sincere with met" she said
81 suspected Miss Warner guessed how
much--l mean how well | thought Of yol
l-and 30 was trying to punish me with
false thoughts; but you lMrs Gilbert, yot
could not have The heart to tri6e with m,