Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-01-10
THE STORY.
FANNY DAYS DECISION.

"But can you suPpOIt HeT III VIC ett lNe "
10 which she has been accustomed! Il
costs something to get married row-a-
days. We have TO begin where our
fathers ended" said his companion.
"True Ned, if she would only begin
with newly she's poor herself.
"Yes, and proud too. The fact is wo-
men REQUIRE SO much waiting upon, OF
fashion requires it--so many servants,
lust such style of living---that for my
part have given up all thoughts Of mar
ryinr." Ned said this with some bitter
ness, as if he had good reasons for feel
ing it.
..My business is good" pursued the
other, inten, apon his own affairs. "and
nncle thinks my prospects pretty fair, il
live prudently. II costs a round sum
a, the hotel-I nigh, support snug liz
tie establishment at the same expense
ayes, If snug little establishments
were in fashion. Charley" e
"She is amiable and intelligent; she is
economical, because fhe always has
been obliged 10 be-" declared Charles
abruptly stopping, as 81 new thought
had struck him. =
"Perhaps so--butshall you both: be
independent enoughto begin in sinal
way-in short, to lise within your means
--for if you expect to get along in the
world, you must live within your means y
"Well, it's a pity" said Charles
somewhat dampsned by the inquiries o
his friend, ,--"lhink what charming quar-
ters might haye. am heartily sick o.
the off hand bafhelor life we now lead
What! must 4 wait till make for
tune before barry"
"Or be over head and cars in debt
suggested Nee.
"That willnever do" exclaimed Scot,
right earnestly, and it is to be regretted
that every toung man does not make .
like deterrnnaiion, with independence
and judgurm enough 10 keep it.
Here the two came 10 turn in the
street, where they took different direc
uons. Cnariey bent his steps toward:
the stort, in no merry mood, Ned
know nj where.
Chahs Scott entered the counting
room AID shut The door. The business
of theuay was over. and the clerks were
beginning to leave as the early shades o.
an arumn twilight were fast gathering
roupi. He stirred up some dying EN-.
bey, then throwing himself listlessly in
30 chair. and placing his feet upon the
jrfn fender, he soon became wonderful
" absorbed in bis own reflections. lie
vas young man of excellent tactics
Ind excellent habits-remembered with
toy his fathers fireside, and all the swee
fsympaihies of that dear home circle, O.
which he was once loved and loving
member. They had passed away, and
no had lived upon the cold boun;ies %
boarding house. His heart yearnet
with unspeakable desire for place te
call his own. the delightful peculiarities
my wife, my freside, my table 1t does
not appear to what conclusion Charlie.
came, or whether he came to any at all
Evening found him at his toilet, prepa.
ring for party.
Long before the hour. he was ready
and waiting the iardy movement of hi.
watch. Though no one knew better
how to fillup the inches in time with
something useful and pleasant, there was
now resilessness of spirit which reiu-
sed to be quiet. He sailed forth into
the street, and after various turns, al
length bent his steps towards, the Clark's
--music and mirth met his ear, the
brigh, lights s,reamed. from the windows
Making his greetings to the ladies of the
house, uttering few agreeable truisms
TO those about him, he sought among the
bevies of fair women one pretty maiden
named Fanny Day. She babe him 9
welcome which seemed to say ''come
hither." He stood aloof in no seeming
hurry to seek place by her side, alrea.
-dy half occupied by another, while his
eye discussed with keenest scrutiny, the
tout ensemble of Fanny's dress. Con-
scious of his earnest admiring (!) gaze,
Fanny seemed 10 hear the quick beatings
of her own heart, and hope, and fear,
and love, came and went, and went and
came, like smiles and shadows across
her spirit.
"a new and splendid silk thus ran
Charley's thoughts, ethat looks very ex-
,rayagant; and that bracelet, too, never
cav that before, wonder if she's fond
Of such gewgaws! Wha. is that dang.
ling from her hair! A gold pin or gold
tasse:! should like to know how
much it cost"
Notvery loye.like comments, 1t must
be confessed; but he was looking far be-
yond the betrothed and the bride, to what
signifed great deal more; he was look
ing for help mate--0ne for dark days
as well as bright. 81 am afraid she won''
do for me; and this is her uncle's house,
che will want to live just so." Some.
thing like sigh escaped him as he walk
ed away TO another part of the room.---
Fanny watched his departure wondering
when he would return. She was sure
Ne would rejoin her by and by; he al
ways had Of late. But no return. Had
he only known that Fanny's silk dress
was not new one; newly turned and
newly fitted as il had indeed been, by
her needle and her skill. SO as to make
Il L.