Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-09-12

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 mel" Ida spoke hastily,
but in faint voice, and had look of troubled
doubt in her eyes. "But he does think of you
--he told me so last nightg' said Miss Warner; !;
"and am willing to give him up; what harm
can come OF it!"
"And could you give him up!" said Ida,
casping her small hands with an energy which
bespoke her astonishment that any one could
resign, of her free will and act ord, being so
perfert
"Oh, Mr.. Gilbert is not the only agreeable
man on earth" replied the yoang lady, remov-
ing the azure ribbon from her neck, and laying
down the guitar: 81 am perfectly willing to
resign him 1t any momeut-so prepare your
self for wedding Tomorrow, if you like"
As she spoke Miss Warner and her compan-
ion gded from the rocm Ida had no pow
er to follow: she was confused and strength
less, mist came over her sight, and, sinking
iuto seat she covered her face with both
hands, and remained in state of mental be-
wilderment, almost unconscious Of the solitude
| winch surrounded ner.
Miss Warner and the milllner met Gilbert in
the parlor, and both were laughing as they mo-
we'd towards him.
awe have broken the ice for you" said Miss
Warner; "she is in the little room yonder,
quite prepared for proposal"
"And you are really determined to carry
this hoax to an end!" inquired the lawyer,
gravely.
"Oh, by all MEANS" was the reply; it real
y is ridiculous, the idea Of her believing us. /
wish you could have seen her clasp those hands
and wonder how could give you up Go, 60,
before she takes it into her head to follow US.
But say, Gilbert, do remove that table with
thetwisted legs-t is such horrid fright.
:" 1t was my mothers" replied the young
lawyer quietly
"Well, well, it can be put into the garrett
and kept quite safe. But go along-your lady
love is waiting"
Mr. Gilbert stood motionless in the hall, till
his affianced bride and her companion disap-
peared among the oaks; he then turned with
calm, free and resolute step towards the little
room where Ida had been left She was still
sitting in the easy chair, sobbinsstike 4 child,
and tears were breaking, like half confined jew
els, through the slender fingers that concealed
her face.
Gilbert approached with noiscless tread,
and gently taking one of the hands from her
face, pressed it to his lips. She started up and
tlied to conceal her tears with the trembling
hand, while her face and brow and neck were
dcluged with crimson.
His voice was strangely tender and musical
for the cruel part he was acting.
They have told you no fnlsehood, Lida."
ne said: 81 do, indeed, love you-very much.
Will YOU come aud live with me in this pleas.
ant old house, where my parents were so hap.
py! Can you love me, and study for my sake
when we are married! for if you can answer
yes, to what have sail, with your whole
heart, in three days you shall be my own sweet
wife"
The poor girl could not answer-she was
perfectly overcome by the sensation of exqus-
ite happiness that thrilled every nerve.
"Why do you weep so, Ida! Ain | an.
noying you by these questions9
"No-no," sand the young girl, half lifting
her eyes to his face" it is not because | am so
surprised so shocked-so very happy" she
broke off in confusion, turned her head away
an instant, and then looked him earnestly in the
face. "You are sincere with me Z" she con.
tinued; 81 half suspected that Miss Warner
guessed how much-I mean how WE'LL
thought OF you, and so was trying to punish
me with false thoughts; but you, Mr.. Gilbert,
could YOU have the heart to trife with me SO
dreadfully--it would kill me indeed"
Gilbert tried to look into the soft eyes lifted
so full of eloquence to his face, but he ielt the
hot blood rush to his forehead and answered
hurriedy that he was most earnest to make her
his wife He kissed her forehead as the words
were uttered and then she became suddenly
conscious that they were alone in the house
and wished to leave it; he drew her arm res.
pectfully through his, and, conducting her to
the hall, went in search Of Miss Warner and
her companion. They were in the garden
chatting, in high spirits, full laughter at the
success Of their scheme.
"And how did you succeed? Did she sus-
pect9 How did she act?" they exclaimed to.
gether, running eagerly towards him.
Gas you predicted" replied the lawyer with
grave smile; "your pleasant little hoax will
be carried out three evenings from this"
"But have just been thinking--who can
we get that will play the minister| exclaimed
Miss Warner.
"Here is dilemma" !" chimed the miiner.
"Not in the least" replied Gilbert " have
thought of that already. My friend Morris,
who graduated with ME at Yale last year is just
the man. He looks as much like a parson as
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