The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-09-08

suddenly, Lizzie seemed struck with the
|impropriety Of remaining there conversing
with stranger, and remarked that she
mus. go home. Mr.. Sumner, instead of
taking leave, accompanied her. opened the
gate, and then Lizzie could do no less
than invite him in. He required no urg.
ing, and throwing his trout upon the grass,
entered Immediately, and contriyed to
make himself SO exceedingly agreeable
during the half hour he remained, that
Lizzie quite forgot her scruples Of proprie.
ty in regard to the stranger, talked and
laughed, exerted' all her entertaining pow.
ers, and made herself as fully agreeable as
he did. When he at length rose to take
leave, he expressed his pleasure at the &C
quaintance, and his hopes Of continuing it.
II was singular that after this, Lizzie
never walked in the grove, at whatever
hour it might be, without meeting the sing
ing master, and he always considered it
his duty to escort her home, and invariably
came in when arrived there. In those
calls he seemed to take no note of time,
but stayed most unconsconable while.
Soon the young lawyer, much to his cha.
grin, was left in the lurch. and Mr.. Sum-
ner generally accompanied Lizzie from the
singing school. The beaux were indig-
nant at this monopoly. and the bellies re-
garded her with envious eyes. The dea-
cons lady at least thought it incumbent
on her to call upon Miss Henderson, and
show her the Improperly of her conduct.
Mr.. Sumner was there when she arrived,
but after he left, she proceeded TO business,
and came away with the selfapproving
feeling that she had done her duty, but
feared that she had made no impression
upon the wiliul young school mistress.
There was to be grand picnic among
the youthful portion Of the village. The
idea was started by some of the most en-
ergetic, and a meeting was held by the
young men. to canvass the matter, and
make preparations. The affair was to
come Fin the woods. several miles from
town, and each gentleman was to drive a
Young lady to the scene ofthe revels. Mr..
Sumner was away on the day Of the meet.
ing, and knew nothing Of it, and Mr.. Abel
Sampson, who regarded him since his ap.
preparation of Lizzie. in no favorable light,
determined to take advantage Of his rival,
and secure Miss Henderson for himself,
which he accordingly did, and was in
high spirits at his good fortune.
The abandoned Lizzie was obliged 10
return with Mr.. Sumner. and did not seem
inconsolable at the exchange. Soon the
attention Of the whole village was engross.
ed by the approaching marriage of Esther
Henderson and Augustus Sumner. The
good people of Stanton had but few topics
to discuss, and such an occurance as this
was glorious windfall TO them; it was the
point Of debate at all parties. sewing circles,
and other gatherings. The great impru.
dence Of our young friends was commen-
ted upon and severely censured. Esther
Henderson for accepting poor adventur-
er, whom nobody knew anything about,
rlsking her happiness, when she might
have no less person than Abel Sampson,
Esq, an attorney at law, and "well to do"
in the world. Mr.. Summers name was
equally roughly handled for selecting
simple school mistress, with no dowry but
a pretty face, who had shown herself to-
tally ignorant of all qualification for a good
wife. But their remarks reached not the
ears Of the party interested, or if they did,
they were entirely disregarded, for with the
obstinacy common to young people, they
persisted in remaining satisfied with each
other, and would hear nothing to the con-
trary. :.
One bright sunny morning there was
marriage in the village church; the good
minister Of Stanton officiated, and joined
in holy wedlock Augustus Sumner and
Esther Henderson The bride had never
looked so lovely, and the face Of tile bride-
groom was radiant with happiness. I'm.
medately after the. ceremony they bade
adieu to the village, and departed for the
humble home which Augustus had so often
and so eloquently portrayed to his dear
companion, and she was delighted with
the thought Of soon surprising him with the
riches and elegance she would make him
master Of They Travelled all day, and
towards night entered one Of our large
cities, and to Lizzie's astonishment drove
up to the door Of q stately mansion, fully
as splendid as her Her husband
supported her up the marble steps into a
richly furnished apartment.
"Esther, what do you think ofour hum
BILE home? Forgive nysmy dear wife,
for myjdeception; do not cast me from you
for wooing under false pretences. am
rich; have always had every thing around
me TO make me happy, but was lonely.
| wanted d companion. Not one OF the
false hearted followers Of fashion, who on
account ofmy worldly goods were throwing
out their lures on every side. but simple,
pure heart, one untaihted by the world.
Such a one have found in you, dear
Esther, and l hope you will love the veal
thy Hamilton Tracy as well d. Augustus
Sumner, the poor singing master.