The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-12-16

ton, strove to comfort Grace but she could win
nothing from the unhappy girl save tears and
sobs and reproaches against her father. So
she gave up all attempts at consolation in des-
pair. She was sorely puzzled how to act, be-
leying as she did in the wisdom of her hus-
bands decision, and yet longing to do some
thing for her child's happiness.
Grace kept her room for a day or two She
refused to eat, she wept almost constantly
Mr.. Lndley became alarmed lest such violent
grief would prove injurious to her health
would bring on a brain fever, or something of
the kind. He began to with that he had kept
his temper, and been more gentle with her
for, after all, poor girl, he reflected " it was
hard thing for her to bear if she really loves
him. as suppose she does-though how she
can, is mystery to me-
The letter of refusal remained upwritten
for the present A week or more had passed
since its reception, when Mr.. Lindley, having
carefully considered the subject, concluded to
give Seymour trial, at least He sent for
Grace, who still remained in her own apart
ment. She came, her face pale, her eyes swol-
len with weeping, her whole frame trembling
with the exhaustion induced by violent grief
and want of rest, Her father was touched by
her altered looks, and rejoieed that be was
about to mike some concessions to her
Grace, my dear he said, kindly, ~ was
harsh with you the other day. | did not make
proper allowance for your feelings. You, on
the other hand. were angry, and sor,eYhs1
disrespectful. re. rs ST..s,,o ,ssep othesn" ''''
sas cooked sreadM&Iyat the ns :irpet with.
ou'fepsy' No Nc. .indley affected not to notice
her silence, and proceeded: Sinca we parted,
have thought moro at lsngth of the matter,
and find that my decision was tao hastily
formed. have consulted your m~.--
we think it better to .s"- ,.r and
ton Co. an Sa,n,onr,o affoc-
~. you, than to dismiss him perempto-
rily."
The wan face of his daughter frightened
instantly. "What test do you propose she
| asked
~ will tell you presently In the first place,
| wish to show you its necessity 1t is impos-
| sible, of course that you should be married
Immediately, or even soon.'
"Why is it impossiblei" said Grace
Because Mr.. Seymour is not able to main
ness His father is rich, | know; but you,
Grace, would never be content to depend on
the bounty of your father-in-lawS
Mr. Seymour has talent, that is universally
acknowledged but lie has not the slightest
industry, or he might stand high in his profess
sion If he loves you as he says, and as you be-
leve, that love will prove stimulus to exertion
with him have named a certain time, and
| if at its expiration, he has the means of sup
porting you in comfort, and has not mean.
while relapsed into any of his former vices
| daor | in,
| as n son."
Mr.. Lindley had expected a burst of delight
at these words, but he was disappointed
Grace made no answer for some minutes.
allow long period have you named ?" she
inquired
| "What do you think of three years."
"You are testing Three years to be wasted
apart, when we might be SO happy together"
at is not such long time it will pass
more quickly than you imagine. See how much
is to be done; Mr. Seymour has to establish
| himself in business, so as to realize a good in
come that is not done very speedily, can
assure you" And he went on to show the ne
cessty of delay
well papa" said Grace, when he had fin
ished, :" / will agree to your proposal-nay,
more, will even thank You for altering your
decision out of regard for my happiness. Az
for she hestated--" for Mr. Seymour have
| no fears; he will endure the test know
"Now for the drawbacks" said Mr.. Lindley
speaking very quickly; 81 suppose you vii
think them very serious now but you will soor
be reconciled to them, | hope. There must b.
no engagement; will not have you bound il
any way yen are to be free as if you hat
never met him. Neither can allow any inter
views or correspondence during the time.
wish to have nothing to keep him in your mind
except your regard for him. do not cOncea
from you, Grace, that hope you will have
ceased to care about him long before the three
| years are over"
eyes, | understand your policy" she replied
passionately. even if we both fulfil all youl
hard conditions there will be some excuse
made, no doubt, for breaking it all up in the
endn
No. promise you, on my word OF honor
that will do as have said 1t is not so hard
to wait if you are sure of his affection. If he
stands the trial, how much happier your mar
| riage will be than if it took place now, when
you might gain our consent, indeed, but never
our approval. Come, my dear child tell me
that you are contented, and that You will obey
me cheerfulyp
He stopped to kiss her but she repealed the
caress, and left the room.
Her father wrote to Mr.. Seymour Of his de-
cision, and mailed the letter the same after.
noon