The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1852-08-05
R. I. THURSDAY, AUGUST s, 1862.

thus run Charley's thoughts, that looks
extravagant; the bracelet l never saw
before wonder if she is fond Of such
gew-gaws What is that dangling from
her hair A gold pin or gold tassel
should like to know how much it cost >
not very love-like comments, it must be
confessed; but he was looking beyond
the betrothed and the bride, to what
signifed a great deal more, he was look
ing for helpmate, one for dark days as
well as bright. "I am afraid she won't
do for me /; and this is her uncle's house
she will want to live just so." Some
thing like sigh escaped him, as he
walked away to the other side of the
room. Fanny watched his departure,
and wondered when he would return ;
she was sure he would rejoin her, by and
by /; he always had of late. But no
return-had he only known that Fanny's
silk was not new one; newly turned
and newly fitted it had been, by her
needle and her skill, so as to make it
quite as good as new; how prudent and
thrifty that was! had he only known
that the bracelet was a gift two years
before and the gold pin, why it was a
decoration borrowed to please his eye
so Fanny was not so culpable after all.
L say, had Charles known all this he had
not strayed so strangely and coldly all
that live-long evening, while Fanny's-
heat was sinking. Mournfully did a
tear gather in her eye, as she beheld
him depart without parting glance or
a farewell word.
Charles Scott was not quite satisfied.
He really loved Fanny, but he was afraid
to marry her. 1t was not a sickly SEN
timental love. 1t counted the costs and
calculated the chances, albeit love, it is
said, understanding no arithmetic, and
knows no reason. He had fixed
principles of action and settled rules to
govern his choice to wife he did not
mean that love should laugh him out of
them, or blind him to their value. No,
he determined to abide by them.
Some time passed away, and never
was man more devoted to business.
Perhaps he dreamed of Fanny, but he
did not visit her.
Behold gathering of friends, a pleas
ant little company Charles is there and
Fanny too. He thought she never
looked so charminglv, with her simple |
braid of hair, and her modest fawn-
colored dress there was something sad
and reproachful in her eye; it smote
him to the heart" Dear Fanny, how
can she interpret my GOODNESS :" was
the question of returning fondness. "I|
mean to see her and be frank with her i
and explain to her all my views-if she
is a girl of good sense, she cannot but
approve if she is not-such contin-
gency remained unprovided for ;; an ex-
cellent resolution Charles, abide by it.
1t SO happened, or was contrived Glove
chances are not always scrutable), the
two found themselves threading their
way alone through the hushed streets at
an early hour. Now for Charley's reso-
lution-yes he kept it.
"But, Fanny" he continued with re-
markable self-possession, with few pre-
liminary remarks, not to be repeated, l
want you to understand exactly my sit
l intended for the present
to live. and what plans We must pursue.
L must live within my means, and just
setting out in life, my means are neces-
sarily small. l am liable to the fluctu-
ations of the business world; we must
begin with what we can Independently
afford, no dashing out with borrowed
capital for me. You must take all these
COL lsiderations before you answer. Per.
haps you may feel that you cannot con-
form to such humble circumstances. Ill
will not disappoint or deceive you" At
the moment, Fanny thought she could
decide instantly-for she saw only rose
tinted future.
Now, Fanny, listened.
"Do not decide now, Fanny; think
this all over" was his parting injunction
at the close of his long walk, during
which, though he had said great deal, i
he had great deal more to say" and
then decide carefully and conscien-
tiously."
Fanny did think it all over much {
that he had said was quite new to her. i
To be married it must be confessed had
implied to her mind, what it does to the i
minds of too many young ladies, gay G
visions of wealth and independence, I
ioing everything one wishes-a lover in f
. husband, amusements in the parlor. G
FANNY belonged to that class of females