Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-09-07
The Girl that would be Married.
A SHORT AND TRUE STORY.

A SHORT AND TRUE STORY.
Mr.. Watts had BY industry and economy
accumulated large property. He was a
man of rather superior mind and acquire
ments, but unfortunately became addicted
to habits of intemperance. Naturally fond
of company, possessing superior conversa-
tional powers, his company was much sought,
and he became eventually sot. His wife
was a feeble woman, without much decision
Of character; bat an only child was the re-
verse, illustrating one of those singular laws
of nature, that the females oftenest take af
ter the father in character and personal pc
culiarities, and the males after the mother.
Mary was we'll aware Of the consequences
that would inevitably follow her fathers
course, and had used every exertion of per-
suasion and reason in her power, to induce
him to alter his habits, but without avail !;
his resolutions and promises could not with
stand temptation, and he pursued his down
ward course, till the poor girl despaired Of
reform, and grievously realized what the end
would result in.
John Dunn was young man from the
East, possessed Of good education as all our
New England boys are, and of indomita-
ble Industry and perseverance, and was work
ing on the farm Of a neighbor by the month.
Mary, on going on some errand to the
next house, met him on the road with the
usual salutation, "Good morning, Mr. Dunn
GOOD morning, Miss Watts. How is
your health2"
"Well, | thank you, but, to tell the truth,
sick at heart"
Pray, what is the trouble?" said John.
What can affect a cheerful, lively girl like
you, possessing everything that can make
you happyT
"On the contrary" replied Mary, "eTere
thing conspire to make me miserable. Fam
almost weary of life. But it is subject
cannot explain to You and yet have some.
times thought l might"
"Any thing that can do for you, Miss
Watts, you may freely command"
"Tbis is promising more than you may
be willing to perform. But, to break the
ice at once-do you want wife 2"
"a wife! Well, I don't know. Don
YOU want husband 2"
Indeed | do, the worst way. | don
know but you may think me bold and de
6cient in that maidenly modesty becoming
young woman but if you knew my situs
ton and the ahiiction undar which suffe
[ think it would be some excuse for M
course"
" Have you thought of the consequence
said john" my situation-I am poor-yo
are rich-I am a stranger-and-'
Indeed have, till am almost crazy
Let me expain-you and every one els
knows the unfortunate situation of my fatf
er. His habits are fixed beyond ameDdner
and his property is wasting like the dew be
fore the sun. A set of harpies are drinkin
his very hearts blood and ruin and miser
are staring us in the face. We are aImo,
strangers, it is true we have met in compan
a few times, but | have observed you closel,
Your habits. your industry, and the care an
prudence with which you manage your en-
pIoyers business, have always interested me
"And yet, my dear young lady, what ca
jyou know of me to warrant you in taking sue
an important step z"
" 1t is enough for me that l am satis6e
with your character and habits-your persc
and manners. / am a woman and ha,
: seyes. We are about the same age; soifvc
know me, and like well enough to take m
there is my handY
4" And my dear Mary, there's mine, wi
. all my heart in it. Now, when do you
sire it to be settled?"
Now, this minute; give me your arr
, and we will go to Squire Benton's, and ha
the bargain finished at once. I don't wa
! to enter our house Of distress again until
! have one on whom can rely, to control al
. direct the affairs of my discoDsolate hon
and to support me in my determination
. turn over new leaf in our domestic affair
y =" But not in this old hat, and in my sh
+ sleeves, Mary"
"Yes-and my old sun-bonnet and di
q apron. If you are content, let it be done
% once. I hope You will not think | am
q hard pushed as that comes to; but wan
= MASTER | am willing to be mistress. but
= be master is more than | am equal to.
7 will then take YOU home and introduce y
\ as my own dear husband-signed, sea
N and delivered"
q " So be it-permit me to say that I hi
- always admired you from the first minnt
y saw you, for your beauty and energy, and
:, dustrious, amiable department"
u Now John, if that is sincere this is
o. happiest moment Of my life, and trust
n union will be long and happy. | am
= only one my poor father heirs to; but a
p his resolutions are like ropes of sand. /
Or manage him on all other subjects; you II
ID take charge of his business, and have
4 contro, there will be no dificulty-I
10 confident of the result"
be They were married, and more ha
n. match never was consumated. Every Il
Id prospered; houses and barns were repai
tb fences and gates were regulated, and the
ba tensive field smiled and foufished like
20 Eden. The unfortunate father in a
- years sunk into drunkard's grave. n
nj and John raised large family, and
,w still live, respected and wealthy-all f
a. an energetic girls resolution, for thor
l.. and courage.
ipo A man should never put fence of W
nIt Iaround his ideas, because many who W
ice ~ ,,,,,-;so ry;vo him a fair haarinO lack !