Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1853-09-22

thus--we are to be married in 9 months,
# csnno. find any jus, cause or imped.
linen. to prevent it, II
However my repugnance and uncon.
querable aversion to This lauded saint
daily increases continued Clara. Il
dislike him more and more while every
hour he arises in papa's esteem. The
good people Of this vicinity are unani.
nous IN his favor. Every old maid in
the parish is ready to lay down her life
for him. You have no idea what hold
he has upon The religious community
here. He is feted and caressed, and fol-
lowed by crowds. aud called upon daily
to preach this SISTERS funeral, and to
marry that wealthy coupe, and the pres
en,s he receives are enormous. But
why did he select mel #
THAT is the most natural occurrence
you have ye, mentioned promptly res.
ponded the doctor.
Not a, all,' said Clara; Il have never
paid him court. | have been formal and
reserved TO him. ] have treated him
with undisguised contempt. But sus-
pect. she observed, looking archlv d, the
doctor, Il suspec: that our very pious
man wants the funds. suspec. he is
not altogether indifferent to my five thou.
sand pounds 8@
'Brayo!' cried the doctor. delighted
upon my word, you are the mos, sensi-
BILE lady ever met. You suspect he is
no. indifferent to your five thousand
pounds! Ha! ha. ha! Well, that is
good-very good-upon my word
But said orr heroine, half musing-
ly, and looking askance at the gentleman,
.this Hezekiah has fine eyes and teeth,
with dashlng growth of whiskers. tha,
the ladies call beautiful. He has most
sweet tongue-he is subtle and fascina.
ting. aud lenens to my faults. He is
'fhe deviH' cried the excited doctor,
regardless of ner presence. aga q
Clara was silent Again she turned
10 him and said: well, in six moaths |
am 10 marry him, unless | can find some
just cause or impedIment to preven, it,
Time flies. My lovers reputation fur
philanthropy, plety, and zeal remain uu-
impaired. | have no TREND TO assist
me. Every day grow more unhappy;
yel my solemn word is pledged. The
Irresislable lash fell upon The oval cheek,
and tear gathered slowly.
Now said the doctor solemnIy, You
want my assistance. You would have
me gather all the information can con
corning this man; and, IT he be, as We
suspect, wolf in sleeps clothing; you
have me rescue you from his fangs?'
b.. Yes, my dear friend, thai is what !
want. Pay lose no tine, if
+ If / love you!' inquired The doctor.
bending over her. st. 81. ea.
.Na-oh no!-l die not mean that,
butif you would save one who puts her
whole trust in you She blushed deep
ly, and our hero's face was radiant with
a sudden light. He hung over her, and
in deep, low trembling voice said:--
May heaven bless and project the only
woman who ever placed her trus; in me!
who unlike all others Of her sex. saw
only my heart. and no, my uegainly
person. Oh, woman, woman-onee my
terror, now my loved ideai-yours is a
holy mission! l am not worthy of your
love, but envy lhose who are. am
cast out from the pleasant places you a
dorm. bu. my eyes rove wislfully towards
you, and fain would gather one oi you
20 my bosnm, and cherish her as never
woman yet was cherished. But. alas!
! aai not worIhy-I am not worthy!
Clara looked up. She saw his face
lighted mp by the sentiments of his good
heart. She felt the genuine worth of
the man and pi.led hlm in his sorrow
He took her hand, and, sitting close be-
side her, said ~ s.
CLARA. YOU are young, pretty and gay,
You doubtless selected me for your con.
fidant because | am middle-aged, un
calmly. and bald. and no, likely to be
influenced by your beauty and sorrow.
Bu,. my dear girl. you could not have
chosen one more deeply interested in ev.
cry thing in which you are concerned
mo- said Clara;s selected you be-
cause | knew your worth. | fell no
more hesitation in confiding in you than
in communing with my own heart
Has not your high character been famil-
lar to me from my childhood? Did not
providence throw me in your very arms!
Did not pray for a strong hand 10 guide
me me a.ighl-and, behold, find you
at my side!
'But-but--you could not love me, for
all thar
We will no, discuss that replied
Clara. f#
You hate TO wouad my self love!'
inquired The doctor,
MOI; ! think you worthy Of faiser
hand than mlne.'
do not ha,ler me. for Heavens sake,
said the doctor. h
'You are too much on your guard for
that. she replied.
Il am nervous; am beset by bash
fulness. have been S, maltreated and
scorned by the sex, that ] am ever on
The qui vive tor rldicule; and would
give ny whole estate for one faithful boz
som on which to repose securely.
Clara fel, these words. There was a
mOurnfui pathos about his low modula.