The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-07-13

uSio 1hiIP iooKeo up In SURPRISE
well, 60 on" said he.
The favor wish you to grant, is this, ~
said ], with as much gravity as could
command, II wish you to tell me, what
in the name Of common sense is the rea-
son you are determined to live and die an
old bachelorl"
A ringing laugh from Uncle Philip, in
which he was joined by Marcy, was my
only answer.
"Pm in earnest, Uncle Philip" said L,
looking IS vexed as possibly could under
the circumstances, "and you needn't at.
tempt to get rid Of it by making fun Of it
in that STYLE"
"Well, my dear" said he, as soon as he
could control himself ii see you are really
bent upon hearing the story, aud, if you
are, | know it will be no use at all to deny
you so, if you will keep quiet, and be n
good girl, I'll tell you all about il.
Delighted with this quick complaisance
with my wishes, | sprang up in twink
ling, and drawing a low ottoman to Un-
Gle Philips feet, seated myself upon it,
aud gazed earnestly up into his dark
eyes. Uncle Phii smiled ut NV eager
ne'S' and, after moments thought be-
gan.
The story am about to tell YOU, Ma.
re, Is a truthful narrative of my experience
III choosing wife. hope you will listen
at;entively, and profit by it.
Though am no. All old bachelor, it
it is not because have never felt that
passion which men call love-for | have
frh it--felt both real, true love, and the
passionate, ardent affection, that many
often mistake for real, sincere, Platonic
love.
"The first time fell in love, was the
year after | entered college. was seven
teen then handsome, talented, and the
heir to considerable wealth: which at
fractions | considered irresistible in the
eyes of all the la'lies that should chance
to meet. was favorite with the stu
dents; and there was not one among
them but was proud OF the friendship of
Philip Varney. had been introduced
by them to several Of their Young lady
friends, and it was not without cause that
prided myself on the power of my f.s-
cinating manners and handsome face, in
gaining their good graces. As yet, was
not caught ipSilsDaet of the youthful en-
snarer Gz!d, and held up my head, and
looked scornfully upon the smiling beau
ties that would have given everything for
my favor, and fondly believed myself in
vincible.
Phil" said one of my college mates,
entering my room one glorious moonlight
evening, Pm going over to see my pretty
cousin, Estelle Montgomery, Tonight
How would YOU like TO 60 with me, and
have an introduction to the little beauty Z"
! yawned lazly, and replied
"Well, don't care much about il, any
way. But is she so handsome "a you tell
of I" suddenly asked.
YES, Estelle is really handsome--M,
least think she is" replied ny friend,
the blood flushing into his fine face.
"We!l, III go and get an introduction,
and see Il she is as handsome rs you rep
resent" replied ], carelcssly.
An hour after, stood with my friend
upon the steps Of Mr. Montgomery's pret.
ty cottage. We Knocked, and were shown
into the parlor by sweet little girl, who
informed us that "sister Estelle was at
home"
THE door Of the parlor soon opened,
and young girl, dressed in beautiful
blue silk dress, stepped lightly into the
room. Igazed at her face with unfeigned
surprise, and thought she was, IN truth.
the loveliest girl that had ever met. !
family heard my friend's-.Philip, this is
Miss Montgomery Estelle, this is
my friend, Mr.. Varney"-and rather
awkwardly sustained my part Of the in
PRODUCTION.
"Estelle was beautiful, and, I thought,
most surprisingly lovely. She had rosy
cheeks and lips, bright hazel eyes, and
her brown hair fell in natural ringlets to
her waist. II was true she lacked all the
charms Of truly intellectual and noble
beauty, but did not see that, then.
81 remained at Mr.. Montgomery dur
ing the evening, chatting gaily with Es-
teile, while her eldest sister, a fair oirl of
eighteen, sat quietly converting with my
friend. When l LEFT the house, was
madly, passionatcly, deeply in love.
saw that the impression had made upou
Estelle was far from unfavorable; and I
had strong hopes Of winning the charming
beauty for myself.
"Days and weeks passed on and al
most every evening was passed at the
house Of Estelle Montgomery. I loved
Estelle with all the passionate, entbusias-
tic fervency Of youthful and ardent mind,
and | believed that she loved me ardently
in return. was never easy away from
her--my studies were neglected-my
pleasures unattended, and gradually be-
came moody, thoughtfal, and absent
minced. My companions were unceasing
IN their endeavors to torment me; could
not meet ono Of them anyshere, bst he
would smile, and say, .Well, PHI, how
u EsteIle to-day r. Aud this kind Of
teazing, though IL vas all well enough
meaps did not very well please me.
weeks past, the term he'd closed, and
the day bad anived when was to leave
the town Of L., the scene of my college
days and--Estetic. 1hb was a sosroR-