Muscatine journal. [volume] (Bloomington, Iowa) 1849-185?, 1853-11-18

could not but observe the srangeness which had
como over her.
Seine days after, Mr.. wertlcy was sitting in his
study, when visitor was announced. 1t was Mr..
Julius Britton.
al come to engage your services" said he, smiling.
The preacher turned pale.
off you can attend at Mr.. Bells house on Thursda
evening of next week." added Mr.. Britton, signif
cantly, "you will place me under obligations. Can
depend upon you a''
$50 soon Z" murmured Mr.. Wortley, making q
mighty effort to be calm.
"Why, since the marriage contract is made, the
sooner it is fulfilled the better, think" replied Mr.
Britton.
"Perhsps So" said Mr.. Wortley, thoughtfuny.
"Bus," be added, fixing his searching eyes on Brit
on's face, "Miss Bell has known you only . few
meaths." nr @ HB
Mr. Britton changed color and appeared i'll at ease
Is he replied, with feeble attempt at humor.
"I take advantage Of that; for You know she mi gh,
grow sick Of me-, il our marriage was delayed toe
long," Is faf
] After the aspiring bridegroom had gone, Mr.. Wort
ley was plunged in deep thought. He paced his
nervousy, them to cool his fevered brow, sought the
open air. Long and painful was the struggle in hi
heart. At length be exclaimed, ferventIyt
81 will forget self. will do my duty. / will be
strong. Shall my vsce betray emotion when 1 pro-
nounce the fatal words, which shall make her hi.
wife1"
The young preacher smiled, and lifted his eyes to
the leay canopy shading the azure vault of heaven
He seemed to see guardian angels looking spprovngy
4 down upon him. He vas resolved
But Mr.. Wortley was troubled with an afterthought
And he was sure there selfshness in the fear
that Brtton not worthy his intended bride. He
thought only of her; and something within him
whispered
ait is your duty to study more deeply into hi.
Character before this marriage which may be fatal to
an innocent bride, takes place.
The silent monitor would not let him rest and
before the had gone down in the west, be was
tering the house Of Mr.. Bell, whom he saw alone.
The clergyman ade but little hesitation in intro
during the subject of which he dseued it his duty to
speak. With proper apology, fer inquiring about
the character of Mr.. Brtton, he seriously wished to
know if Mr.. Bell had given bis consent to the mar
riage, without first sscertaining whether his intended
son-in-law was really what he professed to be.
"Why, to be sure said Mr.. Bell, who was an
easy, unsuspicious of man. sit has never enter
Cd my head that there could be any deception. Mr..
Brton certainly appears respectable, and for his
property-''
'sThat is nothing. But is he q man Of integrity?'
asked Mr.. Wortley. Is be q man Of principle ?
We nothing obj ectionable, because have made
inquiries; but, should wait for him raise q
dcubt touching bis past career? Do not blame for
the interest take in your daughters future happi
ness. Where the welfare Of the young and virtuous
is at stake, we cannot he too cautious
! Mr. Bill was plunged in thought. He not con-
WINGED that he had anything fear, but the reflection
that there possibility Of deception, startled his
naturally peaceful mind. Thanking Mr.. wortley for
his sugs~tion, he asked his advice with regard to
| what be ought to do.
"lf yox like" replied the clerg, man, "yos sey
to Mr. Bntton il is for my satisfaction that you pro-
pose referring to respectable persons he may name,
fer testilaOny concerning his character. All! here
comes Mr.. Britton himself If you would rather,
will speak to him myself.
"D,, do said Mr.. Bell, who shrank from the dis
agreeable duty.
Mr. Brittsu entered, poits and smiling. Mr.. Bell
received him cordially the minister reserved and
serious.
With all possible delicacy and carefully shaping his
phrases, so as not to offend, Mr.. Wortey addressed
Mr.. Britton on the subject he lad opened Mr.. Bell
consideration.
"D9 understand you, !" asked Mr.. Britton, visbly
changing countenance; "you desire reference for my
character! All! certainly mere form," added he ,
carelessly. 81 wonder never thought ef the thing
before
Mr. Britten took from his pocket card, on which
he wrote several names. This he appeared about to
give Mr.. Bel, wIen, seeming to change his mind,
be produccd another card on which he wrote in the
same manner, nurmurng
81 think will write the names more distinctly"
He then handed the card last written upon to his
intended father-in-lsw, and placed the other in his
pecket-book.
I" Here you have six Of the most respectable men in
the town Of W, where was born and brought up,
and where have lived nearly all my life. They are
oil church members You refer to either or all of
them.' Ha N
And with an air Of indifference, which struck the
minister and Mr. Bell differently be walked out of the
room. E
| "It is as expected" said Mr.. Bell. "If there
had been anything wrong in the matter, he would
have been less ready give these references. 1t
will be mere farce to make use of them, after ALL
Mr.. Wortley made no reply. His brow was cloudsd
by thosght.
eli be had proposed only enc reference" pursued
Mr.. Bell, "there might still have been grounds for
doubt. But see--there be no coluson With these
nen He has written Deacon before the names of two
Of them, and Hon. before anothsr.'
Sand would it not be satisfaction to receive from
either of these men assurance of your
tegrity'" asked Mr.. WortIey; az can see nothing
farcical in that
"True, true"
"And besides, what will Mr.. Brtton think now, if
you do not write? viii be not be apt to consider me
ncaaiy suspicious instead Of honestly cantio,sp'
"You have decided me-" said Mr.. Ball. at will
write to Deacon J. r. Stone, to-day. W is in
- county, is it not! 20 HH
al believe il is; bat Mr. Britton should have told
u.s. since he knows neither Of US ever visited that Part
Of the country" said the minister quietly.
As Mr.. wortley left the house he saw Susan and her
lover standing together under the porch He spoke to
them and passed on, observing he did 80, that
slight blush suused Susans cheeks and that Briton
regarded him with triumphant smile.
Almost any other man--or Mr.. Wortley, under any
other no longer have entertained