The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-02-16

Frank was gone he transferred his affec.
,iops 10 Franks future wife. without for-
getting l.is dear Alice. Miss Prescoitcane,
ol,eu 10. see e.ilem; and when she sound the
girl good Italian scholar, asked her home
and took lessons Of her. Proud indeed
was Alice Of her having read, for Wal'er
was pleased, and she found a sincere
friend in Gertrude.
Things went on this way Tor nearly two
years. when Gertrude reached the age Of
twenty. Suiiors now came round in earn.
est; and Mr.. Prescott desired Gertrude TO
choose among the several competitors.
But she could not make up her mind she
said - not daring 10 avow her affection Tor
Frank. But her father insisted. and him.
self selected u. Mr. Charles Williams. a ris.
| ing young barrister with brilliant prospects.
One evening Gertrude was very unhappy.
Alice was Ivy her side, and Blind Walter
was hourly expected. Miss Prescott. was
/ very dull aud low.spiri,ed, and nothing her
humble friend could do could rouse her.
"What ia tho Insi,er?" asked Alice ear.
nesily. after vainly endeavoring to get on
with her Italian lessons.
"Pspa insists upon my receiving the
addresses Of Mr.. Charles Williams. tie
is going 10 ask him 10 dinner on Monday
next. What az, 10 dot"
" But my dear Miss PRESCOTT" said Al.
lice, earnestly. "why not avow your affsc.
tons Tor your cousin Frankl"
:. Because my father long ago forbade
me 10 think oi Frank. Frank has nothing
but ais profession. which is not lucrative
enough Tor my dear papa"
~ don't know what to advise. ] wish
Walter were here; he could tell u.s."
Al that very instant the door opened,
and the servant announced in loud voice,
I" Sir Walter Arnott."
They arose. astuunded. and in walked
Blind Walter. leaving at the door a servant
in rich livery, who had led him up. liz
was iashionably dressed. but his smile was
as gentle and sweet as ever + lie advan.
ced 10 the sofa. took the hands Of his two
friends. and sat down between them. His
story was very brief. Seven lives which
stood between his father and baronetcy
Of fa5 600 year had all lapsed. save one
Hong ago; and about six months previous
slly. the last survivor. a descendent Of hi
grandfather's eldest brother, had died
without issue and intestate. A week be
core that evening the Solicitor traced Blint
| Walter as tho next OF kin. fle had KEEP
his secret until all was settled. passing Of
the Solicitor MS pupil; and this day III
had becn put in possession Of his property
the Lord Chancellor having appointed
trustees for the three months he wanted o
being Of age. i y ~
q" You seem in trouble" said Sir Wal
ter. when he had told his story - for h'
always observed the slightest difference it
| the intonatipn Of voices.
4 Alice. who was overwhelmed at wha
she had heard. tinidly explained.
i II see only on, remedy" observed III
blind young baronet, after some reflection
i "And what is ihat?" asked Gertrude
anxiously.
.You must lie. me court you for the nes
Gour months. have this day - for | an
influential nov - sent Frank his leave Z
absence for twelve months. and begin
him to come home. !, seems | am indis
|. pensable in a certain county where tn
ministers want to keep their supporters II
so that they can refuse me nothing. i''
8 |. Good Sir Walter!" exclaimed Alic
). and Gertrude. .G,t 81
4 :" Blind Walter is still with you! !. b
j listen! Until Frank returns. ! will keep o
r all suitors. Say nothing. only let ~ q
o ways he together = us three, ! mean" sal
o the quick cared young man. AS he caug
/. the sound Of a little sigh from Alice; IAN
!. your father will give me six months at lea
II 10 think Of il. But my dear friends lste
/. 10 me. I must marry now. In who
Il else. now that have, such heavy trust an
Q duties. can con6de than awiiel Fwel
d iy.fve thousand a year wants someb"'
]. who can attend to il. Had | ra'nains
r poor. no woman should ever have hi
Il such bur. en- imposed on her. There
,fl hut one girl il, the world who can ever
is my wife. While | was poor, ! studinus
y conceals,l my feelings; hut now. dear 4
VI ice, my riches. my rank. are vain indee
N Iif you refuse 10 be mine when Frank
m turns" "ai'N .Falils i@sg
"a .Sir WaIterl" cried the amazed 81
1. nale with ieeljng moro like alarm III
4. anything else;5"a poor girl alonel WI
,e will your rich friends say?" Y
n "Alice. youl,av~ for five years been =
ID devoted sister. wa have studied toRoth'
q thought together. learned .oge,her; iet
" now. IL your heart can reconcile itself Y
v blind husband, love one another.
Ia not fit to be alone; but il you will not
Ii, the poor blind boys guardian angel
nust trust myself TO some hired serysn
,n .AvNlterl swal,erl'' cried Alice. sobbi
NJ. aloud. ~ have always loved you dear
ng aud had you remained poor. had slwa
pg meant TO beg you to take me Tor your y
'o- =. your guide; snd you would; for wi
4. - - =. aks,s ls.nso