Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-04-20
CbuirR TitRraturR.
From the Rural New Yorker.
"I SHALL BE A FARMERS WIFE"
by CHARLIE CHESTNUT.

guilty of that
Now tell me Warren, haven't you teen
hearing what we girls have been talking a.
bout?
Yea, heard something, but let me pre-
mise that was not eaves-dropping-but as
! stepped on the piazza here, unconscious
that / was in the vicinity of such party,
stopped to examine this beautiful plant,
and heard some one say, she never should
marry a farmer-and another, / shall be a
farmers wife,
Well, was that all you heard =
That was enough to interest me, you
know, Mary, since / am to be farmer, and
Of necessity will want a wife, and one of the
right stamp, too-one not above the busi-
ness--but tChO toere those who were decid-
ing upon their future? am interested to
know, and may make you my informant,
since you are disposed Of so much to the
dismay Of all our hearts,
Warren said the maiden blushing.-
But let me introduce them.
Warren A. was 4 young man Of
good character education, family, &c.-a
young farmer, aud favorite among those
with whom he mingled-possessor of
beautiful farm, but without a helprneet.-
Mary C. was n pious warm-hearted girl
-one Of thoSe who can keep a secret for
each Of her friends, and one whose hand had
been sought for by many Of the young men
OF her acquaintance. but only one had obtain
ed possession Of her he2rt-of him we are not
TO speak. Warren A-and Mary C.
h.I .l-,ows hos, L., ;o,;,,,,,o
from childhood and had perfect confidence
IN each other. The gossips all said they
were engaged, but it proved otherwise, and
the gossips were at fault Mary G. wa a
girl that could be trusted, however, and War
rem knew it.
A company Of girls are spending the af-
ternoon with Mary G. and her sister, and
from among the company, I wish the reader
to make the acquaintance Of two-onc, y
bue-eyed laughing girl, called beauty
admired and drted with by most of the
young beauv, open hearted TO n EluIt-on
the whole, a good girl-so called at least,
yet known to many of her friends, as tickle.
minded, ignorant and inlolent-a farmers
daughter, whose mother done the work, and
she--didn't. But she had peculiar win
ning way, and 'nanu -aiiranieA- and
thought they loved, but Il careful study Of
her character soon convinced them she WAS
rot the woman for their money Warren
A. was one Of those, and had thoaght of
making her his wife, Gf she agreed, OF
courSe,) but a faithful study Of himself his
opinions and inclinations, with those Of the
fair, thoughlesS girl, had brought him to the
conclusion that it would not answer. MIND
as we'll as form-worh as we'll as beauty
true and affeclionate heart, were necessa
ry TO constitute his ideal Of perfection, anl
though he once thought he loved her, yet
vision lately hoated by which had dispers
cd all the tender memories OF Ellen R
1t was she, who would never marry a far
mer'
That vision WAS the form Of beautiful
goiden-haired girl, with eyes liquid will
mirth, mingled with truth and affection
She WAS beautiful and no more beautiful! tlar
truthful n0 coquetry-no hearteSsnAss. hn
true, unaffected simpIicity-not the simple
ity Of ignorance, but the simplicity Of homes
ty-always joyous, happy, and trying t
make all happy around her. Such wa
Lois s., she who would be farmer
wife,
Warren had but recently become acquair
ted with her, as her father had lately a
rived in the vicinity with his family: bl
there appeared to be a something; (youn
mon and women, guess whaD which dXe
his attention on those eyes, and caused
throbbing in his bosom when they wei
turned upon him, and instantly withdraw
with blush on those fair cheeks, at tn
earnestness of his gaze. -
Reader, YOU have an introduction-let l
return to Mary and Warren.
Mary said Warren, let your sisters e
tertain their company, while you enterta
yours, and walk with me. have desi
to talk with you lie drew Mary's ar
within his, at this, and though she WAS
bout declining, said he, | will make it I
right with you-you need not fear
Mary b'ushcd again and said, | feel {
sured you will, Warren, but it must be OH
short walk, aud what YOU have to say mt
be said briefly, as there is no excuse for 4
to make to the girls for absence.
They had left the yard, and were walkil
under row Of large naples.
Mary, you are my friend-I claim yc
as such-you have always been-yes, 5
ter 10 me. Now, as have no other sist
may con6de in you as a brother. Y
are not like the greater portion OF won
or girls, for very fewcan, or do, at least Ike
secret, but you can
Enough, fatterer! will be your frie
as | always have been, and your sister if y
wish, but don't tell me my virtues-ratl
my faults
We'll, Mary, the truth is, you are %
girl. and am going to ask your opinion
Ellen R-P
Ny opinion Of Ellen RI Why you,
have known her from her infancy--who h
been her school-mate for years-you,
have the reputation Of being good iudg
character, asking me my opinion of Ellen
Is her character so enigmatical, Warren
You have studied it. | am sure
Yes, Mary, | have studied it, but
haps have been prejudiced or blinded
She is pleasant company, open hearted,