Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-06-15

him myself
Do so, said Mr.. Bell, who shrank from
the dlsagreeable duty.
Mr. Britton entered, polite and smiling
Mr.. Bell received him cordially the minister
was reserved and serious.
With all possible delicacy, and carefully
shaping his phrases, so as not to offend, Mr..
Wortley addressed Mr.. Britton on the subject
he had opened to Mr.. Bells consideration.
DO understand you! asked Mr.. Britton,
changing countenance. You desire refer
ence for my character. All certainly
mere form, he added, carelessIy. / wonder
never thought of the thing before
Mr.. Britton took from his pocket a card, on
which, he wrote several names. This he ap-
peared about to give Mr.. Bell when, seeming to
change his mind, he produced another card,
on which he wrote in the same manner, mur-
muring, ! think | will write them more dis
tinctive.'
lie then handed the card last written upon
to his intended father-in-law, and placed the
other in his pocket book.
Here you have six of the most respectable
men in the town of W, where was born,
and have lived nearly all my life. They are
church members. You can refer TO either, or
all of them'
And with an air of Indifference which struck
the minister and Mr.. Bell differently, he walked
out of the room.
Il is as expected said Mr. Bell. : If
there had been anything wrong il the matter,
he would have been less ready TO give these
references. 1t will be mere farce to make
use of them, after all.''
Mr. Worlley made no reply His brow was
clouded by thought.
IL he had proposed only one reference
pursued Mr.. Bell, there might still have been
grounds for doubt. But see-there can be no
collusion with these men. He has written
Deacon before the names of two of them, and
Hon. before another
'And would it not be satisfaction to re-
ceive from either Of those men assurances Of
your son-in-law's integrity 2 asked Mr.. Wort
ley; can see nothing farcical in that
True, trne'
AAnd besides, what will Mr.. Briton think
now if you do not write! Will he not be apt
to consider me mcanly suspicious, instead of
honestly cautious.
You have decided me, said Mr.. Bell, Il
will write to Deacon J. F. Stone to-day
W, is in - county, is it not!
/ believe it is; but MIR. Brtion should have
told US, since he knows that neither Of US ever
visited that part of the country said the minis
ter quietly.
AS Mr.. Wortley left the house, he saw Su-
san and her lover standing together under the
porch. He spoke to them as he passed on, OBJ
serving, as he did SO, that slight blush suf-
fused Susan's cheeks, and that Britton regarded
him with a triumphant smile.
Almost any other manor Mr.. Wortley nn-
der any other circumstances-woud no longer
have entertained a doubt touching the character
of Mr.. Bells son-in-law, after Witnessing the
apparently frank mannet in which he offered to
refer for testimony, TO the principal men in the
town where he was brought up.
Yet the young clergyman was not satisfied.
The happiness of her he loved was at stake,
and he could not see her married to one Of
whose honor and integrity he had no certain
proof. He returned home full Of perplexity
and disiracting doubts.
Three days after, Mr.. Bell and the minister
met again. The former produced letter with
an air of triumph and satisfaction. 1t was
from W, and signed by j. +. Stone. Mr.
W. read it. His hand trembled and the color
left his cheek.
You are satisfied now, trust,' said Mr.
Bell.
Deacon Stone certainly speaks in the
highest terms Of Mr.. Britton, replied the min
lister; certainly no one would expect any
stronger recommendation
Mr.. Bell placed the letter in his pocket, and
commenced talking on another subject, as if
anxious that this should not be mentioned
again.
Although M. Wortley was conscious of
having done nothing which he did not deem il
his duty TO do, he was afraid that Susan and
her father might not rightly view his motives
Even now-after seeing Mr.. Stones certificate
he was not satisfied but such was his repug-
nance at again giving utterance TO doubts, that
he scrupulously held his peace.
The reader will undoubtedly pronounce Mr.
Wortley to be unreasonable. But The style
and eulogy in which Mr.. Stone spoke Of Mr.
Britton did not appear to him at all character
istic Of sober deacon, and now, more than
ever did he fear that some deception was prac-
tised. So strongly, indeed, was he impressed
with the idea that he could not rest until he
had written the following letter to the Post
master of W.
Sir l: ] write this letter to ascertain whether
there is one Deacon J. F. Stone living in your
town, and whether you ever knew man named
Julius Britton. Any information concerning
either of these individuals will be gratefully re-
ceived by the subscriber.
Respectfully, JAS. WoRTLEY.
This letter the clergyman directed to the
postmaster of W, mailed it and waited
anxiously for reply.
Two days passed. On the morning of the