Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1854-02-08

Henry.
81 do, sir; have applied to you for situation
81 do not want clerk, but have service o.
rather delicate nature, that wish performed -
You are good-looking fellow, of easy address
in short, have selected you from thousand, on
account of your prepossessing appearance"
Henry was astonshed at this singular speech
Of the broker.
"I trust shall be able to suit you," said he
modesty.
Exactly so-you will. The service require
is not dsagreeable task; most young men
would be glad to do it without the liberal compen-
sation propose to offer you"
spray, what is the servce!"
"Before Estate it, young man, wish you to
understand that all which passes between US must
be kept inviolably secret. In word you must
swear to be silent,whether you perform the SER
vice or not,
Henry hesitnted for a moment; but he was q
beggar, and beggars are not so apt to hesitate as
those in more comfortable circumstances. ',..,
81 promise"
"RTOmlSe-SWenr!
81 do" ... ....r.
"If you are false to your oath, I'll tear your
heart out!" said the broker in deep, fierce tone.
~ would not betray your confidence, SIR"
"Listen to me, then. l am the guardian of a
young lady, who by the terms Of her fathers will
loses her inheritance, if she marries without my
consent-her estate comes to me. The fall Of
stocks has ruined ME; must redeem myself
Do you understand"
Henry shrunk back in amusement at the cool
vlany which Mr. Harding proposed to perpe-
trate; but his curiosity was reused, and with as
much calmness as he could assume, the expressed
his perfect comprehension Of the brokers' position
"Y.u are we'll informed; the women say you
are handsome" continued the broker with a
sneer. "Nature has admirably adapted you to ex-
ecute my purpose; you must marry the girl"
"Marry her!" exclaimed Henry, in utter amaze
ment.
"Ay, MARRY her! She is worth hundred
thousand dollars; will give you ten when you
have made her your wife,"
"WiIl she consent to be my wife!''
"Fool! not unless you play your cards right.
But she is romantic, sentimental-reads novels
by the wholesale. will introduce you as Count
Fizzel, or something Of that sort; you must do
the rest" ~
Henry paused to consider. The idea Of becom-
ing party to such q nefarious transaction, was
repugnant to every manly feeling within him.
But he had sworn an oath, which sealed his lips
so that he could rot expose the plot, even if he
refused to he engaged in it.
II will make the attempt" said he, after
thorough consideration.
"Good; and as l suppose you are not flush of
change, here is a hundred dollars to fit yourself
out with"
The broker handed him the money, and prom
ised to call in the evening, and introduce him to
the lady.
"That was a precious scheme' exclaimed
Joseph as he re-ertered the room. ..
"You heard it," --'.. -.a...-
"Mum, Stundsh; am not so nice about such
things as some folks. congratulate you on your
good fortune, and when you come in possession
hope you won't forget old friends" r G
81 certainly will not" replied Henry, relapsing
into revelry. '." '..
CHAPTER II.
Mr.. Harding accompanied Henry Standish to
the residence of his ward, and presented him as
highly esteemed young friend, for whom he claim
ed her special favor. a.a-a. s.. .aa.....I
"Your friends shall always be welcomed, uncle
Obcd." said she. taking the hand of Henry.
Her uncle! great heavens! is it possible that a
man can plot against his own flesh and blood!
Mr.. Harding withdrew after brief conversa-
ton, leaving Henry to win his way to the heart
of the heiress.
There was that in the eye of the young man
which is irresistibly attractive to a young maiden
He was we'll formed, with handsome face, musi-
cal voice, and winning manner Amelia was
strongly prepossessed in his favor from the first
moment she saw him.. - aaa
Henry perceiving his advantage, followed it up
with energy, and ere half the evening had passed
oway, had produced an impression, on the heart
of the maiden, which fairly opened the way for a
conquest. S Il .
But he could not but reproach himself for the
part he had accepted, and though he felt that his
intentions were good the consciousness that he ap
peared before the gentle girl in an assumed char
acter, was anything but agreeable to lofty senti.
meft. asT.-nf p s4 s.2"Sz@ 3t!!5d s9'f
Amelia was beautiful girl, and Henry felt
that to be loved BY her, was to him the delights
of paradise in the midst of the cold, frowning
wosld. When he departed for his lodging, bis
heart told him that even then, he had gore too
fer for his own happiness.