The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1854-10-25
.sS3INIsEW SERIES .-----V0L.. 1, NO. 12..

and they took different directions Charley
bent his steps towards the store, and in no
merry mood; Ned, l know not where.
Charles Scott entered his counting room
and shut the door; the business of the day
was over, the clerks were beginning to leave,
as an early shade Of an autumn twilight was
fast gathering round. He stirred open some
dying embers, then throwing himself list
lessly into chair, and placing his feet upon
the iron fender, he soon became wonderfully
absorbed in his own reflections. He was a
young man Of domestic tastes and excellent
habits. He remembered with joy his faith
ers fireside, and all the sweet sympathies oil
that dear home circle, of which he was once
loved and loving member. They had
passed away, and he had long lived upon the
cold bounties of a boarding house. His
heart yearned with unspeakable desire for a
place to. call his own, with the delightful Pc
cuIiarities, "my wife," .'my freside," ''my
table" 1t does not appear to what conclu-
sion Charles came, or whether he came to
any at ALL Evening found him at his toilet
preparing for party. a....I
10 Long before the hour he was ready, and
waiting the tardy movement of his watch
Though no one knew better how to fill up
nicks Of time with something useful and
pleasant, there was now restlessness of
spirit, which refused to be quieted. He sal
lied forth into the street, and after various
turns, at length bent his steps towards the
| Clarks'. Music and mirth met his ear; bright
lights streamed from the windows. Making
his greeting to the ladies of the house., and
uttering few agreeable truisms to those
about him, he sought among the beves of fair
women, one pretty maiden named Fanny
Day. She bid him awelcome, which seem
ed to say, "come hither.' He stood aloof,
not seeming to seek place by her side, al
ready half occupied by another, whilst his
eye discussed with keenest scrutiny the tout
ensemble Of Fannys dress. Conscious of his
earnest, admiring gaze, fanny seemed to
hear the quick beatings of her own heart,
and hope and fear, and love, came and went,
and came, like smiles and shSdows, across
her spirit. ga new and. very splendid silk,"
thus ran Chariey's thoughts; that looks ex-
travagant, the bracelet never saw betore
wonder if she is fond of such gew- -gaws!
What is that dangling from her hair! A
gold pin or gold tassal! should like to
know how much it cost"
Not very lover-lke comments, it must be
confessed: but he was looking beyond the
betroihed and his bride, to what signified d
great deal more; he was looking fer help
mate, one FOE dark days as we'll as bright
IL am afraid she won't do for me; and this is
her uncle's house--she will want to live
just So" Something Il. like sigh escaped
him, as he walked away to the other side of
the room. Fanny watched his departure,
and wondered when he would return; she
was sure he would rejoin her, by and by; he
always had Of late. But no return-hud he
only known that Fanny's silk was not
new one; newly turned and newly fitted it
had indeed been, by her needle and skill, SO
as TO make it quite as good as new; how pru-
dent and thrifty that was. Had he only
known that the bracelet was gift two years
before; and the gold pin, why it was dec
oration borrowed to please his eye; SO she
was not SO culpable after all. | say, had
Charles known all this, he had not stad
away SO strangely and coldly all that live
long evening, while Eanny's heart was sink.
ing Mournfully did tear gather in her
eyes, as she beheld him depart without a
parting glance or farewell word.
Some time passed away, and never was a
man more devoted to business. Perhaps he
dreaped Of Fanny, but he did not visit her.
Behold gathering of friends, pleasant
little company; Charles is there, and Fan
ny too. He thought she never looked 50
we'll, with her simple braid of Hair and her
modest, fawn-colored dress; there was some
thing sad and reproachful in her eye; it
Smote him to the heart-"Dear Fanny, how
can she interpret my GOODNESS" was the
question Of returning fondncss. II mean to
see her and be frank with her, and explain
to her all my views-if she's girl of good
sense she cannot but approves; ifsho is not
such a contingency remained unprovded
for; and excellent resolution, Charles, abide
,byit. EFe' emga 2g... 's.H.asE
1t so happened, or was contrived, Glove
chances are not always scrutable) the two
found themselves threading their way alone
through the hushed streets at an early hour.
Now for Charley resolut:on-yes,he he keptit
"But. Fanny" he continued with remark
able self-possession, with few preliminary
remarks, not to be repeated, II want you tc
understand my situation-how intend fol
the present to live, and what plans to pursue
| must live within my means, and just set
ting out in life, my means are necessarily
small. I am liable to the fluctuations of the
business world; we must begin with wha
We, can independently afford--no. dashins
out with borrowed capital for me. You mus
f take all these considerations before you an
swer. Perhaps you may feel that t4saou can
not conform to such humble circumstances
/ will not disappoint or deceive you:' 81.