The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-03-01


odds Of any of them9' she would say to
herself while silently listening to her pra-
ting friends.
Yet Phebe was by no means ignoran,
Of tho feelings OF the Seldens with regard
TO her becoming Joseph's wife. Her lover
had deemed it just and right to inform her
Of the opposition he met with from his fam
lily. and the time OF their nuptials was far
away among the uncertain hopes Of the
future; yet Phebe toiled industriously on,
making such preparations for house-keep-
ing as she could with her limited time and
means, without knowing when the little
store might be called into requisition.
She was sitting one evening in the porch
of her humble dwelling. sewing busily
away at the risk Of her eyes. when foot
fall suddenly startled her. She sprang up
with her usual cheerful greeting, but her
quick eye detected mask in the bright
smile and gay tone other lover. She was
not long in lifting it, however, although
the resolution had been made and re-made
10 withstand her efforts; and at last the
secret was out Mr. Selden had remon.
strated again and again, with his son. con-
corning his alliance with Phebe. until. on
that day, becoming enraged at the cool
perseverance, Of the young man, he had
declared that he would "never give him
deed of the farm until he showed himself
wise man by keeping aloof from pau.
pers." Joseph had appealed to the bet
ter feelings Of his father. but all in vain.
he was inhexible. His pride was aroused
he took down the genealogy Of the Seldens.
and traced their regal line of ancestry
pointed out to the wayward youth the
many wealthy and renowned families.
grated into their stock by "honorable al
liances,'' as he chose to term them.
All this. and much more was communi-
Gated to Phebe on that balmy spring eve-
ming, as she sat upon the door stone, be.
side the object Of her first, pure love. Then
followed long whispering conference, in
the entreating tones of the lover, and the
wavering, huttering responsiveness Of the
maiden. Could it be they were quarrel.
ing! They certainly seemed TO disagree
about something. But at last treaty was
made. perfect understanding was estab.
lished, and, at what hour they parted. it is
needless to mention. Phebe sought her
pillow. not to sleep and dream. but to
mediate upon the step she was about to
take; but this is anticipating.
few days after the above converse
tion. Joseph Selden drew up his spirited
team at the gate Of widow Carl, and in a
few moments after, the light carriage was
whirled away. bearing the lovers town.
ward. Elope? not they, how couldatheya
Phebe's mother had not the slightest OBJ
lection TO the union of her daughter with
young man of such promise as young
Selden, and Joseph would look well run
ming away from the farm, and all that,
wouldn't he? Besides, let me inform you.
that after an absence of few hours, they
returned. and when the young man leli
the maiden at her humble door, he was
distinctly heard to say: Farewell, dear
Phebe; ours has been close friendship.
warm affection; shall never forget you;
but you know too we'll my aversion to the
sacrifice should be called on to make il
we continued our intimacy. Good bye!
This must be my last visit at this cottage" "
The gate swung together with clang
behind tho lover; the whip cracked. and
the carriage rolled away. Soon after a
dark figure crept stealthily from a covert
Of shrubbery, and passed noiselessly from
the yard.
Well, well-to make long story short
the summer passed away. Joe worked as
indusiriously as ever, some thought more
so, and by absenting himself from his for.
mer amorata, he was taken into special ia
vor with his naughty father, who still
however, held on to the desired title, wish
ing to prove his sons decision.
People shook their heads, and said they
knew it would turn out so; and some said
it was good enough for her. others pitied
the poor girl, and all agreed in thinking
that Joe cared more for money than love
And Phebe! how looked she? pale ard
drooping9 Not she! She bore it exceed
ingly we'll, people ssid, and even passed
the compliments of the day with her old
lover as if nothing had happened.
One day in early winter, MIR. Selden
and his son rode to town together. and
the old subject Of the deed was brought up
for topic of conversation.
"Why can you not have the business
settled at once, father? You know sh all
feel easier to have clear title to the place,
and then if any thing should happen. you
be taken away. or meet with losses,
should be secure"
"Well. my son." said Mr.. Selden, with
unwonted kindness OF manner. 81 have al
ready contemplated taking this step; and
your course during the past summer and
autumn has been pleasing to me. am
happy to observe spirit Of deierence 10
my wishes. knew Of your resolution al
the time it was taken, but have been wait.
ing 10 let time prove you. do not think
that you will ever be so foolish again; but
| wish to hear from your own lips, the
promise, that you viii never marry that
girl; if you will promise me this. we will
60 right at it to-day, and you shall have
deed of the farra.''
THANK you, father. l promise YOU |
never will marry Phebe Carl"
The deed was drawn up, ackn owledged
and recorded; and the father and son rode
home. Judge of his surprise when, few
days after, he saw Joe and Phebe ride to
the cottage together; and, on asking what
it meant, received in reply:
"Father, never will marry Phebe; l
married her last spring. This is my wife,
and am certain that you will find in her