The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-02-08

attachment for the founding, whose birth
had the appearance of romance.
Things passed on as usual at the Val
ley, until nearly spring, when the club
would be required to meet at their won't
Ell station. Watt knew his stay at no
distant period would cease, and that soon
er or later he must give vent to his feel
ing, lie gained asceudaucy over his re-
morse, and ventured to ask permission of
the old lady to address her foster daugh-
ter. She had no objection to his visits,
yet thought 1t altogether out of the ques-
ton to poison the mind of her child, with
noions Of love. Indeed, the good old
woman wcpt bitterly. But rcgaining
her composurc, she replied, "She is but
child yet, only a few years ago, nurscd
in these arms, and think to part with
her now. | cannot, no, no! cannot
grant any one the privilege of winning
my daughters affections from me-" then
she uttered shower of praise in behalf
of Mettie's kind and obIiging disposition.
Still, Watt was not discouraged by the
old lady's reply, but rather was put on
his guard "hen in her presence. His vis-
its became more frequent at Mr. Hollers''
and it was soon rumorcd abroad that Mr..
Van Hendrick WAS in love with the Maid
of Watauga, aud that size was not averse
to his attentions. -<
The belle of the Valley vas doomed to
undergo trial as painful as that of Anne
In, her mother, when Frank left for the
war; yet Mettie's honor was untarnished:
she dreaded no consequences from the
separation which would deprive her of one
! she loved.iuore than the mere loss of his
company.
She now began to love lin almost 10
alteration. His manner towards her was
engaging, his conversation was pleasant
and sparkling, she discovered that his ed
ucation was of a high order, even be-
yond her conceptions of intellectual ex
celIcnce; yet she knew nothing of i'm
morality, aud could not draw n Gistin:-
ton between n renegade and an upright
citizen. Watt was careful to observe the
stricte:st watch over his temper She had
nothing to fear fiom that quarter. He
was man of firmness, and whatever he
once resolved on, he was certain 70 accom-
plish. He had promised his conscience
to allure his predatory life, and # once
possessed of Mettie as partner, he
thought he might yet be happy man.
He was aware of her dcsttution of pro-
Perty, yet ii produced no abatcmcn: OF his
passion. He believed he could support
her in becoming style, and that power
ty was no crime. lie reasoned with him
self further; lie was Of the opinion that
his father would send for him if he once
would settle, and evinccd Il disposition to
live by his own efforts.
Having canvasscd all this in bis own
mind, he embraced the first opportuni-
ty of making declaration to the charmcr
Of his heart.
Being left in company with her on q
certain evening, he began thus "You
arc certainly assured, Mss Almctta, that
| adore you above all things on earth.
am here only for your sake. Can you
love wretch like me-"
"lndced Mr.. Hendrick," said the con-
fused maiden, know not what to reply.
My good Old mother tells me, must ncv.
er think Of leaving her, and how can
love you and still remain with hcri"
"Oh, talk not to me of old womcn's
doatage. Speak to me in the Ianguaga
OF confidence. Tell me, dearest, can yoar
affections cling to a creature like mcl"
An, Walter! if love you, how can |
better your condiiion1 I'm poor found
ling, with 70 other fortune than this lock
ct. Ia be q burthen to you."
Fear not, gentle Mctte,' replied the
hnpassioned Walter; al may not need
your services, only as companion; your
gay and shining qualities would impart
to me an energetic fire, to become as be-
loved as my brother--to figure yet in
the world as one Of her citizens and not
to live as an outcasl."
Why, Walter, bow sober you talk Z"
answered the coufding Mcttie; II thought
you were all sunshine have not, though,
given you reason TO think | love you.
Have | not listened TO you often when
You sang these songs to me. Did you
not learn me number of pretty pieces
on the cyu,bal; and row ask If | love
you. l have never seen a living creature
I admire more than you, yet | cannot
think Of leaving my good old friend, who