The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-08-29

the stairway. "What ails my birdie this
morning?" he said, as he gave her his ac-
customed kiss. "I'll tell you after break
fast papa," replied Minnie. Accordingly,
when the meal was finished, she twined
her arm within his, and accompanied him
to the parlor, where she unfolded to him
her suspicious, plans, and hopes. .Minnie's
father was not surprised. Mr.. Roby had
applied to him to sanction his contempla-
ted proposal to Minnie; and as Mr.. Arlin
thought him worthy, talented young
man, he told him that If Minnie consent
ed, he should" !" When she had concluded,
Mr.. Arlin said,
"Don't be troubled, my daughter. 1t
would be strange if we could not devise
some means, by which to ascertain achat
this young lawyer is in love with" He
then unfolded his plan, and when they
parted, Minnie's face had resumed some
thing of its old look of careless gayety.
The first week of Walter Roby's "ban-
ishment" las he told her he should call it)
had not passed, when it was rumored that
Minnie Arlin had entered the shop of
Mrs. Rand, the milliner as an apprentice,
and that when questioned, she had replied,
/" She did not wish to be burden upon
her father in his present circumstances. ("
There came also flying reports of loss of
property, which seemed in accordance with
Minnie's conduct, and many people began
to believe that Esquire Arlin would be
obliged to dispose of his handsome man
sion and fine farm. Minnie continued her
daily tasks at the milliner's shop until the
two weeks had nearly expired. Two days
before the time had expired, she des-
patched to her.lover the following note:
MIR. RoBY-If you still entertain the
sentiments you professed at our last inter-
view, will give you my reply this even
ing. MINNIE ARL1N."
Walter had heard the rumors, and had
endeavored to ascertain their truth. He
trembled lest they were true, for he felt
that he could not make Minnie Arlin, if
poor, his bride. He was quite undecided
what to do, when he received Minnie's
note; but Immediately sailed forth, deter
mined to satisfy himself as to the truth Of
the rumor.. if possible. Stepping into the
Office of physician, with whom he was
upon terms of intimacy, he said, after a
few moments conversation, "What is it,
doctor, about this affair of Esq. Arlin?'
Is he really so reduced that Minnie is
obliged to become shop girl?"
"Well," replied his friend, "I thought
at first there must be some mistake, but I
heard the old gentleman say this morning,
when some one spoke of Minnie being SO
industrious, that Minnie Arlin would not
see her father reduced to poverty, and not
make some effort to assist him. But, my
dear fellow, Minnie is noble girl without
her property-if she has not so pretty a
face as some"
"Oh," replied Roby, !" 1 hope you don't
think Pm committed there l have been
somewhat friendly with Minnie, it is true;
but nothing serious, assure you. Nc
trouble about the heart,n and he laughed
"though," added he, az should regret ex.
ceedingly to have them meet with reverses.'
He soon after took his leave, and return
ing to his Office, seated himself at his wri
ting-desk, and wrote, sealed, and des
patched the following note:-
"MY DEAR Miss ARL1N-During the
time that has elapsed since saw yor
last, my feelings have become somewha
changed rather l have analyzed then
more closely-and / fear we can never b.
happy together. I see now that I wa
somewhat premature in my proposal;-
/ though I still entertain the warmest feel
ings of regard and friendship for you.-
Your cool reply to my proposal led me t.
suppose that your feelings were not yer,
much interested in my behalf-and per
haps it were best for both that the affai
should terminate here / remain mos
respectfully, your obedient servant,
i WALTER RoBY."
i Minnie shed some tears, when she re
ceived this cool epistle; for she had hoped
as maidens sometimes do, that her love
: might abe tried in the balance, and no
}, found wanting" But brushing the tear
away, she went to her kind father, an
! handed the note to him, saying. "Af
: father, you've lost the handsome, accom-
: plished young lawyer for son-in-law
} He don't think your homely, poor Mimi
can make him happy"
3 Leaving the room, she caught up he
, straw hat, and went out to ramble in tn
woods to favorite haunt, hoping tn
:. sweet influences of Nature might sooth
) and calm her somewhat troubled spirits
+ The scene was lovely, for it was tn
r sunset hour, and the dreamy, golden ligh
, glanced down between the interlacin
. fboughs upon the soft green moss, maxim
glancihg lights and shadows in ever
greenwood path. The air was soft an
balmy. No sound broke the stiffness {
the forest shades, save the signing, plain
B tive wind -harps, or the occasional carol {
a bird! Yielding to the lulling inauenc
: of the scene, Minnie seated herself upo
a fallen tree, and was soon lost in reverit
Il In her musings, she thought how pleas
, ant it would be to be loved for ones Sc