True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-01-11
STEUBENVILLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY Il, 1856,

mans eyes bent stcrnf upon him in any
thing but friendly or inviting spirit. II
this dilemma he was at Ii loss what course
to pursue; heretofore he had despaired O
ever gaining Anne's acknowledgment o.
affection for him, and now that he had 81
happily succeeded in this object, he was
equally distant from the goal of his happi
ness, for his better Judgment told hin
that the consent Of her parents to theil
union could never be obtained. On this
occasion he had taken his leave as usual
when he was met by the beggar of the
former night, who again solicited aims, de-
claring that he could find no other to assist
him, and that the money he had before
bestowed upon him, had been expended
for food and rent of miserable cellar
where he lodged.
Again Ferris placed his purse in the
poor mans hands, at the same time telling
him that he was himself poor and constrain
ed to the practice of rigid economy in the
support of those dependent upon him.
He left the beggar and passed on his way
happy in having contributed to the allevi
alton Of human suffering.
Not long subsequent to this, Ferris call
ing one. evening at the house of Mr.. H
fortunately found Anne and her father
alone, the former engaged upon piece Of
embroidery, of new pattern, and the lat
ter poring over volume of ancient philos
ophy. On his entrance, the old gentle
man took no further apparent notice Of
him than an inclination of the head and 9
"good evening, sir" He took chair by
Anne's side and told her of his love in
low but ardent tones, begging Of her per
mission to speak to Acr father upon the
subject.
"Oh, he will not hear a word Of the
matter am sure," said the sorrowful girl
ono longer since than yesterday, he spoke
! to me relative TO n connection with R.
but I can never love but one, Ferris" said
the blue eyed beauty, giving him hcl
hand.
Ferris could bear this suspense no lon
ger, in fact, the hint relative to her ALI.
ancc with another, spurred him on to ac-
tion. He proceeded boldly to that part Of
the room where Mr. H--sat and after
a few Introductory remarks; said,
"You have doubtless observed, sir, my
intimacy in your family for more than a
year past, and must have ascribed it to
some motive, from the fact that you have
not objected to my attentions to your
daughter, I have been led to hope that it
might not be wholly against your wishes
May I ask, sir, with due respect, your
opinion in the matter?"
Il have often seen you here" replied
Mr.. H, "and have found no reason to
object to your visits, sir"
"Indeed sir, you are very kind, have
neither fortune nor high rank to offer your
daughter, but still, emboldcned by ardent
love, / now ask you for her hand"
The old gentleman laid by his book, and
removing his spectacles, asked, ...
"Does the lady sanction this request ?"
"She does" ......
"Have you thought well Of your propo-
sal {"
81 have:"
"And you ask--W
"Your daughters hand"
1T is yours" said the old man.
Ferris sprang astonished to his feet say
ing, "I hardly know how to receive your
kindness sir, l had looked for different
treatment"
"Listen, young man." said the father.
"Do you think I should have allowed you
to become intimate in my family without
first knowing your character Do you
think I should have given you this pre-
cious child (and as he spoke he placed
her hand in Ferris to you before I had
proved you? No sir, out of Annic's ma
ny suitors from the wealthy and the high
in society, I long since selected you as the
only one in whom l could feel confidence.
The world calls me cold, calculating man,
perhaps I am so-but had duty to per-
form to him who had intrusted me with
the happiness of this blessed child
have endeavored to discharge that trust
faithfully; the dictates Of pride have been
counterbalanced by desire for my child's
future happiness. chose you FIRST,
she has since voluntarily done so. I know
your life and habits, your means and pros