Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1855-04-18

such. and really believed that be only reear-
ded her asa pretty playfhine As for Mary.
she was really f6nd of the old beau, and de-
lighted IL his company and conversation which
sI5e joined in without any of that reserve which
e5c would. no doubt. very naturally have ex-
hibited towards one Of her OWN age besides
apart from his agreeable manners, she esteem
ed him for his generous conduct towards her
mother
Mrs Mortimer was gratiSed az the express
eiops Of her lodger's unbounded praise; for
she loved her daughter dearly; and. IN. 3
rofId}y point of view felt that bis tEtronage
would probably be of essential service in pla-
cling her out in some of the wealthy families he
visited. She was guiltless of any other views,
and would have derided the idea of seeking
her daughters aggrandisement by marrying
her to the handsome old bachelor. The great
disparity in their ages would have been alone
sufficient, in her estimation, to bar such pro-
ject. had she ever entertained it.
Under these circumstances Mrs Mortimer's
surprise and astonishment may be imagined
when Mr Oswald really made formal pro-
posal for Marys hand. for alas his too tender
and affectienate heart was already burnt ND
and shrivelled by the devouring fame of a
most ardent passion. His was no schoolboy's
affection, but deep sincere, and consuming
the result of his admiration of the excellent
qualities of her mind, rather than of her per-
sonal charms. His hopes, his thoughts, and
his wishes were all cemented in this one OBJ
ject, and he trembled while he made his de-
claration to her excellent mother. 1t was the
most momentous hour of his life; and the fer
vid, almost solemn sincerity of his speech,
eyinced the inward emotion he experienced.
The color faded from Mrs. Mortimer's
cheeks as she listened to Mr.. Oswald's avow-
al. and the tears. filed her eyes as she replied,
g Mr.. Oswald, you affiict me-"
Then you reject me !" said he, quite has
tily-
No, sir" she replied; 'syour offer is too
dattering to be rejected by me; but am sell
fish enough to fear the consequences"
'' fear nothing, my dear madam" inter-
rupted Mr. Oswald, g but your refusal to ad-
init me as a suitor to your daughter What
ever the issue may be, it shall never change
my sentiments towards you. l shall ever be
your friend"
"a most generous one indeed have you
ever proved" /" said Mrs. Mortimer; :. and you
have my permission to WOO and win the girl
At the saInetime, candidly assure you that
neither can nor viii control her in the choice
OF husband
:. Much as love her, would not, if I
could, compel her to accept my hand" replied
Mr. Oswald; :. / thank you, my dear madam,
for your permission. Do not speak to her upon
the subject; but leave the rest to me, and to
my share be tie blame of defeat, or the hap
piness of a conquest"
The Rubicon being passed in having obtain
ed the permission of Mrs. Mortimer to prose-
cute his suit, Mr.. Oswald entertained no ap-
prehension of rejection from Mary, who had
ever entertained towards him the most affec-
tionate regard. and who never appeared so
truly delighted as when contributing to his
amusement; after all what was the disparity of
age? argued the enamored Oswald for
Though look old, yet am l strong and lusty
For in my youth l never did apply
Hot and rebellious liquors in my blood,
Nor did not with unbashful forehead WOO
The means of weakness and debility;
Therefore my age is as lusty winter,
Frosty, but kindly.
Still he felt that time was precious, and
not to be idly wasted in courtship; consequent
ly he seized the earliest opportunity of declar-
ing his passion to the handsome and fascina-
ting Mary.
Mrs. Mortimer aided bis views by leaving
the lover and her daughter alone. Ardently,
but tremblingly the benevolent Mr.. Oswald
pleaded his cause-for the whole happiness of
bis future life was centered in that little mo-
ment-
Mary seated beside him on the sofa, listen
ed with breathless silence to the impassioned
words and when he pressed her cold hand and
crayed her answer, and she turned her face
towards him, her beautiful blue eyes we're suf-
fused in tears and the blooming rose of her
checks had faded.
8. Kindest Of friends" said Mary, :. if you
only knew what / now suffer, all your love
would be changed to PITY Do not think that
[ have wantonly played with your feelings.
For my mothers sake l felt grateful even while
you were unknown. Knowing you could
not fail to esteem you, and must confess /
wished to be honored by your esteem in re-
turn, and used my best abilities to gain it.
But, oh sir. before knew you had plight
ed my trcth to another"
i" Enough!' cried Mr. Oswald rising and
forcing himself to assume calmness, while
drops of agony started upon his brow. Miss
Mortimer, pardon an old fool for causing you
50 much trouble, and forget him,
- Neverw exclaimed Mary, bursting into
tears; but the too kind and too susceptible old
man had already quilted the room.
When some very few minutes afterwards
Mrs. Mortimer rejoined her daughter she found
her overwhelmed with affliction, and all her
own worst apprehensions realised. She essay
cd all in her power to sooihe aud comfort her,
and then summoned up sufficient resolution to
send her compliments to Mr.. Oswald, request
ing an interview; but he had already quilted
the house
On the following day Mrs. Mortimer re-
,eived letter, dated from Brighton. inform
ing her that he did not intend to return for