True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-08-22

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ished while his conversation, replete with
information, proved, that during the years
spent by him abroad, he had been all eye,
all ear, and all grasp. But not in one even
ing, reader, did discover this his at
tainments were not more conspicuous than
his modesty.
"Is he le tutvs" was my whispered
inquiry Of Emma, when / took leave for
the night. She blushed celestial, rosy,
red,' but made no attempt to reply.
Mrs. Morris accompanied me to my cool,
airy chamber, where the neatly matted
floor, windows draperied with thin, white
muslin, and snow-white bed, gave prom
Use of luxurious rest, exceedingly grateful
after the fatigues Of travel. She carefully
closed the door.
"You need not tell me-" l exclaimed,
81 have found it all out myself; when is
it to take place :"
"In two weeks; when We leave for Lou
isville."
"In two weeks p repeated; "why,
you scarcely know him."
"lhat is true" she replied 'yet not
exactly so either. We are sometimes
placed in such circumstances that the con-
ventional rules of life are disregarded, and
we become acquainted in less time than "a
fashionable code requires; circumstances
that bind us in friendship forever with
those who but an hour before were entire
strangers"
assented. "Mr. Selvyn had impress
ed ME tayorably, and if they were satisfied
i had no reason to demur."
My exclamation, which seemed to imply
a sense Of unbeconing haste in the ar
rangement, appeared to have dissatisfied
her, us with certain stateliness of manner
she proceeded. ..r
"The engagement took place before we
left Cuba, with the express understanding
that year or two should expire before
their marriage. Had my son lived, we
should have adhered to this determination;
but -" She applied her handkerchief
to her eyes as she turned away for mo-
ment. Recovering herself, she continued:
"My Selvyn pleads 50 strongly for an i'm
mediate marriage, that cannot resist.
You are aware how perfectly unexceptiona-
Bile the match is, in point of family, edu-
cation and fortune. The latter considera-
tion is of little moment. Emma's portion
, is large; more than enough and Mr..
t Selvyn promised never to take her from
me so that instead of losing daug ghter
| shall gain son. His moral character
. is Of course beyond suspicion. Indeed,
, were to look the world over, | could moi
find one with whom | should be better
| pleased"
There was nothing more to be said; yet
y as lay awake in my comfortable bed,
! could not but contrast their ages, and sur
: mise how so superior mau as Mr.. Selvyn
: with his cultivated tastes, could calmly
y contemplate the plodding and oftentime'
+. revolving features Of plantation life; o.
e how conine himself to the limited circle
Il that would surround him IN their princely
residence %. My cogitations did no
b prevent me from enjoying a night OF deli
:. cious sleep, from which l was awakened a
e the day broke by strains of melOdious mu
If sic. l opened window, and there, OIL
e the topmost branch off magnificent Grape
e myrtle, stood mocking-bird caroliug fOrtl
), his song of love to the ears of his happy
e listening mate. .4s
is was soon dressed and on the gallery
J. A mist from the lake still hung over tn
l. grounds that were laid out in elegant walk
d and Aower-beds, with hedges of rose an
y althea. A long avenue, planted on eac
IS side with trees, whose interlacing branChe
rs formed into perfect arcade, led down int
ID the garden, whence Jerry, the old garden
10 er, at that moment issued, bearing bou
as quet OF mammoth size, composed of ever
Or variety of tea rose, which grows here i
ir the greatest magni6cence.
IN "How de, uncle Jerry?" and extent
e, ed my hand. I. .4 l
Sc u"How de, missis rs right glad
be see you = and the faithful fellow shoe
d.. the hand warmly, in which he placed tn
d. bouquet. M a..r 1l a-.l pys gu d.
is "Is this for me 1t is really superb
;; "Yes, missis. l knows how fond yc
ce is of flowers; sorry we've no figs ripe ye
IS, but you'll stay till there is !8sas g.
ID "I shall stay two weeks, uncle Jerry.