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


CHAPTER III.-A Proposal
/ Punctual at twelve o'clock on the following
Monday the trunks of the new lodger arrived
at Mrs Mortimer's. who was no less gratifed
than surprised by note from Mr. Oswald,
stating that he should take possession at nine
o o'clock the same evening
1t was impossible to have had more agree
able lodger; for Mr.. Oswald paid punctually
and gave little trouble, spending almost the
whole of his time abroad and although he
frequently returned at late hour. from par
ties, he requested that no one should be in
convenienced as he should let himself in, and
merely requested lamp to be left burning on
the marble slab in the hall With the SER
wants he soon became as great favorite as
with their Mistress for he paid them literally
for what he was pleased to call extra trouble.
The hairdresser attended every morning at ten
o'clock to shave and dress him, and he was
the only visitor, although cards and notes
mostly addressed in ladylike hands-were
daily received On two or three occasions
when he came home unusually early, he re-
quested the servant to oblige him by preparing
tea, and Mrs Mortimer followed the equiprge,
offering to oficiate
Mr.. Oswald could not think of giving his
landlady so much trouble; and would only ac-
cede upon an arrangement that In future he
should be her guest. which proved so agreea-
BILE, that by some unforeseen chance or other
he frequently felt himself compelled to avail
himself of her politeness dropping in just as
the hall clock struck eight
And no wonder that they were mutually
pleased with each other; for the lady's heart
was overHowing with gratitude for the delicate
manner in which he had compelled her to ac-
4 al L l. IL.
and he was charmed with the good breeding
and ladylike manner of the widow In fine he
never spent SO many hours or found himself
so much at home before.
Mr. Walmer, who had once called profess
sionally, and found Mr.. Oswald tete-a-tete with
the handsome widow, took occasion to twit
him upon his position-and threatened to tell
his daughter Emily of his INCONSISTENCY
thought as the father of the deserted damsel,
there might be some professional pickings, in
the shape of an action for breach of promise,
as he could bring witnesses to prove that out
of the sixteen summers that amiable young
lady numbered, Mr.. Oswald had paid her the
most marked attention for at least fourteen
!" MY dear Walmer," replied Mr.. Oswald,
81 confess am very agreeably entertained.
am very happy. but not foolish. esteem
Mrs Mortimer, because she entertains the
most affectionate regard for the memory of her
husband, and has assured me that neither
money nor merit will ever tempt her to change
her state"
sAll very pretty" said Mr.. Walmer; s.but
take care of yourself, Oswald Beware of the
platonics! Friendship is all very we'll between
man and man, but between man and woman
it soon ripens into love.
- am armed at all points. replied Mr..
Oswald, laughing g Nay, in common char
ity, can never commit matrimony for van
ity whispers me, there are so many dowagers
and damsels who are on the tiptoe of expecta-
ton, that should / pop the question to any one
it would be the perfection of cruelty to relieve
their happy suspense by marrying and putting
an untilnely end to their hopesr'
Mr.. Walmer laughed. shook his head in
credulously. as one . convinced against his
will. but desisted from further badinage
Love, who is really tyrant, and ever pur-
sues with the greatest inveteracy those who
defy his power, soon found means to vanquish
our redoubtable hero, who dared to boast of
his inyulnerability His very confidence in
his own security made him needless, and be
suddenly came upon the blind god in ambus-
cade, and being unprepared, he fell defence
less victim of his own hardihood.
hiss Mortimer had finished her last quarter
at school. and had returned home to assist her
mother, or to go into the world as goyerness.
as might be deemed most expedient. She
was beautiful blonde, with laughing blue
eyes, and a silver-toned voice that rang as mu-
uous countenance and mirthful elasticity of
disposition that made her appear the very beau
sdeat and personifcation of genteel comedy
She mn o<,1 MA vod with