Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1855-05-26

must speedily bring me into notice, which
WI yield both fime and proft!''
"Ah, Edw I'd your genius I know
full well---I am proud of it, Edward ?
"I'll toast you Welsh rabbits"
dearest ~
"I'll fetch you beer -
CANCEL -
~"I'll rock the cradle!''
"Oh, Edwardl"
"You mast be NINE ~ As Edward
spoke, he pressed her to lis side with
such fervor as to provoke a slight scream
from Isabel, which disturbed ter moth
er, who rose hastily, to ask what was
the matter
Edward has asked me to let him put
up the b ms, Ma, and says he's to have
eighty pounds year in January"
''Bless the boy !" cried the matron,
with sudden astonishment of manner ;
but, quickly correcting herself, she
said, eyes, ma chere yes bless you,
bless you both -
Without, the stars were looking down,
and the gas.lamps twinkling (as on the
previous occaslon).
Then great calm of joy deluged the
spirit Of unrest in the bosom of the
youthful poet He had asked Isabel
Isabel had asked her mother---and her
mother had blest them. 1t was enough
almost too much
That night the evening meal was pro-
longed, and Edward went three times
tor ale. 1t was near midnight when he
left the humble roof where he had
woned and won his Isabel, and as he
turned into the Commercial Road he
heard the church clock strike twelve.
a hand was laid upon his arm.
He was thinking that in all his inter-
course with Isabel and her mother, he
had never, never, heard their name -
He murmured aloud, GLOW can | put
up the banns without knowing her
me :"
''lmpossible ~ said a voice at his ear.
1t was the Lamplighter. His coun>
tenance wore strange smile.
81 will tell You her name in GOOD
time," said the Larnplicnter. But in
the meantime, step under that lamp, and
sign your name--.and address-.-to this
paper. require it, as the price of the
happiness in store for you!"
''But---" gasped Edward
"No hes tation! Sign .-or renounce
Isabel :"
'Ehere's no ink" said the youthful
betrothed, with agitation.
"Pencil will do" replied the Lamp.
lighter.
al haven't got one,' suggested Ed
ward.
q have" was the Beings reply
''Sign!"
Thus urged, Edward signed---name
and address in full.
Enough !" said the Lamplighter---
'1sabel is yours"
So saying, he disappeared, like an ar
row lost in the clouds.
''Fiend !" said Edward, between bis
clenched teeth, as a mocking ha-ha
reached his ears upon the cool ght>
wind.
"At least, I will not sell my soul in
vain---let me make all sure -
He sirode hastily and gloomily through
several turnings, until he stopped before
the residence Of the Clerk of Limehouse
parish. All was dark and silent He
knocked and rang several times. At last
a head, enveloped in the conventional
cap of night, appeared from an upper
window, and presumed that the house
was on fire
The youthful and ardent lover ex-
planned that his business was merely tc
announce bis intention of calling to-mor-
row to get the clerk to register the bdnns
for himself and his afhanced bride.
The head was speedily Withdrawn
after uttering an unclerkIy execraiion
Walking moodily away. Edward re-
fected that, after all, the Lamplightei
had not told h m Isabel's name.
"Ten thousand curses But I car
call tomorrow morning on my way, ant
ask her."
Once more, that mocking laugh Hi
steps were dogged then: he turned
there was only sila9e and the blaci
night
The lamps shone as usual, but 40. tn,
stars.