Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-08-04
9 Short STORY.
LOVE rs NOT ALWAYS BLIND.

Some twenty-five years ago, it was my
fortune to form the acquaintance of a young
mechanic, just from his apprenticeship, in
this city, named Henry ---. He often
visited my room, and would spend three or
four hours an evening with me. Although
what was called fashionable young man,
and living as he did up to his income as q
journeyman, he was studious and fond of
books-eyer DESTROYS to read such books as
tended most to form the character and quail
fy the mind for the more enviable walks. Of
usefulness in society.
Henry was free from dissipated and vicious
habits, ever sociablc and lively. His educa-
ton was such as is given unfortunately but
too many young boys put out as apprentices
to the different trades--so very limited in
extent that it required more than ordinary
study to enable him TO acquire O tolerably
correct knowledge of the theory of mechan-
les so that he could combine practice with
| it yet he did in an unusually short time
master both the thcoryand practice. found
him more and more desirable as a companion
after the abors Of the day. and would sigh
when he was compelled to be absent from my
room.
Henry had free access TO well selected
but small library in my room. lie made the
best use OF il.
|
agreeable association passed over us, when a
change came over my young friend. saw
him but seldom, and when he did call upon
me / found him restive and melancholy-no
disposition to read. He would sit by the
hour in reflection, until. aroused from the
thoughtful mood, would laugh at him, joke
with him, accuse him of some love scrape, to
no purpose-The secret was not to be un-
yelled to me tlIro' that channel. Finally, L
determined to possess his confidence, and
urged him to impart to me the cause OF this
most remarkable change, when full disclo-
sure Of all was made me.
lie had engaged to marry girl some seven
teen years of age, the daughter Of poor wi
dow, who had to assist her parent through
her needle work to support her little family !;
and on communicating this contemplated
union to his employer, Harry was informed
that on his marriage, he must seek work else
where as he, Mr.. S. boarded his hands, and
could not accommodate husband and wife ;
nor would he employ man in his shop unless
he would board in the family. Henry had no
money and could get work in no other estab-
lishment in the city. fully appreciated his
distress, and at once proposed that he should
introduce me to his intended,
The evening came, and the Queen of Light
looked down from her glory in all her majesty.
1t was the month Of May, and nature smiled
and shone forth in all her loneliness. After a
walk of four squares, We stopped in front of a
two-story frame house; the house stood back
some forty feet from the street fence, and the
yard was beautifully decorated with flowers,
vines, and such like ornaments, evidently
speaking loudly in praise of some skilful hand
within the tenement Henry entered the
gate, bidding me in On his knock the door
was opened, and in small, neatly furnished
room we seated ourselves. In short time
thereafter side door opened, and l was in
troduced to Miss Mary -. She was really
a lovely girl, whose unassuming and uncor-
scions dignity of manner convinced me of the
wisdom OF Henrys choice. We were Joined
by the mother, a plain but comely woman
and two small children.
was received by this little family in g
/. most cordial manner, which gave evidence
that by character was no stranger. I fount
Mary to be girl Of more than ordinary mind
greatly superior, in point of intelligence. I,
many young ladies of better condition an,
greater advantages Of life, -...
The evening was passing away, and tn
time for the union of the young couple wa
: not far distant; hence no time was to be Loaf
k Thus, in the presence Of Henry, Mary, an
n the mother, opened my business, or the oil
s. ject of my visit.
'r was more than successful, and befor
Henry and myself left the house, l prevaile
on them to postpone their nnion for one yes
longer, binding myself to be responsible f
8 consequences on his part, further exacte
s. q pledge from Henry that he would make m
his treasurer for the time agreed upon, On
made him calculation, based upon constaI
employment and good health, in regard [
the amount he could save from his earning
The day following called upon his employe
(being on intimate terms with him. and il
a. formed him of everything in strict confdenc
He viewed it fayorably. Thus stood Henry
case Then called upon the late most wo