True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-01-11


parts of the world, and he had CAREFUL,
improved his advantages-though con
strained by reason of his limited means tt
the practice of the most rigid economy.
. He had met with the only daughter o.
Harris H, one of the most wealthy
and aristocratic citizens of Boston, at fett
given on board the ship to which he be
longed, and had Immediately become en-
amored of her, but he well knew in hi
own heart that the difference in their for
tunes formed an insurmountable barrier tC
his wishes. He had been casual visitor
for several months subsequent to the time
our story commences, at the house of the
H family. He had meyer told his
love to Anne in words, but his soul had
constantly spoken through his eyes, and
the reader knows the response.
81 must think of her no more," said Fer
ris to himself, off I am thus sneered at by
her friends for merely offering her ordinary
civilities, with what contempt would hca
austerc parent receive proposition fol
her hand, from one so poorand unknown =
Harris H was indeed a stern old
man, and yet he was said to be kind to the
poor, giving freely of his bounty for the
relief of the needy. Still was he strange
man; he seldom spoke to those about him.
yet he evinced the warmest love for his
only child, and Anne too loved her father
with an ardent affection. His delight was
to pore over his library, living as it were
in the fellowship of the old Philosophers
On several occasions, when Ferris was at
his house and engaged in conversation
with Anne, he had observed the old mans
eye bent sternly upon him, when his heart
would sink within him and he would awake
to a reality of his situation.
Ferris was one evening in Beacon ST. at
the house of Mr.. H, where, spite Of
the cold reception he received from those
he generally met there, he still enjoyed
himself in the belief that Anne was not
Indifferent as to his regard. He had been
relating to her by her request, his expert
ence with different national characters
with whom he had met, speaking of their
peculiarities, and describing the various
scenic effects of different countries. Anne
sat near sweet scented geranium whose
leaves she was most industriously engaged
in destroying. As there occurred pause
in the conversation, Ferris bending close
to her ear, said,
"Anne, will you pluck me that rose as
a token of affection, you must know how
ardent is mine for you, or stop, dearest,
behind it blows the Candy Tuft, you know
the mystic language of both-will you
choose and give me one?
"Hush! Hush. Ferris" said the blush
ing, trembling girl, handing him the rose.
This passed at moment when the at
tention of the company present was drawn
to some engaging object. Never before
had Ferris received any evidence of Anne's
love, save from her tell-tale eyes. The
flower was placed next to his heart, and he
left the apartment. He had proceeded
but few steps from the house when he
was accosted by poor mendicant clothed
in rags, who was exposed at that late hour
of the night to the inclemency of the sea-
season. .... .
"Pny, sir" said the beggar to Ferris,
"can you give me trihe? I am nearly
starved and chilled through by this night
air."
Ferris after few moments conversation
with the beggar, for his was not the heart
to turn away from the suherings of fel-
low creature, was convinced of his worthi-
ness, and handing him his purse contain
ing five Or six dollars, he urged him to
seek immediate shelter and food. The
beggar blessed him and passed on.
A few nights subsequent to this, the oc-
casion on which Ferris had received from
Anne, an acknowledgment of her affection
for him, in the beautiful language of Flo
ra's Kingdom, he was again at her fathers
house. Mrs. H, Anne's mother re-
ceived him as she did most of her compa-
ny, with somewhat constrained and dis
tant welcome. Being woman of no con-
versational powers, she always retired
early, conducting her converse with soci-
ETY. in the most formal manner. Ferris
was much surprised that Mr.. H had
taken no particular notice of his intimacy
at his house, for he very seldom saw him,
and when he did so, he would see the old