Plymouth weekly banner. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1856, 1856-05-01

hand. was like one in dream. Love!
Marriage! Brought up es had been at
home, had speculated less on these
points than most girls of my age. had
vague theories. indeed. gathered from
poets and novelists; and my feelings Tor
Mr.. Lacy. man of forty years Of age.
who had nursed me as an infant, and
whom regarded with almost unlimited
reverence as one OF The best and wisest of
the race. did not seem TO correspond with
them. | was unworthy of the honor
incapable of fulfilling the Office of wife
to such man. Wife!-iI seemed almos,
blssphemous TO mention the word to
such a child as ! was. l shrank back
from him towards my father. my cheeks
burning. and my eyes full of tears.
'You refuse the, Mldred?' said he, L
should be villain 10 take advantage Of
nay position and urge you. Ye, in my
heart believe could make you happy;
what would you have but youth that
could not give you? There are many
chances sgains, your ever being offered
again strong. honest. undivided heart
like mine. No young man could love as
| do. Mildred. wha, you might be to
mel
The strange tone of passionate earnest
ness made my heart beat quick. l glanc-
ed q. my father; he was watching me
with inteuse anxiety; no need to question
what his wishes were. As for The mean
ing of this strange scene, wanted no
details; enough lha: some monetary cri
sis had come, that threatened disgrace
and ruin. could avert il, and howl
By marrying one whose affection might
have gratifed the most ambitious heart
one Of the noblest OF men-one | loved.
.hough perhaps not as he loved me. In
that hour Of excitement. and in my un-
disciplined mind. little was prepared TO
weigh remote possibilities and con,in
gencics; besides. | was ardent, excitabe.
apt to weigh impulse for sentiment
Mildred. what you might be TO mel
wrought upon my sensibiliiy; his express
sion Of subtaed emotion still further NOV.
ed me. II never occurred to me to de
msnd time FOR explanation and reflection
felt constrained TO answer him then and
,hcre.'
If were less a clild.' said, b,ushing
and trembling-'if ] were moro your
equal
1t was enough; no drew near me, and
clasped me in his arms.
Child he said passionately; my love
my wife! Then releasing me, and gaz
Ing of me seriously: You give yourself
to me willingly, Mildred: bu, will moi
bind you. Six months hence. l will give
you back your freedom. il you are not
happy; and you will find it hard to de
ceive love like mine.'
My father rose and grasped his hand in
silence. God bles, you,' he said. a,
length; i would have suffered much to
secure such q protector for my child
Leave us, Mildred. to arrange some mat.
ters that cannot be delayed even till the
morning
was eager 10 obey, and be.slone tc
think; and left the room without back
glance.
That half hour had revolutionized my
whole being. was child no longer
| locked my bedroom door. to give way
TO oil the tumulluous emotions of q wo
man. Sued for n wife-engaged! look
ed at myself in the glass, aud wondered
that man like Mr.. Lacy could love such
young. uninformed creatures l appear
ed. There was an incongruity in i. tina
struck me painfully. Still there was q
distinction in his regard that flattered
me; had very high esteem for him;
was warding off a calamity from my faith
er; loved no one else--no doubt !
should be very happy. 1 sat down on the
edge of the bed. and leaned my head
little used 10 ache with sach grave mat.
ier Of reAeciion--upon my mind. Un-
accustomed to dream, at that moment an
involuntary dream rose before my imag
instion. Instead of This strange compact
tie wooing Of a youthful lover; instead
of mere consent on my part. the delicious
hopes, the rich fruition of conscious
active passion. Might il not have heen
thus7 If beauty won love. | was fail
enough; if freshness and strength Of hear
were needed. how mine throbbed under
ideal bliss! The sound Of Mr.. Marcy'f
voice recalled me to sense Of my duty
to him; it was wrong to dream of such
Igirlish possibilities now.
He was going away. and my father had
accompanied him to the head Of the stair