The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-04-09
sucl, connection occurred 10 her before.

you to carry this subject no further; such
an union is utterly impossible; besides,
cousin Richard has never shown any pre-
ference for me, and am sure, has no idea
Of what you mention"
ou arc mistaken, Josephine; that
your uncle has never mentioned it to him,
Is not probable, and ], also, believe that
Richard feels an attachment for YOU. |
have Judged so from many little circum-
Stances, that may have escaped Your ob.
servation, and think that he has only
been deferred from declaring himself, by
The tear that your preference has been
given 10 another"
."Oh! mother" said Josephine, with a
crimson blush "do spare me these nm.
necessary illusions. Cousin Richard can
never he anything more to me than lie is
atpresen,."
Il do not know" continued her motb.
err why you have never confided in
me, IN regard to a matter that have
long since surmised; not that mean to
uporaid you, my dear, but considering
our mutual confidence and relation to each
other, l cannot but think it strange that
upon this subject you have so sedulousy
avoided speaking; | alIudc to the evident
partiaIity evnced by Edward Malcolm
and yourself for each other"
Josephine keenlv .elt the mild rebukc.
and answered: 81 would willingly, dea
mother, make You tho confdant of nv
Joys, were they una!loyed with doubts for
the future, and melancholy forcbodipgs.
had no object in keeping it from YOU.
except to spare your anxiety"
1T is we'll, Josephine, that YOU have
thought OF the consequence, Of such an
engagement. Edward Malcolm is a
young man every way honorable and un.
'xceptionablc, but his proud father will
never consent TO his union with you.
krow the Senator well; know the vio-
lence OF his passions, and the naughty
opinion he entertains Of birth and hercdi.
tary distinctions, and Josephine, rs low
and humble as am, l would rather see
YOU the wife of the veriest plcLian, than
to see YOU an unwclcome member of that
proud mans household"
At this moment Of thor conversation,
visitor was announced, and Edward
Malcolm entered the room. lie was per.
iectIy calm, bet unusually pale. At the
first glance, Josephine read in the counte,
nance OF her lover, that which he might
possibly, conceal from others, but not from
her. That something Of importance had
transsp'red, was perfectly plain to her, and
her heart righitully augured, that it was
something detrimental to their mutual
happiness.
Edward addressed them, as usual, I'M.
on various topics, and after few min
ntes conversation, Mrs. Edwards was pre-.
pairing to leave the room, when Edward
requested her 10 remain. Taking the
hand Of Josephine. lie said:
"My dear, Mrs. Edwards, circum.
stances have occurred to-day, which
makes it incumbent upon me. to declare
my attachment for your amiable daugh
ter, and to beg for the possession Of thi.
hand, which, for years. have regarded
"a the dearest Object Of my heart. Blu,
before requiring from yon an answer.
will state the circumstances TO which I nj.
inde, ard which will also explain to OF,
Josephine, why this sudden declaration
has been made"
lie then related to them all that the
reader is acquainted with his converse.
tion with his fi.ther. and his determine ton
to leave home, where he could not re-.
main under the conditions imposed. Tic
told them that his object was TO seek a
competency for himself and Josephine
and when that purpose WAS accomplished
he wonld return, whether fortune should
determine that his probation be long O,
short. Said he:
:" know, Mrs. Edwards, that 7 ask 70,
the highest proof Of your confidence
ASP that, before I leave. may he possess
ed OF the legal right TO this hand. and |
believe that the consciousness Of having
that tight, will prove the most potent tai.
fsman for the success Of my Efforts.
No entreatics, however, Of his, could
induce Mrs. Edwards 10 consent 10 his
proposition. "No," said she, "I cannot
sanction such course; you propose 10
leave young wife with no other protect.
or, but her INDECENT and enfeeblcd moth.
er, and with no assurity that she NAV
not soon be deprived Of that solace. I
appreciate your motive, and acknowledge
your enthusiasm, to be holy and com.
mcndable, but Icannot consc Mt, under such
discouraging circumstances"
Josephine" said Edward, "wir YOU
not assist me to plead with your mother
Fortune cannot but be propitious, aided
by the prayers Of purity and innocence
a'l the energy Of my nature shall Lo ex,
cried TO promote my speedy return, and
then our happiness will moro than com
nensa'e for the misery Of ll,is cruel separa.
tion."
why should you go alone, Edward r.
said Josephine, al am ready 10 give YOU
my hand, but Il will only be to secompa.
ny you; your noble sacrifice REQUIRES
some return from me. and whether Won
succeed or fail, will glory iu sharing
your fortunes with you."
Noble and generous gi,ln said Ed.