M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1856-04-17

was, in word, one of natures gen
tlemen, and in nothing did he more
thoroughly show HE own taste and
good breeding, than by entering en-
tirely into the homely ways and old
fashioned habits of his country cousins.
He was delighted with the simplicity
frugality, and industry,waich blended
we'll with the sterling goodness and
genuine prudence of the great Eug-
Ilish farmhouse. The women especial.
Ily pleased him much. They formed
strong contrast with anything he
had met with before. No fnery-no
coquetry-no French--no pianol II
is impossible to describe the sensa-
tion Of relief and comfort with which
Charles Foster, sick of musical misses
ascertained that the whole dwelling
| did not contain q single instrument,
except the bassoon on which George
Evans was wont, every Sunday al
church, to excruciate the ears Of the
whole congregation.
He liked both sisters. James soft
ness and considerateness engaged his
full esteem; but Patty's innocent
playfulness suited best with his own
high spirits and animated conversa-
ton. He had known them apart,
from the first; and indeed denied
that the likeness was at all puzzling
or more than is usual between sisters;
secretly thought Patty as much pret,
tier than her sister,as she was av0wed.
ly merrier. In doors and out, he
was constantly at her side; and be-
fore he had been month in the house
all the inmates had given Charles
Foster as a lover OF his young cousin
and she, when rallied on the subject
cried fe ! and pish and pshawl and
wondered how people could talk such
nonsense-and liked to have such non
sense talked to her, better than any
ching in the world !
Affairs were in this state when one
night Jane appeared even graver and
more thoughtful than usual, and far
sadder. She sighed deeply; and Pat.
ty-for the two sisters shared the
same little room--inquired tenderly,
what allied herl The inquiry seemed
to make Jane worse. She burst into
tears, whilst Patty hung over and
soothed her. AT length she reused
herself by strong effort; and, turn,
ing away from her afectionate com
forter, said in a low tone
&c have q great vexatiOn tonight
Patty, Charles Foster has asked me
to marry himW -
"Charles Foster! did you say Charles
Fosterl" asked poor Patty, trembling,
unwilling even to trust her own sen.
seS against the evidences of her heart
o." Charles Foster!"
" Yes, our Cousin, Charles Eos
ter ~
" And you have accepted him 2
inquired Patty, in Il hoarse voice.
Oh, no--no-no! Do you think
have forgotten poor Archibald! Besides
am not the person whom he ough
to have asked to marry him; falsC
and heartlesS as he is, | would not bt
his wifo-cruel, unfeeling unmanlya
his conduct has been No not if hC
would make me Queen Of England 7
"You refuse him then ?"
No, my father met us suddenly
just as ! was recovering from the sur
prise and indignation that at frs
struck me dumb. But shall refuse
him most certainly-the false, deceit
fu!, ungrateful villain !"
"Poor tatherl lie will be disap
pointed. So will mother"
"They will be disappointed, and
both angry--but not at my REFUSAL
Oh, how they will despise him !" al
ded Jane.
Poor Patty, melted by her sisters
sympathy, and touched by an indigna
tion most unusual in that mild anC
gentle girl could not longer commant
hnr feeling. bnt hnnn herself on tn,
bed in that agony Of passion and grie
which the first sorrow seldom fails t,
excite in a young heart.
After a while she resumed the con
versation.
"Wc must not blame him to-
severely. Perhaps my vanity mad
me think his attentions meant NOR
than they really did, and you had al
taken up the notion. But you must
not speak Of him SO unkindly. lie ha
done nothing but what is natural.
You are so much wiser and bette
than | am, my own dear Jane II,
laughed talked with me--but he fel
your goodness; and he was right
was never worthy of him and you are
and if it were NOT for Archibald
should rejoice from the bottom Of m,
heart" continued Patty, sobbing.-
"Ifyou would accept" out, una
BILE to speak her generous wish, sh
burst into a fresh flow of tears; an,
the sister, mutually and strongly al