Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-28
NJ | n ME- S RUSE.
A CHARMING STORY.

Nudt pldgue tHeSe lovers are par
tic1larly if one is not quite certain whe.
iber they are enamored of ones self or
0ne's fortune. / wish [ knew And
as she said this she glanced thoughtful
~ after-the rctrenting form OF tall,
eentlemanly looking maR at that mo
inent passing out of the gate in front
OF her fathers mansion
Minnie was not beauty as herones
usually are, but she possessed a sunny
gleeful temper, warm heart and well
cultivated mind, which amply compen-
sated for all deficiencies of form and
face, so that among the truly discern
ing she found many warm friends.
As her father was very wealthy, ma
ny sui:ors knelt at the feet of Minnie,
who otherwise would have sought a
lovelier bride. But to all she had CIV
kind but decided negative, until she
met Walter Roby, the visitor who had
bid her adieu. He was young laws
yer who had recently come into the
village Of Belmont, and WHO, possess
ing a handsome person, fascinating con-
versational powers, and bland and
agreeable manners very soon won the
confidence and good Will of the people
and particularly of the ladies
He did not at first, however, notice
Minnie with much attention; but in
the course of few weeks he seemed
suddenly cnamored, and soon became
very attentive.
Though Minnie was much hattered
by the apparent devotion of the hand
some lawyer, yet she had large share
Of that rare but important article
common sense; and as she suspected
that this assiduity did not rise wholly
from love of her own rather plain
self, she determined to prove her lover.
lie had this very day made her the Of
fer Of his heart and hand and begged
hers in return but Minnie had given
him this reply--'Mr, Rlby, | am not
prepared to answer you Immediately.
shall require mt least two weeks to
reflect upon it,
He was somewhat daunted by this
cool answer to his rather eloquent and
ardent proposal for her. as he deemed
his handsome person irresistible. He
urged for a shorter probation, but she
would not relent only telling him that
if she decided before the time had ex-
pired she would inform him.
Minnie sat long in her room that
night, devising some means to ascertain
bis real sentiments. She thought if
she were only handsome she might rest
assured that he loved her, and then she
could return that love. She resolved
many schemes, but none seemed plau-
sible, and finally, when the bell chin
ed twelve she retired, resolved in the
morning to impart her trouble to her
father, and impore his aid, for she was
motherless.
Morning dawned and Minnie arose,
unrefreshed and pale. As the break
fast bell rung she greeted her father at
the foot OF the staircase.
what ALPS my birdie this morning ,
he said, as he gave her his accutumed
kiss.
III tell you after breakfast, papa,'
replied Minnie.
Accordingly when the meal was fin
ished, she twIned her arms within his
and accompanied HIM to the parlor,
where she impaired to him her suspi-
clons, plans and hopes. Minnie's IA
ther was not surprised. Mr.. Roby had
appealed to him to sauction his contem-
plated proposal TO Minnie, and as Mr.
Arlln thought him worthy, talented
young man, he told him ihat If Min
nie consented he would
Don't be troubled, my daughter,
sad Mr.. Arlin, when she had conclud-
ed. 1t would be strange if We could
not devise some means by which to as
certain what this young lawyer is in
love with you for. He then unfolded
his plan, and when they parted, Min
mes face had resumed something of
lis old look of careless sayety.
The first week of Walter Roby's
banishment, as he told her he should
call 1t, had not passed when it was ru-
mored that Mimi Arlin had entered
the shop of Mrs Rand the milliner, as
an apprentice, and when questioned.
she had replied, she did not wish TO be
burdeu upon her father in his present
circumstance There came also fying
reports of loss of property, which in
accordance with Minnie's conduct, and
efforts many began 10 believe that Mr..
kriing would be obliged to dispose of
i6e handsome mansion and fine farm
Minnie continued her daily tasks at the
milliner's shop until the two weeks had
nearly expired. Two days before the
time expired she dispatched to her lover
the following note:
'Sir. Roby: IF you still entertain
tAe sentiments you professed at our
last interview, | will give you my re-
ply this evening. MINNIE ARLlN.'
Waltor had heard the rumors, and
had endeavored to ascertain the truth.
lie trembled lest they were true, for
he telt that be could not make Minnie
Arm, IF poor, hls bride. He was quite
Undecided what to do when he receiv-
ed Mmnie's note; but he Immediately
s'iiea forth, determined, if possible to
S'HSiY himself ss = the truth of the