True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-03-04

two. and Mrs. Denman is but twenty,
four"
add ten years to her age and you
have hit it exactly, have known her
since she was an infant" was Mr.. Fos-
gates reply.
Mr.. Porter looked politely ncredulous.
"And then her temper" continued
Mr.. Fosgate; " it is perfectly uncontrol-
liable when it is reused, and it is not very
difficult to rouse it. Mr.. Denman, poor
fellow, had very hard life with her."
Here Mr.. Porter interrupted Mr.. Fos-
gate very impatiently and decidedly
Never was there sweeler, gentler
woman that Mrs. Denman. Her voice
alone was sufficient indication of her
amiability. so low and soft is it and Mr..
Denman had been the most devoted and
happiest oi husbands"
"Well," said Mr.. Fosgate, with some
testiness, g. see there is no convincing a
man against his will. Now, if ycu had
only taken fancy to Miss Gurtrude MUIR
ray"
"Miss Murray--that little plain girl ;
she is the only lady in the house that l
have never spoken to-"
I" She is worth more than all the others
put together, and l do not see why you
should call her plain. She is small, |
know; but she has one of the loveliest
faces l ever saw. Her large soft blue
eyes would make an ordinary face beau
tiful, but she has color as clear and
glowing as rose, perfect mouth and
teeth, and thick waving hair of the very
tints you see in all the old paintings Of
the Madonna. In fact, she often reminds
me OF some Of the pictures saw when
was in Italy; she has the same swee'
placid expression"
"You cannot say that you think he
intellectual" said Mr.. Porter.
81 don't know what you call intellec
tual," rejoined Mr.. Fosgate " she ha'
sense enough TO make her one of the bes
daughters and sisters, and most agreeabl
companions in the world; and that is mint
enough for woman, ! think" Mr.
Fosgate belonged to the old school.
"And she has discernment enough to per
ceive your merits; think her apprecia
ton of you is rather higher than you de
serve" And the shrewd old bachelo
looked slyly at Mr.. Porter, 10 see If hi
remark had the effect he intended. 1
smile. represSed. with difficulty, and
pleased elation Of countenance, shove,
that the compliment was properly felt
and Mr.. Fosgate left it 10 do its work
Flattered self-love is powerful agen
when once set in motion, as Mr.. Fosgat
knew; he liked Mr.. Porter; few coul
help liking the frank and cordial younI
man, who seemed incapable Of an unkin
thought or act and Gertrude Murray wa
a grea. favorite of his :; he would like 4
see her well married, as he had no hope
, of convincing her that it would be wise
to follow his example, and he was sur
that Mr.. Porter would make one of th
kindest husbands in the world.
Meanwhile. Gertrude, ignorant of MI
Fosgate's schemes, went quietly on he
) way; the only present result Of the cor
versation being that Mr.. Porter, whe
/ accidentally thrown with her, SCENE
very much inclined to converse, and re
marked several times to others that Mi:
Murray improved wonderfully on acquail
4 tance.
But he was not permitted to advant
\ very far in his intercourse with the youn
lady. Mrs. Denman allowed no riva
v near her throne; and with dexterous a.
!, thority compelled the entire allegiance
o her followers.
f "I shouldn't wonder if that womt
d married him in three months more,
!. groaned. Mr.. Fosgate to himself, g
;. wonder if his friends at home know VIII
e is going. on"
s But propitious mishap interposed
: aid, and the catastrophe was averte
g Mr.. Porter had fixed dislike of coal-6re
e and would rot consent TO have his roo
d warmed in that way but when the CO
s Of midwinter came on, he found hims'
J. very uncomfortable, in his large roc
with its northern exposure, aud heat
Is only by an open wood-fre. He shiver
patiently for a little while, but, after he;
4 ing the virtues Of air,tight stoves higf
,f extolled, he resolved to try their power
i. He procured one Of the largest siz
Of and had it placed properly in his roo
lie On ringing for servant, the bell "
at answered by an Irishman, fresh imp,
le taton, who received the orders to ma
lie a fire with look that showed that {
le task was a new one TO him. Mr.. Port
himself novice in The matter Of stow
at undertook to instruct him, and betwe
ID them both The desired result was at |
ut achieved. The stove was crowded W
r. fuel to Its utmost capacity, and gen
", heat soon began to diffuse itself throu,
Sc out the room. Mr.. Porter was congra
th lating himself on his prospects Of bel
is. comfortable for the rest of the winl
n when he was summoned to tea.
IN Obeying the call, he took his US
o. seat by MRS. Denmau, who reminded i
Of an engagement be had made 10 atI,
!" with her a party at The house Of one
LY- her faahinnahle friAnls liz had mt