The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1857-08-26
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Stratagem.

IL really don't know which love best,
said Jane hlanvers to her friend Marian
Westeil, as she returned from a spl. ndid
party where she was 'the admired of all
admirers" William Stanton or Fred.
English. Out of host of admirers that
my fortune, DOW that am an heiress, has
brough, to my feet. have selected them.
They are neither rich both are filed
with sentiment of honor as far as express
sions and general conduct go. Both love
me. Neither have expressed it iu strong
terms-but either only wait for the nee
essary encouragement, | am sure, to pop
the question. To either, my fortune
would be an advantage. They may
it is an ungenerous thought but I cannot
help entertaining it-love my fortune
and not me. Do you know, Marian, 1
have strong thoughts Of putting their love
to the test ?"
How can you do it ~
vi have way. You may remember
that had a cousin who was supposed to
be lost at sea, and the property which
made a poor upnoticed girl 80 much
courted was to be his, if he were living"
"Yes, but you have had the full and
positive proofs of his decease."
II know it but the world does not nor
can my two favored lovers be acquainted
with the fact / therefore propose to
state in the papers that my cousin is not
dead as WAS supposed To give up for
time my splendid establishment, and 70
retire into comparative poverty I, is
said that kings aud beireses rarely hear
the truth from fatterers by whom they
arc surrounded, This will at least est
my friends. Wbstthink you of my plan.
'Excelent-try it, BY all mesna"
The idea was acted upon, and it was
curious TO see how James friends drop.
ped off one by one Her two lovers
waited upon her first in her retirement.
aud Jane was more than ever puzzled
which to choose. Frederick EpglisRs
visits in short time became more like
angels'-'hat is, few and far between
while William Stnnton's we're constant.
Upon one of them be said, MY dear
Miss Manvers have known YOU long.
10 the days Of your prosperity-surroun.
ded as you were, by many lovers that
were afHuent. ] did not dare to disclose
to you passion which had felt from
the moment l saw you, and which has
grown and strengthened with my aoquain.
tsnce. Now that you are poor, like my.
self. the difideDce that had else hermet.
ically scaled my lips from disclosing my
hearts passion is removed. am not
afluent, but 1 can support you with res.
spectability at least, and if you will &C.
cept for your husband one who loves YOU
devotedly do not think that you will
ever regret the hour that makes YOU
mine. At least will try never to give
you cause"
Il believe you, dear william" said
Jane, "and if you will accept beggar
for am little better"
'Say not so, dearest-I cannot listen
to such wrong even from your lips"
Our fortunes will not suffer by the
union"
THAT they never can. When shall
our marriage take place ?"
Next week. if you will"
al your lodgings here ?"
mo, at the house of friend Call
for me, and we will proceed together
there"
AT the day appointed, William was in
readiness, accompanied by Frederick
E' glish, They were both surprised at
the magni6cence Of James attire. and
thought it somewhat out of character
with her circumstances, but how much
more surprised they wero when, stepping
into carriage with Jane and Eliza, they
were driven to James former residence.
aud found her still the mistress and the
heiress and learned the plot by which she
had tested her lovers Frederick cursed
himself and his fortune
Girls, you who possess money. make
it point of finding out before The ir.
1 A., = a.. Il