Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-11-19

We can scarcely answer that question nn
reservedly. Every young maiden is happy in
the first dawn of her young love but if she
is thoughtful girl there is no season of life
so fraught with anxiety. She is as one about
| to launch on the stormy ocean vessel freight
ed with priceless treasures under the sole gu
dance Of one of whose skill to ward off dam
ger she knows but little, though sne hopes
much
Lucy was endowed with strong principle
and good intellect, as we'll as with a loving
heart, and with great pain she observed, in
the man she had pictured to herself as almost
perfect, lack of frmnesS, and tendency to
yield to temptations of pleasure. But she
hoped, as woman will hope, that her influence
would win him from his companions, aud that
he would direct his energies to more noble
cause. He loved Lucy with all the fire of an
impulsive nature of that there could be no
doubt; but he was not domestic in his tastes,
and every now and then would join some of
his friends {" Fine, gallant openhear fel-
lows" he called thcm,) in a carouse which
left effects that could not be hid
The first time that Lucy saw him suffering
from the mingled feelings of physical pain
and shame, she spoke to him tcnderiy tear
!
| off all connection with his gay companions
He was very penitent, and upbraided himself
| for causing the least uueasiness to his Lucy ::
but he would not give the required promise.
/ He could not, lie said, entirely cast off some
who had been messmates and friends for years
! but he wCuld never again suffer himself to be
! led iuto excess to that lie would pledge him
self
| Lucy was obliged to be content with this
promise, and John kept it for awhile indeed
he seldom went out without her. He was in
negotiation with a mercantile house TO be ad-
mitted as junior partner bis prospects seem
ed excellent, and Lucy hoped she had pre-
vailed on him forever to give up his former
pleasures. But Johns reformation was only
an impulse, not principle and after a time
he was again drawn aside, and came home
several times in a state not far removed from
+ intoxication. On each occasion his sclf-re-
proacheS were bitter and his promises renewed,
but Lucy now saw that there was no depen-
dence on them. She had long and severe
struggle with herself as to her future course
At one time she would determine to cast him
off ere it were too late, and picture to herself
the misercs she woud have 10 undergo as his
wife, if he did not overcome his pernicOus
habits. Then love would urge, % If you re-
ject him you will destroy his motives for re-
formation if you become his wife, lie will be
more under your influence, and love Ill save
him. If you give up your promise, he will
plunge deeper into dissipation to drown his
grief"
One morning this struggle had continued
till she was worn out by anxiety, and Lucy
flung herself on her knees, and with stream
ing eyes exclaimed, in an agony Of suspense,
Oh, what shall do what shall | do -
Gradually her excited feelings caImed and she
poured out an earnest prayer for wisdom to
choose and strength to per>evere in the right
path She arose quiet and resolved, and sought
an interview with Johu He was moody and
fretful he knew that he was wrong, vet would
not own it. His pride was aroused at Lucys
request that be would promise to totally Ab-
stain from drink for the future. and he reproach-
ed her with want of confidence and love for
him.
"Oh, John - she exclaimed, IF you knew
what this resolve has cost me-the watchful
nights, the anxious hours-you would never
say had no affection for you. Is it not sou
who are wanting in affection when you will
not give up bad habit for my sake p
i will not be bound" he said passionate
II. If you have no confidence in me, you
do not love me Oh, Lucy trust in me-" he
added, with a sUftened manner, {" be my wife,
and you shall never have cause to repent it."
I" dare not" murmured poor Lucy L
cannot bind myself to one who will not govern
himself
You will break your plghted troth ?" he
said you will cast me off Well then, be
it so. You neTer loved me. Love can excuse
the errors and encourage the virtues of the
loved one But mark me, Lucy, my fate is in
your hands you can win me to what you
please but if you reject me, Heaven knows
what will become of ME-"
Several scenes of this nature occurred. and
at last John suddenly left the house, and threw
mp his profered partnership, saying that as he
could no longer live in the society of Lucy,
whom he acused of having rejected him, he
should go to sea again to wear out the memo
ry of her Inconsistency
Poor old Mr. Harley felt this acutely but
Lucy not only had her wounded affections to
bear, but the dreadful idea that she had driven
away the son from the father. She fc!t that
Mr.. Harley must look upon her as the canse
of his sons departure but the cid gentleman
loved Lucy as a child he respected her de-
cision, and while lamenting for his wayward
son, he did not blame her conduct, but approx
ed it.
Never mind, dear" he would say q" John
loves you 800 we'll to stay away long it was
passion made him 60 he will come back and
be all you can wish some day-ay, and thank
you for saving him by your frmness."
Two months passed without hearing any
| news from John, when one morning came a
letter in the well-known hand. 1t was for Mr.
Harley. Lucys heart beat as her uncle read
it. She could see his face but when he had
read it he flung it from him, with the e4clama-
tion The william ~
"Uncle. what is il 7n cried Lncv bnt Mr.