Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-04-11

in it.
And then supposing he, thinking me cousin
John Peters should insist on our being married
before the genuine John Peters comes from Bal
timore.
Oh, it would be delightful do so hate to
marry my cousin John, besides like you
thousand times better. There isn't the leas,
romance in marrying ones cousin, especially
such cousin as John Peters OF Baltimore.
Here Bella laid her pretty white hand on his
arm and said
But you don't care for me of course you
wouldn't like to be married Just TO please me.
don't blame you either, for | wouldn't marry
cousin if | could help it.
On the contrary, cried John, claspng the lit
tie hand warmly, would give the world for
that happy privilege.
Then you must promise me to keep still and
let the matter rest as il is. You will do it,
won't youl
Most certainly, answered John, if it pleases
you.
On his return, and to his no little delight,
Mr.. Meirs found Bella deeply interested in
Cousin John. thought that you would come
round said he. These girls are always per-
verse when their lovers are out of sight, but
mighty warm hearted and agreeable when they
have got together. Howbcit fancy there is
slight vein of duplicity in the best OF them, !
do
Oh no, papa, you should not be so hasty in
your conclusions, for haven't told you all
along that cousin Johns hair was red, and that
my principal objection was based upon the fact.
But you see there is slight mistake some
where, fol his hair (pointing TO the counter
felt cousin's) is quite dark and glossy. must
really confess, papa, that like John very much
great deal more than expected. do in-
deed.
Then, said Mr.. Meirs exultingy, if ! were
in Johns place, would just take the liberty to
strike while the iron is hot.
There is nothing gained by delays, and
week hence you might be as far of the handle
as you were a week ago.
Oh, no, am not so tickle but will leave
the whole matter with you and John.
There, Bella, you talk like a sensible girl,
cried Mr.. Meirs. knew you would. like
your resolution. There is nothing SO rare in
the world as as sensible girl at your time of
life. John is no fop or prohiga,e. lie will
make you good husband; will look after your
interest, and think will be worthy of you
AS for the wedding, John, it shall be left en-
tirely TO yon. Bella is willing, and can see
nothing TO prevent its taking place right away.
think whatever you think, proper, said
John. Any arrangement agreeable 10 you will
be equally so 10 me. have a great respect
and affection for Miss Meirs, and if can be so
far forgiven for my presumption, can safely
say, that TO be the husband Of your daughter
the choicest gift OF Heaven.
Very sensible remarks, said Mr. NJ. joyfully,
and as you are oblieing enough 10 leave the
matter 10 my direction, shall say week from
Friday, that being the day on which had frs,
anticipated your coming. This will give Bel
la ample time for all necessary preparations
and you, also, to apprise your father and such
other friends from Baltimore as you may pro
pose TO invite.
If nigh, be allowed my preference in ihi:
respect, answered our hero, glancing at Bella
for encouragement, would much rather MOI
mention it TO my father and friends till after
wards and thus give them an agreeable sur
prise. In fact, before | saw you this morning
| had not even dreamed of such sudden goot
fortune.
And besides, in,erposed Bella, earnestly
your father might not feel much like journey
ing so soon after an attack of gout. AS 70
me, would much prefer aquiet wedding, will
only few friends present Besides, woul,
great deal rather give the money away whicl
would be spent on such an occasion, TO some 0
the poor families who are starving in this city
Nobly spoken, cried Mr.. Meirs, with enthu
siasm and glancing at Bella with world @
pride and affection. Nobly spoken, my daugh
ter. With such prudence, and such chariiabl
feelings, you will make your cousin John pat
tern of wife. heartily agree with you il
this respect, and you shall have il all your ow
J way.
During the time which elapsed between thi
, and The day set apart for The marriage Of hi
daughter, Mr.. Meirs seemed over1owing wit
good humor and enjoyment. lie made sever
al presents 10 the poor of his acquaintance, an
I even gave Bella the sum of five hundred do
lars TO be used, if she chose, for the same pun
pose.
In the meantime our hero was living in III
greatest kind Of intimacy with Bella. Ever
day they walked, rode, or sung together, Will
the merchant looked on and entered into thei
plans with increasing satisfaction.
AT length the long anticipated Friday arri,
ed, and few chosen guests were assembled {
! the residence of Mr. Meirs, to witness the nuE
= tals.
John Peters had exhausted his last dollar i
s remunerating the tailor who had furnished hiI
t his wedding coat, and by the assistance OF III
barber, who had trimmed his moustache, CT
and cured his hair after the most approved style
s our hero was really as fine looking fellow q
t could be found anywhere within the precinct
T Of the city. Mr.. Meirs and Bella were not
e little proud in introducing him among their a
istocratc friends. The pastor who preside
: over the church with which Mr.. Mers was COZ
c necied, had already arrived, accompanied by
clerical acquaintance while Bella, attired in
: dress Of white satin, with white veil surmouI
d ted by crown of flowers, had just entered res
y ing on the arm of the bridesmaid. During II
= sensation created by the entrance of the brid
It another door had opened, and young ma
d some five feet four inches in height, with dus
J. garments and yery rod hair was nnshed in I