Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-09-23

beside Earnest, and they drove rapidly away.
Charlotte had repented her momentary pride
when she saw the tender glances of Earnest, as
he placed Bella carefully upon the seat, and
drew closer the folds of her huge warm shawl,
in which she had the good sense to wrap her.
self. But it was too late now; so taking
book, she prepared to spend the morning a..
lone. In the meantime, Earnest and Bella had
Joined the motley throng, and were now mo-
wing through the city.
Now they drove down close to the waters
edge, where far as the eye could reach, cne
saw nothing but the clear blue water of the
lake, with its masts and sails, making one
think he were upon the coast of the Atlantic,
instead of so many miles in the interior. Anon
they looked upon the wide spreading prairie,
now pure and white with the new fallen snow
and streachiDg far away, till it was lost where
earth and sky seemed to meet. Then again,
they were swiftly passing through the wide
and level streets Of the city.
Oh, there is life and exhileration in thus
giving ones self up to the enjoyment of the
hour Nature is good mother to us all; and
when We give ourselves into her keeping we
shall ever fill the hearts with Joy and gladness
Would that more such exercses-more of
such out-of-door exercises were freely enjoyed
by all This shutting ones self completely
within doors, as many do in winter, is enough
to drive all roses from the cheek, all JOY and
gladness from the heart, making one cold and
dead before her time.
The spell of the hour was upon them; as
they sped merrly along, Earnest felt his heart
warm more and more towards the pure and
artless girl by his side. He had known her
long; he had known her well; and she had
ever seemed the same ingenius, truthful
noble and good He wondered how, even for
a moment, he had ever thought of any other;
she seemed to him then, all that his heart
could desire. But could she eve- be his
she destined for another +? The thought
made him desperate. The question must be
decided at once, and with him the resolve was
to act.
They had been talking gaily of the scene
around them-or Bella had been talking, he
listening-for amid the multitude of vehicles
in the street, each had to attend pretty care
fully to his own; then, turning TO her with
every fiber of her being, he said, and his voice
was earnest as he spoke:
s'Bclla, am business man, and shall do
up things in business fashion. l love you.
VIII you be my wife ?''
The young lady looked up astonished. She
had always loved him-liked him better than
any other on earth; but she never dreamed Of
being his wife. He was so much older, so
much wiser than she-for she was scarce egh-
teen ,and in heart avery child-why did he not
take her sister? She could not comprehend
it at all, and almost doubted if she heard "a
right.
For many moments she did not reply. Ear
ne st observed her closely, and saw in her truth
full face the unuttered thought she was about
to speak, when the righteousness of the scene,
burst upon her and she laughed outright. 1t
was now his turn to look astonished.
ssWhy, Bella, what is the matter! !'' he ask
ed, somewhat hurt.
SONY Think making lore in a hogshead I"
laughed the mschievous girl more hearty than
before. ssWho ever heard of such thing ?''
and this time Earnest Joined her, even at his
own expense.
sWell, well, ne matter where" continued
he, taking the hand that lay for moment out
side her shawl. 'sDo you love me Bella, and
viii you be my wife Answer me truly piH
you be mine ?''
eyes, Earnest, yes but must laugh never
theless; the scene is entirely new and ludic-
rous. Quite new order of romance - and a
gain her laugh rang out loud and clear as the
song of bird.
And this time Earnest joined in it as hearth
ly as she. He could well laugh now had she
not promised to be his No matter ,ohere the
promise has been made; no matter how-she
was to be his-aH his and as he pressed her
hand at parting, he said
e.Laugh now as much as you please but to-
night | shall call to appoint the wedding and
arrange for its ceremonies. So good night,
dearest,o and in a moment he was gone.
That night all was arranged Squire Reed
and his wife giving a full and free consent;
and in Just six weeks from that time, Bella
Reed became Mrs. Earnest Harmon.
Missouri ELECTION TO BE CoSTEsTED.-We
see by the Missouri papers that Rollins intends