The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-07-28


heart, and fortune, which, of course, she
would accept with delighted alacrity.
Much amused the stranger would have
been, no doubt. had he known how con-
stantly his name was upon the lips of old
and young in Mapleton. To be sure, he
could not be altogether ignorant of the
sensation" he was causing; but the knowl-
edge made no change in him, for he was
for many wonderfully free from conceit
or vanity. He was just what he seemed
to be-a noble minded, whole-souled fel
low, who was sure to win the "golden
opinions" of all with whom he came in
contact. But that only made it a matter
of more general interest whom he would
marry.
II declare, hetakes long time to make
up his mind" said lively Kate Ogden.
chatting one day with group of young
girls
"Long? why he has scarcely been here
month yet"
"Well, month is long time. Any
body might fall in love and propose in a
month. much less Southerner"
"Why a Southerner quicker than any
body else Kate?"
"Oh, you know they are such an ardent
impulsive race--at least people always
say so, but Pm sure / see nothing of the
kind in Mr.. Ramsey. l always thought
a Southerner would fall in love at first
sight, if at all; and would "pop the ques-
o1,o H. III
house or in the street. at church or in the
theatre, without any regard to the conve-
niences of time or place."
A burst of laughter followed Kate's
speech.
"Oh, Kate! Kate! You silly child!--
Then that was the very reason you looked
so shy that evening Mr. Ramsey led you
into supper at Mrs. BIS. You
thought he had fallen in love with your
pretty face, and would propose at the very
! table"
"And what would you have said?" ask
ed one, archly.
"Oh, never doubt, he would have been
rewarded with softly whispered eyes,"
Kate would not keep him long in sus-
pense."
(Which of you would?" asked merry
Kate joining in the laugh which had been
raised against her. "There is not one of
you who would hesitate moment about
referring him to pa or ma"
The girls laughed, and did not deny
the soft impeachment For in truth, very
few of the village bellies were inclined to
allow either of the Judges daughters to
win the prize without an effort, at least oi
rivalship. Many were the plans laid
many the little feminine arts" put in
practice, but alas! without effect--the
handsome Southerner pursued the even
, tenor of his way, polite, courteous to all
, but, apparently, as unimpressible as the
most cool, phlegmatic Northerner. l say
apparently, for, to let my readers into "a
t secret" Alfred Ramsey's heart was al
ready taken captive; but not by Lillian OIL
Emily Lewis--not by any other of thu
young beauties whose bright eyes so oftel
glanced smilingly up to his. No, indeed
! On the very first Sunday of his sojourn a
I Mapleton, his attention had been attract
, ed by voice of surprising sweetness anc
E expression among the choristers Eagerly
i searching for the owner of the fine voice
e he found that her personal charms wert
t. of quite as pleasing nature; not So
!. striking or brilliant perhaps as those o
e some with whom he was already acquaint
n ed, but hers was style of beauty jus
suited to his taste. Every succeeding
I Sabbath he feasted his ears with her sweet
melodious tones, and stole an occasiona
y glance at her pale, spiritual eountenance
e but through the intervening days he say
4 her not. The festal scenes "got up in hi
p honor" were never graced by her pres
e ence, evidently she was not one of tn
: ton. 1t was provoking; but Mr.. Ram
D sey, though chagrined and disappointed
: on these occasions, acted quite reasonabl.
. for one so much in love as he really wa
D with the fair unknown. Unwilling to ex
v cite notice 10y direct inquiries regarding
D her, he trusted to chance to befriend him
| and ere long chance very obligingly came
t Ito his aid. ?. et
e There was picnic in charmin,
: grove near Mapleton. All the villag
q beaux and bellies were there, and as
f matter of course the Southerner, who wa
e on this occasion the favored cavalier o
t the Judges daughters" Saunterin!
: with them through leafy aisle, he espie'
at distance a cluster of brilliant will
e flowers, and wishing to give the ladies
J; pleasant surprise, he started to gather tn
d blooming treasures. On returning, h
found that they had joined some of thei
n acquantances, who were resting on tn
If greensward beneath some spreading oaks
Emily Lewis voice raised in uttering a
If exclamation of surprise first made hr
o aware Of their proximity; and while ye
g a few PAGES from them, and screened fror
, their observation by the thick foliage
/. Llllian's reply fell upon his ears. aa'
c II told you how it would be. I kne,
:, that Mrs. Morton only consented to com
SO that she could bring that girl,' 9TH
! last words spoken with bitter, scornfu
: emphasis