The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1858-07-15
la Stranger in Mapleton.
BY LIZZIE WILLIAMS.

forth glances of wondrous brilliancy, like
lightning glancing from a midnight cloud
These were some of the attractions of the
strange gentleman who had just arrived in
Mapleton. Now, when inform my readers
that Mapleton is one ofthe dullost, most OBJ.
scure, out Of the way villages that can be
imagined, so that any arrival would cause d
sensation, they might easily infer that this
particular arrival created q Jaror Of excite
ment. The news spread with Q teleeraphic
speed known to oil country places, and ere
Mr.. Alfred Ramsey had been an hour domi-
ciled in the Washington Hotel"--as the
landlord ambitiously termed bis two story
inn-"everybody" was busy speculating as to
who he was, where he came from, where he
was going and, principally, what did he come
to Mupleton for ?
Pretty soon these important questions, at
least the most important Of them, received
an answer. For FraRk Lewis-son Of old
Judge Lewis, and undisputed leader Of the
ton-had no sooner heard of the arrival than
he was seen fastening ut most unfashion.
able pace to "the Washington" and, to the
surprise Of all the idlers in the bar-room, (be
sure there were plenty Of them who CHANGED
in just ,hen,) he sprsng at bound into the
parlor, crying out, "Hu, Old fellow have
you found the way here at last :" and then
to the chagrin OF listeners, the door was
closed so that they heard no more; but lucki-
ly the upper part Of it was glass, so that if
they could no longer hear, they could, at
least, see; and they saw the stranger and
Frank shake hands with oil the hearty cor
diality Of warm and long parted friends, and
then cit down on the lounge and fall into a
long and apparently interesting chat. This
fact was soon noised abroad, and it was edi.
flying to notice how wise everybody" grew
instanter. Frank Lewis and the stranger
had been college friends, and the latter was
now here in ful6liment Of promise made
to the former. Yes, every body could tell
that-and everybody could tell, too, that
Frank had an object in view when he gave
the invitation. Had he not two unmarried
sisters, who held themselves above the Ma.
pleton beaux! Yes, that was it, OF couree
the surmise received immediate cTedeRce,
and was indisputable when it was learned
that Mr.. Ramsey wos wealthy Southerner.
"a splendid match Tor one Of the Judges
daughters" said the goseips; wondering in,
the next place, which would be the one.
"That's easy known" said one. with an
cir of an oracle. "Who would think of
Emily when once they saw Lillian"
"Lillian |" echoed another, in q sort of
scornful surprise, "why she can't begin to
compare with her sister in any way. Take
my word for ii, Emily will win the PRICE"
And many were Of the same opinion.
"No, no, Lillian will be the chosen one
that know" suid the first speaker, and
many agreed with her.
So the controversy went on, and some.
times produced unpleasant feelings, so un.
compromising was each party. One would
have thought that the matter rested solely
with them, and that the sister having the
most numerous and uDyelding champions
would forthwith be honored with the offer
of Alfred Ramsey's hand, heart, and for.
tune, which, of course, she would accept
with delighted alacrity.
Much amused the stranger would have
been, no doubt, had he known how constant
ly his name was upon the lips Of old and
youngin Mapleton. To be sure, he could
not be altogether ignorant Of the "sensation"
he was causing; but the knowledge made no
change in him, for he was (for many won
derfully free from conceit or vanity. He
was just what he seemed to be-a noble.
minded, whole-souled fellow, 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.
81 declare. he takes long time to make
up his mind" said lively Kate Ogden, chat
ting one day with group Of young girls.
"Long' why he has scarcely been here a
month yet"
swell, month 10 long time. Any
body might fall in love and propose in q
month, much less Southerner."
"Wby Southerner quicker than anybody
else, Kate!" ...
"Oh, you know they are such an ardent,
impulsive race-at least people always say
so, but I'm sure I see nothing of the kind in
Mr.. Ramsey. alwOys thought Southern
or would fall in love at 6rst sight, If ct ell;
and would pop the question wherever he
chanced 10 be, in the house or in the street,
At church or in the theatre, without any re.
gard to the conveniences Of time or place."
A burst Of laughter followed Kste's
speech.
"Oh, Kate +! Kate You silly child .--
Then that was the very reason you looked
so shy that evening Mr.. Ramsey led yea in.
to supper at Mrs. B-'s. You thought hal
had fallen in love with your pretty face. snd
would propose at the very table,"
"And what would you have Said!" asked.
one, archly. .t
"Oh, never doubt, he would have besnr g.
waEdsd with I softly whispered .yss;' Kate
would not keep him long ii. suspsnse.Da
(which Of you would" asksd merry .Kats