The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1858-07-28
A Little Romance.

"a 1ASIA0 4AO00uC0.
Beauty and worth, unadorned, are
far more valuable than all the tinseled
drapery of earth. Not over ten miles
from Washington is a pretty country
residence. where retired trader and
his wife live, with their only son, in the
enjoyment of wealth and ease. We will
call the gentleman Mr.. Landen. Among
the "help" in the house was a German
girl who possessed remarkable beauty.
There WAS an air of superiority, in her
manner and address but the Landens
always treated her with Aauteur. One
pleasant day last summer the old. lady
and gentleman had gone to visit friend,
some miles distant, but Frank being bu-
sy at something, did not accompany
them
Soon aftet the carriage was gone,
Frank heard the sound of music. He
stole into the house, and peeped silent
ly into the sitting room. There sat
Mary (as We will call her) with the gui.
tar, which she played with skill. AZ
ter executing brilliant piece, she glid-
ed into.a sweet French air, and then,
with rich voice, full Of pathos, sung one
Of the chansonettes of Beranger. The
youth was entranced ; and, when she
concluded, he could not forbear an ex-
clamation Of surprise and admiration.
The girl turned hastily, when she saw
the young man at the door whom she
thought was out with his parents. She
turned pale with dismay, tottered few
steps, and fell fainting on the sofa.-
Frank ran to her aid, but was in a con-
dition not much more rational. He had
something of the family pride, and was
of shy, retiring disposition.
Imagine the blushing, confused young
man, supporting with his arm the form
of a lovely girl in fainting fit ! Frank
had never before felt the power of beau
ty, but he was not overwhelmed, and,
before sprinkling some drops of water
on her face, he took hasty, thrilling,
hesitating kiss. That kiss was fatal
Mary recovered from the swoon, but
Frank could not escape the effects of
the kiss; study, amusement, everything,
was at stand he seemed to be walk
ing in dream, and buried in restless
thought. He would have treated the
girl with some attention, but not a word
not look could he win from her; she
pursued her occupations with her usual
diligence, and acted as if she had for
gotten the guitar scene. Seeing no
other means, Frank one day took ad :
vantage of the absence of his parent.
and candidly avowed his affection, max =
ing honorable and frank proposals. We
have not space to describe the girls
confusion, nor the avcwal the eager low
er won from her of the existence OF
some very tender sentiments in her own
bosom also her own narration Of how
she came, with such requirements
in such a situation. Her father had
been driven from Austria for liberalism,
and died poor and broken hearted in
New York. Mary went to Cincinnati,
and then came into the country to hire
out. When all had been explained,
she insisted on the whole thing being
openly declared to Mr.. and Mrs. Lam
den she would be party to no clan
destine measures. The disclosure was
made; the parents became indignant,
and Mary was sent away. Months OF
despair ensured. Mary would consent
to no hidden correspondence. Frank s
health began to fail. and the doctor to
shake his head. The crisis was irresis-
tible Mary was sent for. Frank. got
we'll, and they are now happy pair !;
and Mary is the afectionate daughter
in-law Of couple who think her the
greatest blessing Heaven ever sent
them. Truly, 'lowliness is young Am
bition's ladder"