The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-01-07

uohS. CAIHSi VII tHc paw VI VI h0' PoA
ents. rt-.. ss.
Matters in general stood thus, when Henry
Phelps, his confidential friend, whose opinion
he frequently condescended to solicit, entered
his room and in serious manner said:
"salter, have something to tell you."
"What has happened? Does it concern
me?" a
"It may, in The event, concern yon."
"Well, what is it ?'' ...
"I have just heard something concerning
Emma Legrand."
Swell, say on"
"Youhave dangerous rival"
"What! dangerous rival ?" ..
g Yes, it is already believed she has pledged
her hand to another" ...... ~.
l. "Pledged her hand to another! Who can
have successfully approached her with the
gifts of love?"
"Mr. Harold, of the academy ...
s.Mr Harold! how could he have been 10
troduced there, and repeated his visits without
my being aware of it? You are triAing-I
cannot believe it." a4@-+ (
"Nay, believe there is more truth than
falsehood in the report, for the circ instances
| are detailed %
'sWhat are they2n demanded salter, with
much emphasis. &C Convince me il you can,
that Emma does not intend to be NINE" =
"It is reported,' said Phelps, "that Mr..
Harold, when on his usual walk to the east
ward of the academy, heard the strains Of
Emma's sorg, and after listening with fixed
attention for some time, boldly proceeded to
Mr.. Legrand's, rang the bell, and was invited
in by Emma's mother, and soon initiated into
full communion with the family. She pays
him the strctest attention. and he has visited
her almost daily since his first introduction
He is promising young man, and Of decided
ly noble appearance"
Salter bit bis lips, knit his brow, aud in much
perpexity enquired:
ssWas Harold stranger to all the family
before this adventure ?"
"Never heard of one of them before.'
ssStrange. strange! Who is this Harold P,
sHe is young man, the son of a farmer,
| who is under the patronage of friend, endeav-
oring TO obtain An education. He has surpassed
| the best students of the academy, and much has
been said abroad concerning his Abilities"
The concern of salter, increased with the
| mention of every new circumstance concerning
| the affair.
| Heavensy" he exclaimed {: who ever heard
| of total stranger Introducing himself, wiA-
ming the heart and gaining the hand of young
lady like Emma? 1t cannot bet is impos-
| sible--the thing was never known. She is
governed too much by her good sense, to per-
nit such thing
| g believe II sot only possible, hut knowing
something of the temperament Of Emma, and
understanding something of the disposition of
| Harold, think the whole affair highly prob
able,
| Salter arose and walked to and fro across
the room with a rapid pace, until he had re-
solved to survey his position in this curious
| drama. H#
this thing must be investigated. Be here at
nine O'Clock in the morning to render me such
assistance as may need"
Asf e said this, he departed for Mr.. Le-
grand's, and was soon in the presence of EN-
ma, where also, we must introduce the reader
for few moments.
! When with her he always appeared to the
best advantage, for he was in fact conscious of
the spirit that hovered like beauty about her,
and of the purity of her presence. His or
dinary pomposity, egotism, self -adulaton and
pride were left behind, with the gewgaws and
extravagances of dress, for he knew they were
as incompatible with her more refined taste, as
vice is incompatible with virtue. In short, he
appeared quite amiable while making these
visits, So much so, that Emma was led to won
ners. He had shared much of her company,
for no other Young man Of the town had dared
to hope that he could make an impression oc
her mind, and Salter had been acknowledged
by the majority to be her successful suitor.
On this occasion he attempted to assume
still gentler airs, for he had kind Of premo-
milton that this interview would determine the
nature Of his futnre relations with her. After
much conversation upon general topics,-
Salter, with difidence, introduced the all i'm
portart theme. Emma had detected something
Of his anxiety and penetrated far into the Sc
crets of his heart, though she was conscious Of
being under no special obligation to him. He
thus broached the subject
"Miss Emma, we have been intimately ac-
quainted for some time.'
"True, Mr.. Salter, and I hope tina. acquaint-
ance has been beneficial to US both.o avs
"Ah! Hope so," said he, "indeed know
it has benefited me in strengthening my future
and imbuing my mind with better feeling. to-
ward all mankind. | have ever looked upon
You AZ model Of purity, and never have en-
joyed your society without feeling the delicious
influence of higher spirit.n
"You aatter me, Mr. Salter,'' said Emma,
blushing, |" but hope my conversation and
conduct has ever been such as not to be preju-
dicial to any of my fellows.''
Miss Emma, until recently, ay, this very
day, have not been in doubt as to my true
relations with yon."
" You do not doubt my warmest friendship,
! hope. Have given any evidence Of want
Of friendshi? to you?'
" mo, no, % he replied, with greater agitation,
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