Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1858-04-09


Well" said another, Il don't know
as it's anybody's business but his own.
For my part l think it's blessing for
him, if he does leave off spending his
nights drinking with such as u.s."
Apply that remark to yourself"
broke in the first speaker; but think
you he has any chance with Alice Brun-
nell p
Meier shadow said one, who had
not hitherto spoken. cold Brunnell looks
higher than his cashier for husband for
Alice"
Well, he's good youth, and will
soon make his name known in the world
III warrant me-" remarked EasEoisc's
sdefendeu
Leaving them to discourse upon the
merits of FRANCHISE, let us turn to him.
He was now seated beside Alice in the
parlor of well furnished house in Clay
street, apparently in serious humor. -
Alice Brunnell was at the time of which
we are writing, the belle of San Francis
co. Her father being possessed Of a
goodly stock of this worlds goods. and
she having pretty face, an intelligent
mind, and lively disposition, she had
as matter of course many admirers. -
But the fckleness of her disposition had
discouraged as we'll as disguised many of
the truest of her lovers, and those who
now crowded around her were, with the
exception of our hero, a set of fortune
hunters, who, too lazy to work, and too
cowardly to steal, sought to gain live
lihood by marrying any good
wealthy young woman who came in their
way.
There were no others in the room be-
sides FRANCHISE and Alice, and both were
regarding the coal fire in the CRATE, as if
conjuring up fances therefrom in their
own minds. The silence was becoming
painful in the extreme to both, and Fran
coise sought to begin conversation, but
words failed him. At length, nerving
himself up to the task, he took tie hand
of Alice in his own, and in pfbroken
voice said:
"Alice, one year since, I left my home
in Pennsylvania, thinking that in this
State | would soon make sufficient money
to support dear sister and myself for
the remainder of our days in ease and
comfort came to California as many
have done before me, and am now doing,
with the hope that a years probation
would be all that would be required of
me. | found here, as elsewhere, no
matter what profession San has, he
must labor, se.a q e sc5ce j
have done SO. Six months since your
father took me into his employ, and gave
me a large salary. Half Of this has
gone towards the support of my sister
and myself, the other half have saved
A month since | made your acquaint-
ance." The young man paused and
looked towards Alice.
"Well, SIR" said she, "what's all
that? / have known it long. You have
yourself told me of it,"
''Since that time" continued the young
man, not noticing the interruption, "a
new star has shone upon my existence
new hopes have filled my breast, new
thoughts are constantly before my mind
[ wander as if with some purpose
have now something to lead me on
Need tell you, Alice, or have you al
ready imagined i'll have loved you
since the time we first met"
"Loved me l' exclaimed Alice, with
drawing her hand from his. "Loved
mel and to what purpose, pray?"
"To claim you for my bride" an
swered FRANCHISE, falling gracefully upon
his knee, ooh! Alice, do not scorn the
first love of my heart do not turn from
me with disdain; ] will make for you as
kind and true a husband as any in the
world" And the young man gazcd
fondly on the object Of his alteration.
"And what support can you offer me p
asked Alice.
1.-THE support of true, fond heart
a strong hand, and good purpose"
"All very pretty; your salary is"
"Four hundred month"
Zone half is required to support you
and your sister; two hundred would re-
main for me. Why, FRANCHISE, that
would not keep me in bon Jons."
"Do not treat me so coldly, dearest
Wealth i no attribute to happiness be-
| live mew
Franchise" said Alice, rising, with
more serious face than she had yet as
sumed, II will be plain with you.
have liked you since the moment we first
met"
"Oh. say those words again" said
FRANCHISE.
but at the same time" continued
Alice, "your apparent poverty has been
an obstacle which my love for you cocld
not and cannot surmount. | know your
proud nature would not allow you to live
on my father. and when you take u wife
you would desire to carry her TO your
own home Now what home have you
to offer me? | have beer reared in lux
ury; think you that can easily descend
to poverty? Nay, let me finish" said
she, perceiying that he was about to
speak, "Let me finish what was going
TO say. am aware that your industri-
Gus habits would soon overcome the diff
culties that lie in your path, but il will
be many years yet, before you attain a
competency. Were you in a condition
to support me comfortably, should not
hesitate one moment in accepting the
offer you have made me Of your heart
and hand. As it is, must decline it.
Now 90 fhnrn 10 snnn mn nntninn