Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-07-08


she was acquainted with Colonel Hart
wells dau ghter.
"She is said to be a very Gne girl-th
finest girl in the country. But | hav'
my doubts about it, continued Frank
81 wish you would candidly tell me you
opinion Of her."
The young lady seemed more amused
than offended by Franks attempt to ex
tract from her information respecting
Emily Hartwell. Frank saw her hesita
ton, and continued, perhaps you arr
unwilling to say anything about the
young woman, which would ~prejudice q
stranger against her, aud find it difficult
to say anything in her favor
oh no-you mistake me entirely
replied the damsel. II know nothing
against-at least not much-I-T"
understand" said Frank. 1t is
as | suspected. But with regard to her
looks, Is she so very handsome?
Indeed, sir" replied his fellow travel.
er, evidently disturbed, but laughing all
the while, II beg you will not ask me
any more questions about that young lady.
Some of her friends in their great parti-
atty, thought her tolerably good looking
but am by no means certain that such
is the Iase, and | know that although toll
erably. good tempered, she has many
faults"
Faults I don't doubt it in the
least" exclaimed the young sailor, with
an expressive shrug. II admire your
candor, wish those partial friends you
speak of were in Nova Zemble, before
their ridiculous praises of an ordinary
girl sent me OF a bootless cruise across
the country"
Indeed, sir, what have | said ? Pray
explain yourself-you mistake my Ian
guage altogether I assure you / have
the greatest possible respect for Emily
Hartwell!
"Oh, I dare say replied Frank
" Respect Certainly-so have I. But
the subject is not a pleasant one for eth.
Hra0f usA@so wen say nothing HFof6 81
her. Let me rest in peace-especiaIly
when there is metal more attractive. |
said just now, and I ought to be keel
hauled for saying it, that | was making a
bootless cruise across the country. 1t is
not so-and | " Emily Hatwell a
thousand thanks for leading me into the
presence of one who [ feel convinced is
destined to exert an important influence
on my future life."
eff you meal me, sir" exclaimed the
young lady, with but i'll assumed gravity
-" you are sadly out Of the way in your
calculations. | thank you for the service
you so CALAMITY rendered me, but beg
leave to resign all ~pretensions to the
honor of exercising an influence on your
future actions"
nSay not 50 r exclaimed Frank, who
was every moment falling more deeply
in love with the interesting girl. my
whole life shall be devoted to your SER
yice-I will be your champion-your
knight errant-your slave. Give me
that right to protect you, to cherish, to
love you-and my widest dreams Of fe-
licity will be more than realized"
The maiden looked at Frank with
establishment, as if doubtful whether ne
was In his senses.
Excuse my transports he continued.
I" | am aware that our acquaintance is but
brief. but | feel that | have known you
for years. I am the child Of impulse ; but
my impulses are those of an honest heart,
and have never led me astray. I know
/ am right4in offering you, with my pure,
sincere and developed love, a hand which
shall guard you from every 1.-THE hand
of a true sailor"
The poor girl was greatly astonished
at receiving in this off-hand, unceremo-
NOUS. manner, a declaration Of loye-and
in a stage coach, too. The whole affair
was piquant, and not altogether uninter.
esting. Frank was a noble looking fell
low, and urged his plea with 50 much
earnestness that she hardly knew whether
to be amused, pleased, or offended
Pardon me, sir" said she, for doubt
ing the sincerity or duration of a pas
sion. which appears to have been SO sud
denly kindled. But you know nothing
of me-or my family-whether | In a
single or a married woman. For aught
you know my affections may be already
engaged"
Frank started, and the color fed from
his cheeks at the bare suggestion.
She continued" and / know nothing
of you, sir-except so far as relates to
your present appearance and your brave
and generous department, but appearan.
ces we all know, are not to be trusted
Frank acknowledged there was good
sense in what she said, and proceeded
forthwith to enlighten her SO far as rela-
ted to his own name, family and position.
8 Ny. father is a rich respectable farmer,
residing in Tadmor. I am his only son,
and have always been considered a pref
ty clever fellow. / have been a sailor
for several years. which will in some
measure account for my straightforward,
prompt mode Of doing business. ex-
pect to proceed on a voyage from Boston
to Europe, in a few weeks, in command
of a noble vessel-but before | again
leave my native land. I am anxious to lay
the foundation of my happiness for life
And now, young lady, allow me to intro
duce myself to you as Francis Roscoe