The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1859-12-22

the "old Virginia aristocracy;" the ether,
the only Inn, small, quaint, yet pleasant
house nestled in the centre of the town.
The proprietor of the one, a wealthy plan
ter and distinguished officer of the State;
the other poor widow, whose only living
depended on the profits of her table, which
were but scant, as there was little travel
ing done, at that day, through this retired
village. And the advent of stranger
was always subject of curiosity and in
terest to the good townsfolks, as it is al
ways so in the secluded villages and inns,
in the out-of-the-way places of America.
To this little Inn gaily dressed, yet
weary worn, traveller picked his way one
evening in the autumn of IS. The
buxom hostess, and her tidy daughter,
were all life, and frisked about bestirring
the savory viands, delicious cakes and
eggs, much to the satisfaction of our
hungry traveller, who appeared to be
young man of some twenty summers, tall,
commanding, of fine appearance and pleas
ing manners. He soon, by dint of frank
ness and suavity Of manner, insinuated
himself into the good graces Of the hostess
and daughter, with the latter of whom
he appeared to be much struck, for she
was as lovely as she was neat and grace
full.
possessing charms not unlike one al
most equal to whom [ ADORE" exclaimed
the young traveller admiringly, as he
placed himself before the sparkling fire
after finishing his repast, "and expect ere
long to lead to the altar, and with whom
you are doubtless acquainted, as she lives
only in the mansion above the village as
| understand"
"What Emma White 2" enquired the
hostess. 'Even SO my good dame, met
her at the Springs some months ago, be-
came enamored with her, wooed, won, and
am now come to claim my bride"
"She is a beautiful creature, indeed.'
interposed Augusta, the hostess daughter,
''but somewhat proud as is her father"
''Not so, indeed, gentle Augusta, if she
has pride it is nothing but nature, maid
enly pride, which every lass should have.
And you say, Miss Augusta, she is quite
well,-well, [ Will let this pleasing intelli-
gence restrain me tonight, and to-mor-
row l will give the fair enchantress, [
trust, an agreeable surprise"
Early next morning as etiquette would
permit, the young man set out with buoy
ant heart and high hopes to the mansion
But we will precede him and look in on
his fair bethrothed.
In a magnificent parlor of the mansion,
sat Emma White and her mother, the one
thumming "A piano, and the other interro-
eating a servant.
'And you say, Sambo, he lodged last
evening at the InnT"
"Yes, Misse, de cook say he dare now"
"Well, you can retire-and so Ma, it is
even as l expected [ thought it was him
as he rode past last evening"
"Well, Emma, how do you intend to
bluff him off; I'm thinking it will be a
shameful and delicate business"
Logan introduced him to me atthe Springs,
he brought him forward as one of the law
students, and not as poor printer as he
is-Tll never forgive Mr.. Logan.
"He is not to blame my dear, he as his
pupil, didn't the letter say he was jour
neyman printer at 4, but in con-
sideration of his promising abilities, Mr.
Logan undertook gratuitously to bring
him to the BARI"
"Well for all that I'll never marry a
poor printer l did have a tender regard
for him once, and when I gave him my
hand l deemed him somebody, SO l acted
from the promptings of the heart, but now
I'll be ruled by my better Judgment
DWELL please yourself in that matter,
my dear, I'm disposed to think honorably
of but la! me, if he isn't at the
door now!'
Scarcely had she done speaking when
our hero entered, and with heart over
flowing with gratitude and love, sprang
forward to greet the object of his idolatry,
but imagine his surprise and dismay when
he received only in return a cold, distant
courtesy, which froze his blood and root
ed him to the spot. Bewildered and as
tonished at such greeting from his fair be-
trothed, he turned for explanation to the
mother, who, perceiving the general en-
barrassment, stepped forward, and offering
him seat, explained to him that since
her daughters return from the Springs,
she had, after mature reflection and ex-
amining her heart, thought it best to dis
solve the engagement that had been made
between them.
The ruddy cheeks of the suitor became
of an ashy paleness, and his bloodless lips
auivered like an aspen leaf, as he falter-
ingly exclaimed
"And wherein is my offence! have
merited this !! good heavens +! and Is this