Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1859-05-04
EBEMBURG, Pa. WEDNESDAY, MAY T. 1852

but how could he ever get married, if he was
not permitted even to propose. ''I must re-
sort to some stratagem." he thought; and he ,
partially formed many plans to bring the lit
tie beauty to terms, and often abandoned |
them.
His mind was busy with such thoughts, as |
one bright morning in September, he walked
slowly towards Farmer Gray's mansion He |
leisurly ascended the hill, at the top of which |
upon level table land stood the great old
house, when he was startled by familiar
voice calling out.
bring the ladder, Dick! I want to get
down." And, looking up. he beheld Nettie
seated in the wide spreading branches of
large apple tree that stood in the field near
the road, Dick, perched upon the topmost
round of ladder, that leaned against pear
tree, was quietly filling basket with the rich
fruit.
"Wait minute, SIS" relied Dick. with
out looking up; Il have got my basket al
most full. I'll come in minute"
''Cone noao, Dick quick quick !" again
called the impatient voice of his sister
Dick evidently began to think there was
something wrong, for he turned around, and
his eye instantly caught sight of our hero
coming up the road but few rods from where
they were. He instantly descended from the
tree; but instead of carrying the ladder to
assist his sister to descend, he gave loud
shout threw his cap into the air, cleared the
wall with one bound, and ran rapidly down
the hill, shouting at the top of his voice, 80,
Mr.. Grafton, I've treed coon I've trced
coon Then placing his hands upon the
ground before him, he turned some five or
six summeIsaults, uttered many bolster
Gus shouts and picking up his cap, ran with
all his might to the house The little rogue
evidently loved mischief as well as did his
pretty sister.
Charles first thought was to go to the as
| sistance of Nettie, and he leaped the wall and
approached the tree Taking the ladder from
| the pear tree, he was about placing it for her
to descend, when a sudden thought suggested
itself. '-She cannot run away from me now,"
and, not stopping to consider the ungallant
act, he grasped lower branch, and. with
some gay remark, swung himself lightly up,
and took seat by her side.
! Nettie was an amiable girl, and could take
joke as good naturedly as she could give
one, only laughed heartily at the trick her
| brother played on her complimented Charlie
upon his agility, and invited him to help
himself to the tempting fruit that hung in
such profusion about them. After chatting
on a variety Of themes, he determined to ap-
proach the subject, and if possible, get an in
telligible answer. For some time he sat in
silence, then,
'Nettie, have something to say to you"
"Ah |. haze you ?" she replied. s'Well,
Charlie, please help me down. and you can
say it as we walk to the house"
Charlie saw the mischief in her eyes, and
resolved to go on without needing her re-
quest, yet he changed somewhat his mode of
attack
''Nette, I am going to be married"
Married :! Charlie, married ~
Without needing the prayerful glance that
was raised to his face, he went on.
'Yes, Nettie. My business is now very
prosperous 1 have pretty home, which
needs only the additional charm of pair of
bright eyes. [ have found sweet, gentle
girl, whom love with all my heart, and who
is willing to become my wife, and | have re-
solved to marry. 1 have tried long time to
tell you, bat you would not hear it."
Nettie had listened to this speech in utter
, amazement She had long believed that she
was the beloved of Charlie Grafton's heart
, and she meant, after she had teased him tC
t her hearts content, to listen to his love, anc
: become his dutiful and loving wife. But he1
5 hopes were now suddenly dashed 10 atoms
e 1t was too much. A giddy faintDess came
< over her, and. but for the sapport of Charlie
' arm, she would have fallen to the ground
Charlie noticed her emotion, and feared ht
? had gone too far. 1t was but for a moment
e however. She soon regaired her self-pos
session, and sat upright hy his side. He
face was very pale, but her eyes flashed
D proudly, as she replied, and there was spic
S of bitterness in her tones
'May ask the name of her who has beel
honored with the offer of the hand and hear
of my noble friend %
First let me describe her. Sho is a beau
tiful girl, and possesses a warm, loving heart
She has but one fault-if fault it may b
i called She delights to tease those who low
!, her best, and often has she given me sever
i heart -pang Yet, Nettie, love her deepl
5 and fervently, and it shall be the object c
{ my life to guard her from harm-to protec
/, her, as far as | am able, from the slightes
d breath of sorrow, and 1 shall be abundant
rewarded by her love. Nettie, have neve
G offered her my hand, though she has Ion
u possessed my heart. do 1t now, Nettic.-
d Dearest, can you ask her name?''
Nettie gave one long, Inquiring look. a
6 though she but half comprehended his words
!. :, "Will you be my wife, Nettie 2
. . "What?' she replied, half bewilderingly
: Are you not going to be married !? Ar
> you not forever lost TO me 7"
. Eyes, if you will consent to be mine
She realized what it would be to love him
: her head sank upon her bosom, and, burstin
: into tears, she murmured,
= Yes, Charlie, WILL"
n Soon Master Dick came bounding into th
d orchard-and hand filed with huge slice
bread and butter, while with the other h
t. tossed his cap into the air, showing that
e fully comprehended the state of affairs shou
- iDr a. fha ton IF his voica