The Placer herald., 1859-06-18

thought she was very cold in her Ian
guage, but | put it down to maidenly mo-
desty.
"Charlotte, your consent has made me the
happiest of men; when shall the ceremony
take place?"
"Don't you think mamma had better ans
her upon that matter"
"True, my dear child, admire your deli
cacy-I turn to her on the wings Of love-
OH what a happy man you have made me!'
Il am sure, sir, | am very glad it was in
my power to give you pleasure-I do not
think you had any reason to doubt my con-
currence in your wishes"
There is no reading the human heart you
know-I thought perhaps the difference in
our ages"
"What do two or three years signify" re-
piled my darling, smiling.
Dear girl, how kind of you to say that"
| returned, charmed with her delicacy in
considering twenty-five years only as two or
three years. But, will 90 to your mamma
at once; adieu, darling for few minutes"
So saying, hurried from the room. |
sent, up message to Mrs. Clarkson, that
wished to see her on important business, and
would wait for her in the dining room. In
about quarter of an hour she came down
stairs, dressed in most gorgeous manner,
but in spite of her toilet, l could not help
remarking that she looked thinner and
scraggier than ever.
"Mrs. Clarkson," | commenced, making
most profound bow. 81 wish to talk with
you on very important matter-one which
nearly concerns my happiness"
81 shall be pleased to hear what you have
to say, sir" replied the widow, taking II seat
on the sofa by my side
Dear Mrs. Clarkson," | began, for
though it best to smooth her down. 81
have now been an inmate of your house for
two months need not dwell on the hap
pness have enjoyed in your charming So
cietv. Your charming daughter and your
self have conspired to make me the happest
of mortals. Your own natural acuteness
must have long ago detected that my heart
Is involved. Yes, my dear madam, could
not gaze on that lovely y form without being
sensible that this house contains a prize OF
the most peerless worth. | have even dar
ed to hope that may claim that prize AS
my own, and now onl y await your consent"
"Realy, sir" stammered the widow,
glancing on the carpet, this confession has
taken me unawares; do not know if my
daughter would like"
MAKE your mind easy on that score, my
dear Mrs. Clarkson, have seen your daught-
er, and have gained her consent to our mar
riage."
"rhoughlful maui" exclaimed the widow.
thought this was strange reply to
make, but knew the mother was a little &c
centric, and put it down to that score
Now, my dear madam" | exclaimed, 81
only wait for your answer viii you con
sent to make me the happiest man in the
United States?'
"Really, sir this is SO unexpected. You
take me so much by surprise, | scarcely
know what reply to make. am a poor
lone widow, Mr.. Smith. My dear, departed
husband was a kind husband to me. Res
pect for his memory"
'My dear madam" | interrupted, 81 am
sure if the late Mr.. Clarkson is looking
down from heaven this moment, he would
give his consent. am rich, madam; you
shall have house worthy Of your kind
heart"
"My dear John, can resist no longer"
and the widow deposited her head of false
hat on my heart.
did not expect this demonstration, and
gently removed her head. Nor did | at first
understand her calling me John-but then
thought as was SO soon to be her sonin
law that she was addressing me filialy.
"John," she exclaimed, dear John, will
confess the truth do love YOU"
"You love mel"
eyes dear John your treaties have prevail
ed. | consent to be your wife"-and | felt
her scraggy arm pass around my neck,
while she hugged my face against her hard
cheek bones.
"Madam," | exclaimed, "release mel
hear step"
mo, dear John, cannot release you.
Are you not soon to become my own dear
husband?"
And she hugged me again, harder than
before. At that moment the door opened,
and the cousin and Miss Carkson entered
the room. When they saw our loving at
titude, they retired, laughing.
"Madam there's mistake" | exclaimed.
81 do not wish to marry you, but your daugh
ter"
"Wba', sir" exclaimed the ogress, releas-
ing her hold. "What do you tell me, you
bold bad man! Is this the way you trile
with lone widows feelings? You know as
we'll as do, that my daughter is to be mar
ried to her cousin next week And you
dare to insult me in this manner-if there's
any justice in the land, sir, | will have it,"
So saying, she bounded out OF the room:
received notice to quit that day-and
three days afterward an action for breach of
promise Of marriage was commenced against
me It was in vain my counsel tried to ex