Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1859-10-27
COUNTY, GOODRICH

] or three year.S time or so, when some opening
offered to enable George to do something for
| himself, he would come forward manfully and
! claim Mary for himself for better or for
worse" without any very formidable discus
! sion about settlements Nothing had been
seen of him il. Portland Terrace for the last
! fortnight. which had been naturally accounted
for by the fact of Mary's being at Brixton-
Aunt Martha was the kindest creature in the
world--none the less kind in such cases, be-
cause her own youth had been sad and dsap-
pointed--and if she could not fairly attribute
George Harrison'S frequent visits and thought
fu little presents to her own attractions, she
was well content to play the part of wall be-
tween the young Pyramus and Thsbe.
But their Lion too, poor souls, was al
ready roaring in the distance, and from a very
unexpected quarter A very gentle beast too
it might have been thought But Uncle Sans
property, which had brought the futterings of
so much pleasure in anticipation TO the rest of
the Simpson household, had root of bitter
ness in store for poor Mary and her lover
4 nd there were persons at all events who
were likely to be sincere mourners, though,
like many of her mourners, they had but selfish
reasons, for poor cousin John"
When Augusta had closed the door, her
mother resumed the interrupted conversation.
"Oh you mean that Irritation between
George Harrison and Mary, suppose. Well,
haven't heard much about it lately, do you
know 2"
Filtration nv dear ma'am, why, arn't
they engaged to be married 2"
They never told me so, assure you, Mr.
Burrows" 1t was true to the very letter.
mo; nor they never told me so either
Mrs Simpson but suspect they have told
each other so over and over again. You don't
mean to say anything has gone wrong between
them after all y
" Nothing whatever that l know of, Mr.
Burrows" rejoned the lady in her coolest and
driest tone Marys far too young to think
about marrying yet, and me and Mr.. Simpson
object to long engagements"
There was something so unusually dignifed
in Mrs Simpsons tone, that poor Mr. Bur-
rows, who was no match for any woman in
conversation Of this nature, for some moments
could only look at her with astonshment but
he concluded at last that her prospective riches
had refined her philosophy, though without
improving her grammar. He was much too
honest and simple e,minded himself to suspect
u
in two days in her material feelings
THE fact is, my deat Mr.. Burrows" con-
tinued the lady, shraggng her shoulders and
putting on q confidential air. there has been
as we all know, little-a little nonsense go
ing on between them, as there always will be
amongst Young people. but nothing really
on either side, | fancy"
4 little nonsense nothing serious Why
Mr. Burrows himself had joked and poked
them many q time at certain snug little sup
pers which were wont to take place beth at
No. and No 6, Mrs Simpson herself being
present, and laughing heartily and there she
sat before him now looking the very picture OF
cool and unembarraSSed innocence, while poor
Mr. Burrows felt himself coloring with modest
shame aud Indignation, 1t was interesting to
see the progress Mrs. Simpson was making in
the duties of her new position. 1t was an
awkward interview, but she was going through
it wonderfully, as she thought herself
You know, Mr.. Burrows, in this world
young people can't marry without money"
They can't marry in the other world even
with it, suppose, maam but thought now
he money was come" He was beginning to
suspect the real workings Of the mothers
mind, aud was more abrupt and less polite
than usual.
"Oh, Mary mustn't lock TO her father for
any thing at present; there's 10 ready money
and deal to lie done on the property our
daughters won't be heresscs, indeed, Mr.
Burrows :" but Mrs Simpson could not resist
a gratifed smile at the notion
George wasn't looking for an heiress when
he fixed upon your Mary, Mrs. Simpson he
would scorn to marry any girl for her mOley !;
but he's good enough for the biggest heiress
in England, George is; ay, and many q one
would be glad enough TO have him, ma'am.
without farthing, that they would But as
YOU say, mR'am, yonng folks can't marry with
out something to begin the world with and
all know is, If had had forth left me, and
Miss Mary were my daughter, I'd spend half
of it to make her happy, ma'am, that's what
| would !"
All, my good sir, bow easy it is for you
10 talk who have no children, and can't feel as
| DO ~ And the smile now took the charac-
ter Of triumphant superiority, which could uf-
ford to pity
1t is q valuable and unanswerable argument
against all bachelors. What can they know
about it ? Mr.. Burrows gave in. foiled but
indignant. 1t had been foretold to him in the
days of his youth. by gypsy fortune-telier,
that he should listen TO tall, fair lady, who
should speak him fair, and turn out dark de-
ceiver. Beware of her :" had been The omi-
nous words, and he had walked in fear and
trembling in the presence of al such enchan-
tresses all the days of his life And now the
prophecy seemed in the way of being fulfilled,
like all prophecies, in the most unlooked-!or
manner to be sure the lady now before him
was not tall, but she was fair, aud that was
quite close an Interpretation as such fl!flments
admit of. He wished Mrs. Simpson " a very
good morning" refused 70 listen 10 the syren
voice which she put on TO soothe and stay
hin. aud left her rather discoqcerted with her