Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1861-04-11

HeT-tO take tnc Journey, ana III time dlu
not alter my heart when returned, to Of
fer myself to her. ] went on my Jour
ney-visited all noted places-mingled
in company as much as possible--trihed
with the ladies in the fashionable way;
still, though surrounded with beauty in
every engaging form--though fattcrcd
and caressed--aftcr all, thought Of Ma
ria caused throb which none Of the love-
ly ones around me could create. Her i'm
age kept fast hold on my heart. and
wouldn't leave it. Finding, after an ab-
scence Of six months, that the complaint
which caused me to leave home increased
rather than diminished, ] FASTENED my
return, and arrived home on the afore-
said first Of January.
When reached Maria's place Of abode
and began to ascend the steps in front Of
the the house, my heart quailed little
l began to grow faint hearted, and to
think in what manner / should "pop
the question" / regretted that / had
not studied my part before left home.
L hesitated as took hold Of the bell rope
my breath grew shorter, and my nerves
shook. i was relinquishng my hold
with the intention of taking short stroll
round the square to think over what to
say--in fact, | got half way down the
steps, thinking | would put off my dec
laration until another time-when the
thought Of George and his wife---and the
pleasant evenings we would have together
fixed my wavering heart. So, with re.
newed determination, turned and ran up
the steps, opened the door, and proceeded
to the parlor.
AS good luck would have it, thero sat
Maria on the sofa, all alone, looking a.
bewitching as an angel. She blushed a:
she arose and joyfully extended her hand
, l gave it hearty shake, and squeezed il
you know how, reader, | dare say
was almost tempted to do violence by
kissing it, but thinking it would seem
sweeter after the trembling Yes had been
said, l refrained.
Glow glad l am that you have return.
!, ed" said she, "and how improved you
look!"
This was said in such tone of affec.
tion that began to con over an answer,
!, which would weaken the ice, and give her
a hin. of what was coming.
eyes" l replied Il feel wonderfully
improved; and itappears to me-" l con-
tinued, "there is also an improvement in
your appearance-you-
"But how were you pleased with your
journey?" interrupting me, while deli
cate flush passed over her checks; "did
you not meet with some Southern beauty,
who weaned your heart from your native
place" .. .i'
Here was fine opening.
--No, Mario, homo 10 -herse, and ever
dear. | must confess, however, that
was greatly pleased with the ladies of the
South, yet saw none who would com
pare with the girls Of my own town. AS
for being weaned from home, my heart is
too strongly bound to the scenes of my
birthplace, and to the friends ofmy child
hood, to fear that. These affections, my
dear Maria, that cling to the heart, and
will not forsake you, be you where you
may, or your situation what it may be"
Here stuck for moment. Thinking
if neglected to strike now l should new,
er gather courage to speak again, l took
her willing hand, and, as the moments
were precious-for l felt my courage
oozing away-I commenced
81 feel truly happy in finding you alone
this evening; | have something for youl
private ear. You will excuse my blunt
ness-my intention in calling on you tii.
evening, Miss Maria-was-"
The door at this moment opened, and
my friend Adams walked into the room
sprang up, seizing his extended hand,
gave him cordial grasp, although from
my heart wished him anywhere else, at
that moment, than where he was. After
we were seated, we began to talk on com.
, mon topics. Shortly after, | thanked
him for remembering me in the distribu
tion of his bridal cake.
"Oh," said he, 'that was wife's 10
ings you must thank her for that"
Indeed, husband, l knew not of ON
, friends return until you told me of it."
Husband! wife!" Gracious heavens
had thunderbolt fell at my feet at thC
moment, | should not have been more
) astonished than when Iheard those words
started from my seat--my brain reeled
and sudden faintness came over me.
should have fallen, had | not been sup
ported by Maria and George-Mr ant
Mrs. Adams!
"My dear friend, what is the matter?'
exclaimed both, as | began to revive.
"Nothing-nothing at ALL" replied
"only touch of-my old complaint
dizzincss!" AS | revived, l added, "witl
your leave, will retire"
They urged me strongly to stay--wer
r fearful that might have second attacl
, on the way home, etc,--but in vain.--
When | stood in the entry, waiting tC
I bid them good night, | trebled like an as
t pen, and it was with the greatest Difficult
y ty made out to utter, 'Mrs. Adams
good evening"" 1t nearly choked me.
t When got home, and within my
room, the first thing did was to throw
I Maria's wedding cake into the fire--frost
, ing and all; and moreover, | drove 4
large tenpenny nail through the card into
the bed post, and then went to bed
r was confined to my chamber seven days
with fever, at the end of which time
got about again, am now quite recon
ciled to my fate, and can say "Mrs. Ad
r ans" without hardly stammer. ~
, Reader, the moral Is you are in Low,