Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1861-11-09

OF man. What q transformation of cbarac.
ters Has Lila become suddenly peuitent
-perchance saint? She is one Of the
converted, certainly--for she seems to have
attained blessed repose of soul, which is
reflected in her manuer. Rebecca laughs
and is gay-she cannot help it she, the quiet
one Mr. Dumbarton turns With diepleased
look from the exhibition Of snch disedifyiug
nirthfnloess, TO view With appreciation the
lai. contemplative being--who seated By the
window 10 such pepsive mood, scarce seems
one of earths realities. The morning is
beautiful. aud invites to out door enjoyment
Mr.. Dumbarton is inspired to imagine that
u might brace this dropping spirit to breathe
Tue iresh air OF heaven--tO stroll through the
garden; to rest in the arbor to watch the
onward course of the restless stream, with
this young creature as bis companion. All
this would be silly, idle even, in comparison
with the gravity of his usual pursuits
disagreeable, OF course, to Mi. DumbartoD
Yet eucb, and 80 great is the extent of bis
moral heroism, that oblivious Of self, ss an
act OF charity to one Of the universal brother
hood, be can, and does overcome his repug.
nance and BagDaumously proposes this walk
to Lila in most formal terms.
| With the most commendabe spirit of re-
sgnation, and as if yielding to relentless
but inevitable fate, l. liza acquiesces.
Rebeccs, having been quietly ignored by
these exalted spirits, is left alone, either TO
pray for her friends success, or to plot q
"oman's revenge, as she may be disposed.
Three days Of uninterrupted walks aud
talks, gave the preacher 8n opportunity OF
presenting many moral reflections, calculated
greatly TO edfy Lille. He was sententious,
indeed sublime, yet, for all this, in order to
make bis mora! maxims more salutary. be
would occasionally allow himself considera.
ble latitude Of sentiment compliment.
These, at least, were carefully treasured
and falling upon good soil, took root-being
perfectly appreciated by the wicked Lila.
Then she would, with an amazing zest Of
enjoyment, contde their confidential repetition
TO the aminbe guardianship of Rebecca
whom they did not so exc, ssively amuse
But it SO happened that just about the time
Lila was entirely hopeful oud sapguine with
regard to her success, her presence was
required at bone, in consequence o! the slight
illness OF her grandmother, who Suffered an
intolerabe ennui in the absence of SO beloved
child. Lila was trne and devoted to her
grand parents, aud did not hesitate when sho
received the message. Her flial love com.
PEELED her at once to return home. In leaving,
she enjoined it upon Rebecca to take 10 !
charge the Welfare of Mr.. Dumbnrtou, aud !
above oil, to take care that be should not
forget he.. A I'd so il was, that when MIR. !
Dumberton must inevitably have been con.
queree by l-'lia's arts they parted.
Soon after this catastrophe, my heroine left |
her native town to visit an aunt. Separated |
from Rebeccs. the ardor of their friendship
seemed rather to strengthen than decrease.
They wrote each other necessarily the most
fearful minute letters, crossed and recrossed
nothing was omitted, and much was ampliied !
and commented on that might as we'll have
remained obscure. Real school girl letters |
/ must laugh as recall them What flights
OF rhetoric what sublimiiy Of incident what
intens:fcation of feeling they depicted!
One morning Lila did not receive the
expected communication from Rebecca, but
how great and joyful was her agitation, when
letter was handed to her in an unknown
hlrography-bavng q strange and cramped
look, which was in itself delightful perpiex.
ity. But OBJ, charm of chsrms it is-it is an
offer OF marriage from the young parson.-
She had. indeed, made the desired impress.
sion, and 10 spite of bis triple armor OF
iormality morality and spirituality. behold
him lover! Slshng. complying, dying,
quite like any ordinary being.
"Dellcious prodigious charming alarm.
ing truly, its most entrancing," sings Lilia
laughing aud dancing. But what says he ?"
My wife wilt thou be? Again let me see,
and read it DER and DER ; this letter adore
Not that care to win bis heart, not pin,
do value him. Yet, just to say no, to q
young parson beau and to fud in black and
white, that he holds me in such light-ob,
it's the best of all my lie to be asked to be
o clergyman's wife. Now, III say to Miss
Hall, and to the old maids, one and ell, don't
you wish yon could, like me, be wise and good,
and be thought tit TO preside, without the
least pride, over q congregation of any de-.
This is a true apos,hesis, a
ravishing metamorpbosis--I must read il to
my aunt, this precious good mans cant; and
to Rebecca must write, how I've become q
goodly light. But what writes he-again let
me see." Aud here is the letter:
NtSS Lttta: Profound and ndeible las
successive months OF separation only prove
to me more clearly is the impression produ-
ced upon me by your many charms of mind
heart and manner. Since we parted, have
been settled over small congregation and
now ind myself not only occupied, but i'm.
mersed, in the diligent care of souls commit.
led to my charge. Yet such is the lamenta-
bic weakness OF human nature, even when
deVotlng its highest energies to the most
sacred calilng, that may tnd my life un
cheered by your appreciative companonship
q mere deser. waste. Your lovely and mild
image necessarily bauuts my memory-and
when reflect upon the angelic docilty with
which you received the msxims of wisdom
sought to teach you, even as connected with
the enjoyment of the beauties of creation, |
feel that it becomes q duty owe to you to
develop aud direct so gentle and Christian a
nature am man of few words, but of deep
emotions therefore, without greater ampli.
tude OF protestation, or the indulgence of any
vain or foolish expressions, which might only
serve to offend your good sense-I ask you,
10 sober troth and brevity, will you, Miss
Lila, become my wife
With sentiments of affection and respect,
your sincere admrer s. BuMBARIoS.
Lila lost no time in composing the follow
ing reply
"1iuch respected sir With extreme sur.
prise have read your commo nicaiion profIer-
ing TO me, in earnest terms the highest
compliment it is in the power of a man to
bestow upon any woman. ] respond to your
letter with the same clearpess and conciseness
with which it is written-I ,ciH not become