The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-03-07

bargain"
Filled with the project, and determined,
IL possible, to ascertain the true state OF
hearts, he entered the breakfastroom the
next morning after his arrival home.
$50 Henry is about to leave us to 60 to
England to try his fortune" ho carclessly
observed.
"Henry about to leave us 7" said Caroline,
dropping the work she held in her hand
"abost to leave us, and going to England"
she added, in tone which evinccd the deep
est interest.
"To be sure-but what il he is, my child?'
"Nothing, sir, nothing-only l thought
we should be rather lonesome" she replied,
turning away to hide the tears which she
could not suppress.
"Tell me, Caroline" said Mr.. D., tender
ly embracing her, "tell mo, do you not love
Henry? You know wish your happiness,
my child. l have ever treated you with
kindness, and you have never. until now,
hid anything from your father"
"Neither will now, she replied. Kidding
her face in his bosom. 81 do most sincerely
esteem him. but do not, for the world, tell
him so; for he has never said that 1t was 70
turned"
"Henry," said ho, entering the counting
house, "you expect to visit the country,
shortly. do you'"
eyes sir, in about four weeks"
"If II would not be too inconyenient," F"
replied Mr.. D., al should like to have you
defer 1t week or two longer"
at will be no inconvenience, sir, and IT It
will obligo YOU, will, with pleasure"
alt will most certainly obligc me, for Car
olinc Is to be married in about six weeks,
and would not miss having you attend the
wedding"
al cannot stay, sir, indeed cannot!" re-
piled Henry, starting as If by an electric
shock. "Caroline to be married! Is 1t pos
sible!"
"To be sure 1t is-but what is there SC
wonderful about that?"
alt is so sudden"
alt is rather sudden, to be sure" replied
Mr.. D., "but am an old man, md wish to
see her have protector; and as the man is
we'll worthy Of her, SEQ no use in waiting
any longer, and am very glad you can stay
to the wedding"
al cannot stay, sir, indeed l cannot!" rc-
piled Henry, forgetting what he had previous
ly said.
"You cannot?" rejoincd Mr.. D., "why,
you just now said you would"
"Yes, sir; but business requires my pres
ence in the country, and must CO."
"But you said it would put ysu to no in.
convenience, and that you would wait with
pleasure"
Command me in anything else, sir, but
in this respect cannot obligc you" said
Henry, rising and walking the floor in rapid
strides.
Poor fellow-ho had thought his passou
subdued; bur when he found that Caroline
was 50 soon, so irrevocably to become
another's, the latent spark burst forth into
an inextinguishabie flame; and he found j,
in vain to cndeavor to conceal his emotion.
The old gentleman regarded him with q
look Of earnestness. "llenry," said he,
"tell me frnnkly-do you love my girl2"
al will be candid with you, sir, replied
Henry, unconscious that his agitation had
betrayed him. "Iiad a fortune, such as
she merits, and as you, sir, have right to
expect, 1 should think myself the happiest
of men, could l gain her love-"
"Then she is yours" cried the delighted
old man-say not IA word about property, my
boy: true worth is better than riches. wa,
only trying you then, Henry; and Caroline
will never be married to any other than
yourself"
The transition from despair to happiness
was great. For moment Henry remained
silent; but his looks spoke volumes. Al
last" scorn to deceive you, sir. I" said he
81 am poorer than what you suppose
have mother and grandfather who are''-
"I know It. know 1t oil, Henry" said
Mr.. D., interrupting him. al know the
reason Of your parsimony, as called it, and
| honor you for tit was that which first
put it into my head to give you Caroline
so she shall bo yours, and may God bless
you BOTH"
Shortly after this conversation, Henry
ayowed his love to Caroline, and solicited
her hand, and 1t is needless to say that he
did not solicit in vain. Caroline would have
deferred their union until the ensuing spring,
but her father was inexorable. He supposed
he should have to own one falschood. he
said. and they would willingly have him
shoulder two; but it was too much-entire-
ly too much-and he would not endure Il
he had told Henry that she was to be mar
ried in FIVE weeks, and he should not forfeit
his word. "But, perhaps" added he, appa-
rcntly recollecting himself, and turning to
Henry. "pcrhaps we shall have to defer It,
after all, for you have important business in
,Lo .o,ntry ahout that time ~