The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-01-27

| ''SiAi JOu huOH pSSG, SSpOHueu
father, as he left the room.
All this [ had unintentionally over
heard, as l sat in the next room sewing
for 1T lad passed so quickly that hat
not had time to come forward and an
nounce my presence.
The next day, as [ was sitting in the
parlor vainly endeavoring to keep ny
thoughts on the book [ was reading
how well remember it, "Carlisles Fred
erick the Great'-a sharp ring came a
door, and before | could rise from u,
seat the door opened, and servtnt an
nounced ''Alr. Sunderland" l rose some
what formally; he bowed aud aud offere,
his hand. could not refuse it, and m,
own, cold as ice and trembling, was helC
tone moment In that firm, soft clasp, an,
then slowly relinquished. He did no
ask for Lucy, but said
My sister, regret to say, is out, anC
my mother also.'
"Ah, indeed he replied, as if utterly
indifferent, and then, after pause "But
Miss Mary, did not come to see either
L came to see you-to bid you farewell
perhaps for many years.
A pang shot through my heart at these
words.
''To bid me farewell I murmurred
half inaudibly.
Yes, farewell yet, Mary''-and as
startled-''iorgive me, dear Mary, it is
with you TO decide Say bat that you
will be mine, and | remain if not, i &c
fer years, perhaps torever''
Aatonishment, rapture, hope, fear, kept
me speechless. | gazod at him IN silence
utterly unable to utter word.
''Speak. Mary may say, deorest Ma
ry! he implorcd as he took my hand
lit is cruel TO keep me in suspense--,ell
ale, dearest, may hope =
raised my eyes to his. No answer
Was needed in words. was claSpci in q
terYent, he2rt-telt en nbraee.
~ Some time alter, my mother and Lucy
returned
Has any one called while We were
out y impaired iay mother VI the ser
Want.
Yes, ma 'am-Mr. Sunderland, and he
is in the parlor yet, ma an"
ooh, very we'll. Lucy, dear" she
whispered, go in; | will come down in d
few moments"
AS Lucy entered, l had just Withdrawn
M hand from his, though biushing deep
ly, endeavored to appear CO imposed Mr.
Cumberland, though somewhat embarrass-
ed at first, soon recovered his ease Of man
ner, and. Lucy and he ehatted gayly GA
the standing topics of the day AT this
moment the dinner-tell rang, and my
father and mother entered the room to-
gether. AS soon as the ordinary saluta-
tlons were over, Mr.. Sunderland took my
hand, and regardless of the astonished
looks Of my mother and Lucy, said in a
firm voice -
Mr. MayGeld, dare I ask great favor
ofyou? 1t is ever this to bcstow on me
the priceless hand of your daughter. l
know that | do not deserve her, but the
effort of my lite will be to make her hap
py.''
My fathers astonishment deprived him
for moment of the power of speech
Why, thought it was Lucyr' he ex-
claimed at length, looking at my mother.
But, Sunderland, my good fellow, |
give my full consent and blessing; aud [
see by my Marys face that she is we'll
satisfied to have it so. God bless you
both !" Thus saying, he kissed me ten
derry, placed my hand again in my lovers,
and hurried from the room to conceal his
emotion.
Need | say more? Need 1 describe
lay mothers rage, Lucy's disappoint-
ment and chagrin, kllep's playful re-
proaehes at my carrying off SHE part OF
the season" or far happier still, my mar
riage soon after to him, whom l cousid
cred the noblost, the best Of mcn2 No
more unhappiness.: now, no more pale
checks and fearful eyes; and. Jane, as she
dresses me now, exclaims. joyfully:-
. No need Of doctor now, dear Miss
Mary, as | have often heard my Mistress,
your dear mother say, Happiness is the
best doctorp - Godey's Lndy's Book