The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1865-08-29
RESOLUTION.

my 1CcumdldtSu a lai 50 RioPeAiJ-
was a man of rather superior mind and
requirements, but unfortunately became
addicted to habits of intemperauce. Nat
urslly fond cf company a1d possessing
superior conversational powers, bis CON-
pany was much sought, and he became
eventually sot. His wife was feeble
woman, without much decision of charac-
ter; but an only child was the reverse.
illustrating one of those singular laws of
nature that the females oftenest take after
the father in character and personal Pc
cuIiarltles, and the males after the mother.
Mary was well aware of the consequen-
ces that would inevitably follow her faith
er's course, and had used every exertion
of persuasion and reason in her power, to
induce him to alter his habits, but with
out avail his resolutions and promises
could not Withstand temptation, and he
pursued his downward course, till the
poor girl despaired of reform, and griev-
ously realized what the end must result
lin.
John Dunn was young man from the
east, possessed of good education, as all
oar New England boys are, and their in
demitable industry and perseverance, and
was working on the farm of neighbor BY
the month.
Mary, on going on some euand to the
next house, met him on the road with
the usual saIutation--"Good morning, MIR.
Dunn"
"Good morning Miss Watts. How is
jour health 2"
"WeIl, I thank you, but to tell the
truth, sick at heart"
"Pray what is the trouble 7" said John.
"W hat can infect you, cheerful, lively
girl like you, possessing everything that
can make you happy 2"
"On the contrary to make me miserable
I am almost weary of life. But it is a
subject cannot explain to you; and Jet
I have sometimes thought ! might"
Anything that can dc for you, Miss
Watts, you may freely command"
"That is promising more than you
would be willing TO perform. But to
break the ice at once, do you want a
wife Z"
ga wife Well I don't know. Do yon
want husband?"
! "Indeed 1 do, the worst way. I don't
know but you may think me bold, and
deficient in that maidenly modesty beeom-
ing woman but if you knew my situ-
alton, and the afliction | suffer, | think
it would be some excuse for my course.
"Have you thought ofthe consequence"
said John-"my situation-I am poor
you are rich-I am strauger-and-"
"Indeed I have I am almost crazy.
Let me ezplaiu-you and every one else
know the unfortunate situation of my
father. His habits are fixed beyond
amendment, and his property is wasting
/ like the dew before the sun. A set of
harpies are drinking his very hearts blood
and ruin and misery are staring US in the
face We are almost strangers, it is true;
but I have observed you closely. Your
habits, your industry and the care and
prudence with which you have managed
your employers business, has always
interested me-"
"And yet, my dear young lady, what
can you know of me to warrant you in
taking such an important step !"
at is enough for me that | au salts
fed With your character and habits. your
person and manners. ! an woman aad
have eyes. We are about the same age !;
so, if you know me and like me we'll
enough to take me, there is my hand !"
"And, my dear Mary, there's mine
with all my heart in it, Now, when do
you desire it to be settled 7"
"Now, this minute; give me your arm
and We will 90 to Squire Benton's and
have the bargain finished at once. don't
want to enter our house of distress again
un:il ! have one on whom | can rely, to
control and direct the affairs OF my dis
cousolate home, and to support NE in my
determination to turn over new leaf in
our domestic affairs"
"But not in this old hat and in m7 shirt
sleeves, Mary z"
"Yes, and il my old sun bonnet an
dirty apron. If you are content let it be
done at Cnce. I hope you won't think /
am so hard pushed as that comes to; but
| want a master. I am willing to be mis-
tress will then takayou home and IN
troduce you as my own dear husband
signed, sealed aud delivered"
$50 be it-peruit me to say, that |
have always admired you from the first
minute saw you, for your beauty, energy
and industrious, amisble department"
Now, John, If that is sincere, this is
the happiest moment of my life, aud I
trust our union will be long and happy
I am the only one my father hears to;
but, his resolutions are like ropes of sand.
| can manage him on all other subjects
you must take charge Of bis business, and
have sole control there will be no diff.