The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-10-18

As soon as possible found Charley,
and informed him OF what had occurred,
and how l had been an unwilling listener
to their conversation, but he merely
laughed.
'srhen you know all without my telling
you,' said he, So much the better. 1t
will spare my bushes"
"Well, Charley, old boy, I am sure you
have my best wishes for your happiness
said |, ''but l must confess that 1 wish
you had seen Miss Stanley before taking
such decided step SO
"New, once for all, Harry, understand
me-" said Charley. "From the time /
heard that will, L determined that noth-
ing should induce me to sell myself in
the base manner it suggested, aud that
if ever l met with girl could love, and
who would be content to take me as [ am
| should marry her, as though Miss STAN
ley had never existed. have now met
with such girl. From the moment |
saw Mary Favcett, | admired her quiet,
ladyl1ke appearance. and l have since
found out how truly lovable and good she
is; and if she be only as true to me as L
shall be to her, shall marry her, and
her only, in spite of them all. y
[ could but admire his disinterested af-
fection for the girl, nor was surprised,
for she was. as he said, most levable.
In the course of the evening long con-
ference took place, in which, much to
Charley's disgust, it was determined that
Mr.. Mellor ought to be written to, and re-
quested to inform Miss Stanley of Mr..
Lancewood's engagement. Menwhile,
however, Mrs. Oakley saw no objection
to the two considering themselves engag-
ed, with the prospect (if nothing pre-
vented) of speedy marriage, but that
nothing more ought to be settled until
they heard from Mr. Mellor. By return
of post the old gentleman wrote, stating
that Miss Stanley would hear Mr.. Lance
woods decision from himself, and that,
with Mrs. Archers permission, he should
suggest that meeting should take place
at Brennan. lodge as soon as convenient, to
get the thing settled. Mrs. Archer was
delighted. The whole thing seemed to
have charmed her extremely; why, ]
could not tell was rather annoyed, and
she fixed as early day as possible fer
the interview.
Charley worked himself almost into a
frantic state as the time came on, and
noticed that Miss Fawcett also became
extremely nervous.
''You will be with me during this con,
founded affair, Harry p said Charley.
Yes, if you wish it, was my reply.
/ On the day Mr.. Mellor and Miss Stan
ley were expected, we four-that is Heller
and myself, Charley and Miss Fawcett-
went out for walk, the business par
being expected to come off after luncheon
| However, when we returned, Mrs. Archer
met us in the hall, and informed US tha
Mr.. Mellor and Miss Stanley were in the
house, and she should advise the matter
being settled at once. She also added
that it was particularly requested thai
Miss Fawcett should be present. Mary
turned very pale; but, quickly laying asid,
4 her hat and cloak, she expressed he
J readiness. to accompany US. Charlie,
J looked very stern aud determined as W
entered the library, but his countenanc
J expressed some surprise when We foun,
there only Mr.. Mellor, who greeted u
heartily.
81 thought we were to meet Miss Stan
ley!" exclaimed Charley.
"All in good time, my dear boy, all il
good time, said the lawyer; .you have
little matter to settle with me first"
] Charley now introduced Miss Fawcett
J to whom Mr.. Mellor bowed grayely.
4 s,We will at once proceed to business
) said he, turning to Charley. It is neces
sary for me to read your uncie's will agail
to you, or do you remember the condition
on which only you can inherit eth
Weir
: 81 remember them quite sufficiently,
replied Charley.
"And / am to understand that il i
: your declared wish and resolution to mar
, ry this young lady?" continued Mr.. Mel
lor, turning to Miss Fawcett.
J Il am happy in being able to say tina
it is SO, was Gharley's clear and distinc
, reply
| And you. young lady, do you of you
: own free will intend to marry Mr.. Lance
wood 2" he asked
: Miss Fawcett's face was covered wit
: bushes, and she trembled as she replied
II do"
a"Then." said Mr.. Mellor, 81 am haI
r Ply in knowing that my old friends wist
$ es will be SO completely carried out j
: the union, not only of the hands, but th
4 hearts, of the two he loved best on eartf
Mr.. Lancewood, allow me to introduc
you to Miss Mary Fawcett Whitfield
y known since her grandfather's death :
0 Miss Stanley
r Before | had time in any way to reco'
| er from my astonishment, Mrs. Archt
q seized my arm and family dragged N
l into the drawing-room, followed by Nj
: Mellor, leaving Charley, who.seemed a
y most stupiied, to seek for further ea
# planatlon from the young lady, who, wit
s her face buried in her. hands, SCENE
d afraid of beholding the effectproduced b
e the announcement. As soon as Mr.
d Archer had in slight degree recovere
e from the violent fit of laughing into whic
J she fell, she began to explain to me tn
o Mrs. Oakley was an old friend OF her
le whom she had recommended to Mr.. Me
Y; lor as fit person to take charge of, al
n J L I. 81 {,