Charles City intelligencer. [volume] (Charles City, Floyd County, Iowa) 1864-1866, 1865-09-21
Moral GaIs.
The Girl that Would be Married.

Mr.. Watts had, by industry and
economy, accumulated a large proper
/ ty. He was a man of rather superior
mind and requirements, but uufortu-
nately became addicted to habits of
intemperance. Naturally fond of COM
pany, and possessing superior CONVEX
sational powers his company was
much sought, and he became eventu-
ally sot. His wife was a feeble wo-
man, without much decision of charac-
ter but an only child was the reverse
illustration of one of those singular
laws of nature, that the females often
est take after the father in character
and personal peculiarities, and the
males after the mother
Mary was well aware of the conse-
quences that would inevitably follow
her fathers course, and had used eve
ry exertion of persuasion and reason
i'll her power, TO induce him to alter
his habits, but without avail. His
resolutions and promises could not
withstand the temptation, and he pur-
sued his downward course, till the
poor girl despaired of reform, and
grievously realized what the end must
result in.
John Dunn was a young man from
the east, possessed Of a good educa-
ton, as all our New England boys are,
and their indomitable industry and
perseverance, and was working on the
farm of neighbor 10y the month.
Mary ON on nrrand fn
the next house, met him on the road
with the usual salutation--" Good
morning, Mr.. Dunn"
GOOD morning, Miss Watts. How
is your health?"
"Well, thank you, but to tell the
truth, sick at heart"
Pray what is the trouble ?" said
John "What can affect you, possess
sing everything that can make you
happyg"
"On the contrary to make me mis-
cradle, l am almost weary of life. But
it is subject | cannot explain to you;
and yet have sometimes thought |
might"
ANY thing that can do for you.
Miss Watts, you may freely COM
mand"
"This is promising more than you
would be willing to perform. But to
break the ice at once, do you want a
wife2"
a wife Well l don't know. Do
you want a husband ?"
Indeed l do, the worst way.
don't know but you think me bold,
and deficient in the maidenly modesty
becoming woman; but if you knew
my situation, and the affections under
which suffer, think it would DO
some excuse for my course"
Have you thought of the conse-
quence ?" said john" my situation
Il am poor-you are rich-I am a
stranger-and-"
Indeed | have, | am almost crazy.
Let me explain, you and every one
else know the unfortunate situation Of
my father. His habits are fixed be-
yond amendment and his property is
wasting away 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 al
most strangers, it is true but have
observed you closely. Your habits,
your industry and the care and pru-
dence with which you have managed
your employers business have always
interested me-"
I" And yet, my dear young lady,
what can you know Of me to warrant
you in taking such an important step?"
1t is enough for me that / am sat-
isfed with your character and habits
your person and manners. am a
woman and have eyes. We are about
the same age SO if you know me and
like me well enought 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? Z"
"Now, this minute, give me your
arm, we will so to Squire Benton's
and have the bargain finished at once.
don't want to enter our house of
distress again until | have one on
whom | can rely, to control and direct
the affairs of my disconsolate home,
and to support me in my determina-
ton to turn over new leaf in our do
nestle affairs"
"But not in this old hat, and in my
shirt sleeves, Mary.?"
Yes-and in my old sun bonnet
and dirty apron. If you are content
let it be done at once. l hope you
will not think l am so hard pushed as
that comes to; but ! want master.
l am willing to be mistress, l will
then take you home and introduce you
as my own dear husband-signed,
sealed and delivered"
$50 be it-permit me to say that
| have always admired you from the
first minute ever saw you, for your
beauty and energy, and industrious.
amiable department."
"Now, John, if that is sincere, this
is the happiest moment of my life, and
| trust our union will be long and hap
py. am the only one my father ad-
heres to 4; but alas his resolutions
are like ropes of sand ] can manage
him on all other subjects but you
must take charge of his business, and
have the sole control, there will be no
) dificulty-l am confident of the result" !"
They were married, and a more hap
| M, match pnyar rnc capSumma ted