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

10 you know, SAID Charley, Il felt
rather vexed with our good hostess at the
way she seemed TO put her off as nobody,
before dinner, with little. Ralph. L /
thought once she was going to leave her
walk down by herself" Il
'sIt is very unlike Mrs. Archer" was
my reply, ''she is generally So very at
tentive to any one who is a little in the
background
"Well I shall. certainly try if cannot
get something more than yes and no out
of her while am here" said Charley.
"Now, don't go and make yourself silly
about this little thing" said l, by way of
caution, thinking of Miss Stanley.
"You let me alone" said Charley.
"You have got one young lady all to
yourself. am not going to play Paris
to your Helen. I believe you want them
both, you old Turk"
II think, if you are going to be so abu-
sive, we had better follow the ladies'"
replied.
"With all my heart" said Charley.
From that evening Charley devoted
himself to Miss Fawcett. If we skated,
he was by her side supporting her insecure
footing; if We walked, he was by her side
again, contriving either to precede or
follow US. He also discovered she had a
fine voice, and many were the duets learn
ed and practiced. Certainly they were
rather thrown together, for the two elder
ladies preferred each others company by
the fire, or in the carriage, to our more
active exercise; and need scarcely say
that Helen and l were satisfied with any
arrangement that left us to ourselves.
Every one, too, seemed blind to tho tre-
mendous Irritation, as I considered it,
that was going on; or rather, should
say, Miss Fawcett's movements were a
matter of too great Indifference for them
to concern themselves about.
AT last began to grow uneasy on Miss
Fawcetts account, for l never for a mo
ment believed that Charley was in earn
est. He always spoke of her as his charge
with laugh, and used to ask me to con-
graduate him on having discovered that
she had tongue, Gan interesting little
fact in natural history" as he called it.
In spite of all his avowed dislike to
Miss Stanley, 1 had somehow made up
mind that Charley would marry her. 1
did not believe that he really would give
up his old home for a fancied prejudice
against person he had never seen. With
Miss Fawcett it was different; and no
lticed with pain deepening tints upon
her cheek and the Frightened eye and 1
resolved to warn Charley that what was
play to him might be very serious to
| her. T a
was in the conservatory when I came
to this conclusion, having just returned
from walk with Helen, during which
time 1 had informed her that Mrs. Archer
had consented to our fixing time for our
marriage before the conclusion of my
visit. The following summer had been
settled between us, although in my own
mind determined to make it spring. AT
any rate was in very happy frame OF
mind, and could afford to be considerate
for my neighbors. [ was pondering, as
I sat behind a splendid myrtle in the well
warmed conservatory, how to break the
matter to the impetuous Charley, when
was startled by voices in close proximity
to myself I peered from my hiding
place, and there in the window which
[opened from the drawingroom stood the
livery people 1 was thinking of, and one
glance told me that all interference on my
part was too late. Charley's arm was
around Miss Fawcett's waist, and he
seemed to be urgidg and protesting very
lstrongly; while she, her cheeks blushine
like rose, was family arguing against
him. The window was close by where
sat, and could not move without hinder
ling them, and as the myrtle ehectually hid
me from observation l thought had bet
ter remain where / was, and try and find
some opportunity of leaving the conser-
vatory some other way; but to my in
tense annoyance 1 was compelled to hear
their conversation.
eff l was sure," Miss Fawcett was
! saying, "that you would never repent
what you are now doing, that you are
fully aware of the step you are taking il
wishing to marry a penniless compan
Charley here interrupted her with vio
lent protestations of never-dying affec
ton. t aE
"Yes," said she, "I do believe in you
most noble and disinterested affection fo
me; butpardon me if 1 refer again to Mis-
e Stanley. | cannot feel justified in per
HliG1luS you W AChuqui Wl1houl SNCi
! seeing her, the splendid fortune attached
: to your union"
''That Miss Stanley is the bane of nj,
e life, !" said Charley. @Now just listen t
: me, Mary. (By-the-by, Mary is he
r name, too; wish it wasn't When
e heard the terms Of the will, L resolves
|, that I never would seek, or even if
| could prevent it, accidentally become ac
: quaintel with Miss Stanley. The YER
!, thought of Marrying her, as matter 0
f arrangement and business, is most odiou
a to me. If it left me penniless. woul
< still act in the same manner. From tn
n moment first saw you I was attracte
to you, and | now love you with Low
e that will only die with me. You az
I knowledge that am not Indifferent t
y you; why, then, hesitate You tell m
: you have no friends but Mrs. Oakle,
: therefore, what can there be to preyer
y our union as speedily as may be ?"
"Will you speak to Mrs. Oakley, then
f" said Miss Fawcett 'She ought
: know"