The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-10-06
A GiSl that woula bo Married and
why. ,.-

Mr.. Watts had BY industry and eceno-
my accumulated . large property. He
was man Of rather superior mind and
requirements, but unfortunately became
addicted to habits Of inhmperance. Nat.
urally fond of company, and possessing
superior conversational powers, his cora
pany was much sought, and he became
eventually q sot. His wife was feeble
woman, without much decision of charac-
ter; but an only child vas the reverse,
illustrating one of those singular laws Of
nature, that the females oftenest take af-
ter the father in character and personal
peculiarities, 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 without
avail; his resolutions and promises could
not Withstand temptation, and he pursued
his downward course, till the poor girl de-
SPARED of reform, and grievously realized
what the end must result in.
John Dunn was young man from the
East, possessed of good education, as
all our New England boys are, and their
industry and perseverance, and was work
ing on the farm of q neighbor by the
month.
Mary, on going on some errand to the
next house, met him on the road with the
usual salutation-"G morning, Mr..
Dunn"
"Good morning, Miss Watts. How is
your health ?"
"Well, 1 thank you, but to tell the
truth sick at heart
"Prsy, what is the trouble 2" said John.
"What can affect you, cheerful, lively,
girl, possessing every thing that can make
you happy?"
''On the contrary, to make me misera-
BILE. lam almost weary of lite. But it is
a subject / cannot explain to you ; and
yet have sometimes thought I might"
'tAnythins that I can do 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
wife2"
"a wife? Well, l don't know. Do
you want husband ?"
"Indeed do, the worst way. don't
know but yoa may think me bold, and de-
fcient in that maidenly modesty becom-
ing woman but If You knew my situa-
ton, and the affection suffer, / think it
would be some excuse for my course"
"Haye you thought Of the eonsequen-
ces9" said John; "my situation-I am
poor-you are rich-l ann a stranger
and" ,-,-
"Indeed I have-I am almost crazy.
Let me explain. You and every one else
know the unfortunate condition Of my
father. His habits are fixed beyond
amendment, and his property is wasting
like dew before the sun. A set of harpies
are drinking bis very hearts blood, and
ruin and misery are staring us in the face.
We are almost strangers, it is true, but !
have observed you closely. Yorr habits,
your industry, and the care and prudence
with which you have managed your en-
plOyers business, has always interested
men
"And yet, my dear young lady, what
can you know of me in to warrant you in
taking such an important step?"
at is enough for me that am salts
fed with your character and habits, your
person and manners. am q woman, and
have eyes. We are about the same age !;
80, if you know me, and like me well
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 de-
sire it to be settled? 2"
SHOW, this minute; give me your hand
and We will go to Squire Benton's and
have the bargain settled at once. do
not want to enter the house of distress
again until I have one friend on whom I
can rely, to direct and control the affairs
of my disoonsolate home, and to support
me in my determination to turn over a
new leaf in our domestic affairs.''
But not in this old hat and sleeves,
Hary7"
"Yes, in my sun-bonnet and dirty
apron. If you are content, let it be done