The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1867-05-28

to otter myself,
Edward Singleton trembled violently
at the announcement. He had not an.
ticipated such summary mode of ope,
ration, and consequently he became great
ly embarrassed.
The form of his fair visitor struck him
as graceful and faultless, and when mo-
ment after she raised her veil, he was lit
orally struck dumb by her exceeding
beauty.
A pair of the brightest azure eyes
beamed on him from beneath their long
delicate lashes, and few stray curls Of
silken hair fell upon either cheek as she
leaned forward, giving bewitching ap-
lpearanee to her countenance, while the
perfect beauty of her face, upon which
he gazed with look Of open admiration,
sent thrill to his heart that he had new
Ter before experienced. For moment he
seemed as if entranced; but the truth
gradually broke upon him-he was in
love.
"And have you really come to offer
yourself" he exclaimed; "are you in very
earnest?"
"Why should you doubt it?" she said
with captivating smile.
81 know not, but indeed I had not ex-
pected to have SO lovely"
"Stop, stop, sir. No fattery if you
please"
"But do not Aatter. I speak the
truth when | say you are the most beau
tiful of your sex"
Enough" she said with another smile
which translated Ned into the seventh
heaven; sdo | suit you?"
Perfectly! and you will not hesitate
to marry me?"
"Not for moment; otherwise | should
not have come"
Ned Singleton sprang from his seat,
took the pile of unopened letters and cast
them into the flames. Then he caught
her in his arms and gave her hearty
kiss, and as she seemed inclined to favor
the proceeding, he repeated it several
times, till finally, out of breath, he re-
resumed his seat.
II presume you have a desire to learn
my name," she remarked as she handed
him card.
ssThe idea had not entered my mind,
owing to the matter of greater conse-
quence," replied Ned, laughing. How
ever he took the card and read:
"Mrs. Grace Elwood.'
He turned pale and looked from the
card to the lady.
"What is the matter? Are you ill?"
she asked, half rising.
g No, not i'll; but what means thisf and
he pointed to the word Mrs.
pardon me for not explaining before, :"
she said hastily. 81 had quite forgotten
to inform you that was widow"
as that alp cried Ned, Immediately
relieved; athen all is right; / absolutely
adore widows. And now, perhaps, you
would also like to acquaint yourself with
my name in full. 1t is
edward Singleton!' she interrupted,
smiling. "Yeu see lam acquainted with
that already"
"Indeed!' he exclaimed in surprise,
s.and yet | am not aware that we have
met before"
"Siill, you see, you are not entirely
unknown to me. | first saw you about a
month ago, while in company with a
friend at the opera, and being favorably
Impressed with your appearance, to say
the least, | made inquiries respecting
you, and determined, if possible, to make
your acquaintance. This / failed to ac-
complish, and happening to notice an ad-
vertisement in one of yesterdays papers
signed sE S., Crescent Place, became
convinced the advertiser could be nene
other than yourself. at once deter
mined to make bold attempt to see and
secure you, and am happy to find my ef
fort crowned with such complete success.
Ned saluted the charming widow with
renewed feryor. "The only thing thai
now remains" he remarked, lis to name
the day that sees US united.
"That / willJeaye for you to decide, :
she said, while blush overspread heI
fair features.
uNo, indeed; that shall certainly be
your duty"
"But insist"
eAnd so do I. Choose the time and ]
promise to abide by your decision-prc-
vided you name no distant day."
"Then be it so. Considering, there.
fore, that we have already been acquaiD.
ted more than half an hour, and that you
wish the union to be consummated as
speedily as possible.I propose to be mar.
ried to-day. My carriage is waiting al
the door,
Ned Singleton said not word, though
he was startled. They stepped into the
carriage, and were soon whirling rapidly
along fremont Street, toward the resi-
dence of the Rev. Mr.. P. Luckily
they found him at home, and without los,
of time he Joined them for life. AS the]
lleft the place, Ned felt like new man
his happiness was complete. They re
entered the carriage, the driver took hi
seat, and they were again rattling oyel
the pavement.
1 "Where are you going?" asked Ned
suddenly, perceiving that they were dri
wing in an opposite direction from the on
they had come,
ave are going home," was the reply.
i "But this is not the way"
"There you are at fault. And now
think Of it,there is one particular subjec
upon which we have not spoken. Per
haps we have been too precipitate j
marrying before an explanation had ia