The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-08-20
DErERMINED TO BE MARRIED.

Mr. Watts had, by industry and economy, ac-
cumulated large property. He was man Of
rather superior mind and requirements, but
unfortunately, became addicted to habits of in
temperance. Naturally fond of company, and
possessing superior conversational powers, his
company was much sought, and he became even
tualy a sot. His wife was feeble woman with
out much decision of character but ar only child
was the illustration of those singular laws
of nature-that the female ofenest take after
! the father in character and personal pecuarilies
| and the males after the mother.
| Mary was we'll aware of the consequences that
would inevitably follow her fathers course, and
! had used every exertion of persuasion in her
power, to induce him to alter his habits, but with
out avail; resolutions and promises could not
Withstand temptation, and he pursued his down.
ward course, till the poor girl despaired of reform,
and grievously realized what the end must result
| in.
| John Dunn was young man from the East,
possessed Of good education, ofindomitable in
dustry and perseverance, and was working on the
farm of a neighbor by the month.
Mary, on going on Grand to the next
house, met him on the road with the usual salu-
tation,
Good morning, Mr. Dunn"
! "Good morning, Miss Watts. How is your
health? %
"Weli, l thank you, to tell the truth, sick at
/ heart"
"Pray what is the troubled" said John. "What
can affect cheerful lively girl like you. possessing
everything that can make you happy?"
"On the contrary to make me miserable
am almost weary of life. But it is subject l
cannot explain to you; and yet have sometimes
thought l might"
"Anythng that can do for you, Miss Watts,
you may freely commando
''This is promising more than you would be
willing to perform But to break the ice at once,
do you want wife,
"a wife! Well, don't know. Do you
want husband?"
"Indeed d. the worst way. I don't know
but you think me bold and deficient in that
maldenly modesty becoming woman; but if
you knew my situation, and the Affections un-
der which [ suffer, think it would be some
excuse for my course"
"Have you thought of the consequences"
said John; my ''situaton, am poor, you
rlch-l am stranger-and-"
"lndeed [ have; I am almost crazy. Let me
explain; you and every one else know the
fortunate situation Of my father. His habits
are fixed beyond amendment, and his property
wasting like dew before the sun. A set of har-
pies drinking his very hearts blood, and
ruin and misery are staring us in the face. We
are almost strangers, it is true but have OBJ
served you closely. Your habits, your industry
and the care and prudence with which you have
managed your employers business, have always
interested me-"
"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 satisfied with
your character and habits-your person and
manners. [ am woman and have eyes. We
are about the same age; so if you know me and
like me we'll enough to takeme, there is my
hand p
'And, my dear Mary, there's mine with all
my heart in it. Now when do you desire it to
be settled 2"
! "Now, this minute, give me your arm; we
will 60 to Squire Benton's and have the bargain
finished at once. [ don't want to enter our
house of distress again until can have one on
whom | can rely, to control and direct the affairs
Of my disconsolate home and to support me in
my determination to turn over new leaf in our
domestic affairs"
"But not In this old hat, and in my shirt
sleeves, Mary?'
eyes, and in my old sun bonnet and dirty
apron If you content, let it be done at
Fonce. | hope you will not think that am hard
pushed that comes to- but [ want a master.
l am willing to be mistress. [ will then take
you homo and introduce you as my own dear
husband signed, sealed ard delivered"
$50 be it; permit me to say that have al
ways admired you from the first minute I saw
you, for your beauty and energy, and indus
trlous, amiable department"
"Now, John, if that is sincere, this is the
happicst moment of my life, and l trust our
union will be long and happy. l am the only
one my father hears to; but alas ! bis resolu-
tions are like ropes of sand. can manage him
on all subjects; you must take charge of his
business, and have SO control, there will be
20 difficulty"
They were married, and more happy match
never was consumated. Everything prospercd
houses and barns we're repaired fences and
gates were repaired, and the extensive fields
smiled and fuurshed like an Eden. The I'M
fortunate father, in few years, sank into a
drunkara's grave Mary and John raised a
large family, and they still live respected and
wealthy-all from an energetic girls resolution,
torethoaght and courage.
AN Observation-Disclosures illustration of
the proverb that Glove goes where it is sent, and
laughs at bolts and locksmths" has just oc-
Cured in this city. Some months ago Charlie
| B, the son of a rich banker, met and loved