Weekly Trinity journal., 1868-05-02
Story for Leap Year.

Mr. Watts had by industry and economy ac-
cumulated large property. He was man of
rather superior mind and requirements, but, un-
fortunately, became addicted to habits of intem
perance. Naturally fond of company, and pos
sessing superior conversational powers, his COM
pany was much sought, and he became event.
ually sot. His wife was feeble woman, with
out much decision of character; but an only
child was the reverse illustration of those sngu-
lar laws of nature-that the female oftenest
take after the father in character and personal
peculiarities 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 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 despaired
of reform and grievously realized what the end
must result in.
John Dunn was young from the East,
possessed of good education, as all New Eng
land boys are, and of their indomitable industry
and perseverance, and working on the farm
of a neighbor by the month";
Mary on going on some errand to the next
house, met him the road with the usual salu-
tation-
'Good morning, Mr.. Dunn"
"Good morning, Miss Watts. How is your
health?"
Well, thank you, but, to tell the truth,
sick at heart? p
Pray, what is the trouble ~ said John
What can affect cheerful, lively girl like you,
possessing everything that can make you
hap P9. -. .. =.
am almost weary of life. But it is a subject l
cannot explain to you and yet have sometimes
thought might"
Anything that can do for you, Miss Watts,
you may freely command"
This is promising more than you would be
willing to perform. But, to break the ice at once,
DO you want wife ?"
IA wife Well, don't know. Do you want
q husband?'
'' Indeed do, the worst way. I don't know
but you think bold and deficient in that
maidenly modesty becoming a woman but if
you knew my situation, and the affections under
which suffer, think it would be some excuse
for my course"
6 Have you thought of the consequences ?"
said John; "my situation-I am poor-you are
rich-I am stranger-and-"
Indeed have am almost crazy. Let me
explain you and every one else know the I'M
fortunate situation of my father. His habits are
fixed beyond amendment and his property vast
ing like dew before the sun. set of harpies
are drinking his very hearts blood, ard ruin and
misery are staring us in the face. We are almost
strangers, it is true, but 1 have observed you
closely. Your habits, your industry, and the
care and prudence with which you have man
aged your employers business, have always in
terested 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 habts-your person and
manners. | am woman and have eyes. We
are about the same age; so 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 desire it to
be settled?'
Now, this minute, give me your arm we
will go to Squire Benton's and have the bargain
finished at once. l don't want to enter our
house OF distress again until can have one on
whom can rely, to control and direct the fairs
of my dsconsolate home, and to support me in
my determination to turn over a new leaf in our
domestic affairs"
s. But not in this old hat, and in my shirt
sleeves, Nary"
g Yes; and in my old sun-bonnet and dirty
apron. If you content let it be done at once.
hope you will not think that am hard pushed
ms that comes to but | want master. am
willing to De mistress. l will then take you
home and introduce you as my own dear hus-
band-sigued, sealed and delivered"
g So be it permit me to say that have al
ways admired you from the first minute saw
you, for your beauty and energy, and industrious
amable department"
Snow, john if that is sincere, this is the hap
piest moment of my life, and l trust our union
will be long and happy. | am the only one my
father hears to; but alas ! his resolutions are
like ropes of sand can manage him all
subjects you must take charge of his business,
and have sole control there will be no diff
Guilty am quite certain of the result
They were married, and more happy match
never was consummated. Everything prospercd
well houses and barns were repaired, gates
and fences were regulated and the extensive
fields smiled and fourished like an Eden. The
unfortunate father, in few years, sank into a
drunkard's grave. Mary and John raised large
family, and they still live, respected and wealthy
ALI from an energetic girls resolution, fore
thought and courage.