The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1868-07-29

partition 81.
''Let the poor gvrsy tell your for
tune, pretty lady and loving gentle
man, croaked the old hag with a con
ciliatcry smile. ..-. 7's
Gross my palm with bit of g'cam
ing silver and hear what the future ha
in store for you. Ah-!I can see orange
blossoms, and the gay glitter of golt
wedding ring, not far eff p .-.sl
Mr.. Felix Mortimer sinpered ant
looked pleased. in spite OF himself-tht
gypsy saw her Advantage and pursued
the object. &. .s
"Only a shil ling, sir-and I'll tel
you all about the benny bride nth the
fair hair, who'll staud at the altar with
you one day. It's lucky gentleman
you are, and many would give king,
ransom to be in your shoes :"
"What do you say, Dora p. question
ed the elderly lover, with gratified
air.
shall we lave our fortunes told
just for the joke of the thing, you
know 2, . ...- .....-..t .....
"Oh, by all means think it would
be splendid !"
Dora's checks were tinged 9th tho
softest of glowing roses, and her shy
downcast eyes sparkled with a more sra.
diant Ii 9 hit than ever Mr.. N ortimer had
seen in them beforei hlaL1
"Here's your money, old lady," be
said, tossing silver coin toward her
now, let's hear your budget Tell this
young lady's- fortune first y +..-
"Not here" said the dark skinned
woman, mysteriously. ''I1alf a dozen
PAGES beyond there is haurted spring,
shadowed by darksome cedar trees
there in solitude and secresy, 1 will un-
fold the futurel Damsel, come with
me p
Mr.. Mortimer started after the re-
treating couple, as sthey disappeared in
to the deep shadows of the uhcleared
woods.
Upon my word !" he solilcquised,
she's a meodramat;c old LADY, gen
uine Meg Merri es My old grand
mother always believed in fortune-tell-
ing, and so did Uncle Simeon Truefelt;
and Uncle Simon was remarkably good
judge of money matters, too ~
The birds sang IN the branches over
head; the golden food of sunshine
moved along the close shaven surface
of the fresh Spring turf; and still Do
ra did not return.
"Meg Merriles is deuce of time
telling my little Dora's fortune-it must
be a tolerably long one," mused Mr..
Mortimer, consulting his huge gold
hunting watch.
just at that moment, however, there
was soft rustllng motion in the thick
cts, and Dora tripped back, looking like
perfect little woodnymph in her pale
green dress aud floating ribtcns. ""
,,Yo ou are moving rosebud, my dear,
said Mr.. Mortimer, gallan.'y I Fope
the old gipsey gave you good news! = z
"Oh, she told me all sorts of charm
ing things hsped Dora. 4 am to be
married within six months-"lsa g
True, my dear, true" said Mr. Nor
timer, complacently. II really think
there is something in the mystic art o.
palmistry i" ..l-.@
tAnd, .purred our heroine, artlessly
my husband is to die within thc mex
six months, and [ am to be charming
young widow, and" .
Hey 2" Circulated Mr. Felix, get
ting very red in the face. l#F
'sAnd my second husband is to be
the handsomest man in the States, and
we are to be so happy! Now go to the
gypsy Felix-it is your, turn, and she
is waiting Pr .ar'-s- ~ .9
Mr.. Mortimer staggered into the
woods, with curious sensation, as il
he were dead and buried and the dais
les growing over him already! lJ'
- rhe old gypsy sat en- a rock by the
side of the spring, looking brown and
wiered, and witch-like enough
"Welcome, Mr.. Felix Mortimer
said she, with hoarse cbuc. Il. You
also. are to be married within six
months !' fr ..tar-sa a.r
"How did you know my name ''
Il know many things" croaked the
old beldame, evasively.
Mortimer's flesh began to creep twas
she really and actually in league with
powe rs Invisible =? .uf,-sa...
.'You will be married to one who on
ly values you for money-bags.! She will
spend your fortune. break your heart
by her idle extravaganza, and marry
again, after you are in your grave. l
see it all, in the mystic glass of the
Time-to Come :; and bid you beware!
IsR,,E - "r.-.... .t.... #-r' ~ -
II tell you it is written in the Book
of the Future Waste no more words;
but beware !'
A cold pcrspiration had broken out
upon Mr.. Felix Mortimer's brow.
"Spend my fortune-break my heart
marry young spendthrift to waste
the oley l have be. ye ars accumula-
ting Never p -. -.
There's Just time to evade the i'm
pending DOOM" whispered the old
crope, huskily 'avoid the epchantress,
break the gilded chains, assert yonr it,
dependence, and be free man once
more /! Your fortune is told the Book
of Fate is closed at lastl" IBIS
She vanished through the woods,
leaving our bewildered hero staring
blankly after her.
"It's warning that L have no right
to disregard, sroaned Mr.. Mortimer.
And Dora Elliot found him very
abst. acted and inattentive cavalier dur.
ing the rest of the afternoon. .l .-.-
"Heyl hallol What's this Z! cried
Mr.. Elliott, as he broke open this morn
ing letters, the next day, at breakfast.
nMr. Mortimer about to leave town for
an indefinitely long absence hegs TO
resign all preteutions to the hand of
Miss Dora Elliot: has Abandoned all