The Shasta courier., 1868-04-25
SHASTA COURIER.
The Girl that Would be Married.

Mr. Watts had by industry and economy
accumulated a large property lie was
man of rather superior mind and acquire
ments. but, unfortunately, became addicted
to habits Of fintemperance. Naturally fond of
company and possessing superior conversa
tional powers. his company was much sought,
and he became eventually sot. His wife
was a feeble woman, without much decision
of character but an only child was the
reverse illustration of those singular laws Of
nature-that the females oltenest take after
the father in character and personal peculiar
tiles, and the males after the mother
Mary was well aware O. the consequences
that would inevitably follow her fathers
course and bad used every exertion of per
suasion and reason in her power to induce
him TO alter his habits, but without avail;
his resolutions and promises could not with
stand temptation, aud 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 a young man from the
East. possessed Of good education, as all
New England boys are. and of their indomi-
table industry and perseverance, and was
working on the farm Of neigdbor by the
month.
Mary. on going on some errand to the next
house met him on the road with the usual
salutation
{. Good morning. Mr.. Dunn"
Good morning. Miss Watts. How is
your healrh?"
Well 1 thank you; but, to tell the truth,
sick at heart"
PRAY, what is the trouble?" 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
| 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 ?''
"A wife Well. | don't know. Do you
want husband?''
Indeed l do, the worst way. | don't
know but YOU may think me bold and de-
ficient 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"
Have you thought of the consequence"
said John; nv situation; am poor-you
are rich-I am stranger-and-p
- Indeed have | am almost crazy. Let
me explain you and every one else know the
unfortunate situation of my father. His
habits are fixed beyond amendment and his
property wasting like dew before the sun. A
set of harpies are drinking his very hearts
blood. and ruin and misery are staring us in
the face. We are almost strangers. it is true,
bat | have observed you closely. Your
habits, Your industry, and the care and pru
dence 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 so
important step?'
= 1t is enough for me that l am satisfied
with vour character and habits-your person
aBd manners. | am a 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 nav aand."
And. my dear Nary, there is mine with
all my heart in it. Now, when do you desire
1t to he settled ?'
Now, this minute; give me your arm !;
we will walk to Squire Benton's and have
she bargain finished at once. l don't want
to enter our miserable house again until
and direct the affairs of my disconsolate home,
aud to support me in my determination to
turn over new leaf in our domestic affairs. y
But not in this Old hat and in my shirt
sleeves, Nary"
I" Yes and in my old sun bonnet and dirty
apron. If vou are content, let it be done at
once. ! hope that you will not think | am
hard pushed as that comes to; but | want a
master: | am willing to be mistress. | will
then take you home and introduce you as my
own dear husband-signed, sealed and de-
livercd"
So be it. Permit me to say that l have
always admired you from the first minute |
saw you, for your beauty and energy, and
industrious, amiable department"
Vow, John. if that is sincere, this is the
happiest day of my life, and | trust that our
union will be long and happy. l am the
only one my father hears to but, alas his
resolutions are like ropes of sand. | can
manage him on all subjects you must take
charge of the business. and | have sole con-
troll there will be no difficulty | am certain
of the result"
They were married, and more happy
match never was cOnsummated. Everything
prospered, houses and barns were repaired,
fences and gates were regulated, and the
extensive fields smiled and fiourishtd d like an
Eden The unfortunate father sank into a
druukard's grave. Mary and John raised
large family aud they still live respected and
wealthy-all from an energetic girls resolu-
ton, forethought and courage