Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1869-11-03
F0T the Urbsna Union.I
F0T the Urbsna Union.I
N D,
IN SEARCH OF A WIFE.
BY MRS. DR.. r. A. PRICE.
CHAPTER ].
Which shall II be
How shall EUof''


NED CLAYLASD, the only son anC
heir of wealthy and devoted parents
having sowed his wild oats in a toul
over half Europe, and visit to the Holy
Land, returned home thoroughly DISCUS
ted with everything foreign; determin
ed to seek a wife in his own native vii
lage. His parents so approved this re
solution that neither pains nor expense
were spared in fitting up a beautiful vii
10 in lot adjoining their own residence
an Old-fashiOned but commOdious brick
building at the extreme end or border O.
the village, as Il home for Ned and mi.
bride.
! Ned's villa had become the wonder
and gossip of the whole place, with itl
tastefully laid off grounds, rare flowers
and elegant modern furniture. Ned was
a general favorite, very good looking
and agreeable, with gentlemanly and
polished manners. Many a fair damse,
would gladly have taken charge of him
and his villa too but Ned had his wits
about him, if he was marrying man
nor was he to be caught by chaf; yet he
was not heart proof against the "elOqu.
ent glances' of the deep blue eyes and
soft musical voice of sweet Alice Brown.
field, the only daughter of a widowed
mother, who had charge of the village
school, with Alice as an assistant
Everybody loved Alice; indeed no one
could know her without loving and ad-
miring her, she had so many Ioveable
traits of character; always cheerful, un.
selfish and bright. The unfortunate
found in her a steadfast friend, and the
young and gay sought her us a pleasing
and interesting companion. Although
she had only entered her seventeenth
year, she was to her mother rare bles.
sing, a confdant and a friend.
In olden times she and Ned had beer
classmates in the school of which heI
mother was now the mistress: many q
time they had played together on the
village green; but Ned scarcely recogniz.
ed his former gay play mate in the grace,
full, dignified and beautiful young lady;
and was not slow in improving every
advantage in renewing her acquaint.
ance. He soon discerned that the in
genious, sprightIy little girl had ripen.
ed into the whole souled intellectual
woman-while her beauty and accom-
plishments elected his warmest admir-
ton, her virtue and amiability won his
profoundest respect and esteem.
One bright autumnaI evening, soon
after his return, Ned was walking home
accompanied by his friend Frank Ellis,
indulging in light conversation.
"Do you attend the party at Squire
Rays tO-night?' asked his friend.
"Of course-they say it is to be bril-
liant affair, and I must see and. be
seen-but it somewhat puzzles me. The
Rays in former times were an unosten-
tatious family, and I can scarcely i'm
agine plain mother Ray as hostess on
this grand occasion"
"Ned you would make preacher
laugh. Do you conclude, Mr.. Van Win
kle,. that while you have been summing
yourself under foreign skies, that the
whole universe, men, women, and chill
dren have been standing still, waiting
your return? "Nary timev When
you left our village the Squire's daugh-
ter was little girl in panties, and you
will find her tonight the very prettieBt
woman you ever saw. She, and not her
mother will be mistress of ceremonies f.;
but-pardon the expression, speak of
the devil, and his imps will appear
there she comes now, taking her eve
ming ride"
The clatter of horses hOofs interrupt
ed their discourse, and vision that eI-
ceeded Ned's most extravagant ideal of
exquisite female beauty fitted before
them; only passing glimpse and she
was out of sight. Ned gazed in intense
wonder and admiration; he was pas
siOnate adorer Of feminine IOveliness,
and completely fascinated.
Wake up, old Ripv exclaimed Frank,
slapping him on the shoulder, that is
only little Fanny Ray, now grown into
a young lady"
Transformed into an angel, you
mean; Willy have not met her before?"
answered Ned, with an aggrieved and
injured expression.
"DOn't be unreasonable, old boy" said
Frank, she returned from the springs
only a day Or two ago. hope you are
not in love at first sight; what would
Alice Brownfield say?'
"Alice has nothing to do or say with
my love affairs, or with my being in love
with whom please
my dear fellow you know you have
been very attentive to her, and every
body thinks"
Everybody is very meddlesOme and
officious," interrupted Ned. 4 certainly
have n right to be attentive to whom I