The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1869-04-06
It IL E T R | U NJ P III
EOEsGE CEATON

certainly have seen nothing about him
to dislike"
you men never see anything when il
suits you to be blind. George Moncli
ton is rough, uncouth, eccentric man
at times almost coarse
Her brother smiled
"And are you not somewhat eccentric
too, my sister, he asked sIyly. Are
you not just q little over-fastidious
And don't You pride yourself on your
fine taste, and"
Nonsense, Henryn'
"And does not this amount to eccen-
tricity, my dear sister," he continued,
without needing her interruption.
Marguerite Burton was a handsome girl,
with coal-black, flashing eyes, 4 peachy
complexion, and pearly teeth She was
now eighteen years of age, and, for two
years, had been the ''bright, particular
STAR in the love-sky of many q young
fellows hopes, heart-aches and fears.
But it seemed, indeed, that the girl
was hard to please, for many representa-
tons of the good, bad and indifferent, in
every sense, had bowed before her
some for her money, some for the gilt,
tering show which, it was certain, she
would make in the world of fashion
some for her really noble soul, which
despite her lofty port and outward re,
serve, showed itself-aIl drawn to hei
feet by that marvellous beauty which
beamed from her countenance But, as
yet, Margarette Burton's heart was hel
own its warm pulses thrilled for no one
she loved better than herself Her smile
was free for ALL
The truth was, Marguerite was in
clined to be romantic; she was highly
educated, had lived for long time in the
city, and was now at her home in the
country. She had certain city-bred airs
and notions, certain high ideas, which
she thought, were just a little too cleva-
ted for the country rightly to appreciate
and, as her brother said, she had carried
her notions SO far, that her conduct was
eccentric.
About six months prior to the open.
ing of our story, a young man by the
name of George Monckton had settled
down near Springdale. He was a mai
Of about thirty. He soon became very
popular in the county.
On the score of old acquaintanceship
he called, soon after his arrival at Burton
Manor, TO see his old friend, Henry. An
Introduction to the handsome belle, OF
course, followed; still MIR: Monckton
lpaid but little attention to her. He ap-
peared to prefer his qliet chat with Hen
ry over old times-his fragrant Havanna
in one word, his own ease.
The girl was trife shifted at this. 1t
seemed strange to her that man OF
Monckton's sense-for she accredited
him with intelligence and appearance, fol
I his quiet, proud face, his tall, erect form
had been photographed in rather pleas
ing colors in her heart-strange, indeed,
that be should fail to see in her what so
many others had seen-if not a golden
calf, certainly passingly attractive idol,
before which he should fall down and
worship. She did not know George
Monckton, that was evident-she did
not know that in his bosom beat heart as
proud, as stern, as lofty as her own.
But few days had elapsed, however,
after this preliminary call, before George
Monckton was again at Burton Manor !;
and this time, when he sent in his card,
he asked for RiSs Burton.
The girl smiled proudly as she gazed
at the small piece of pasteboard, on
which was boldly written, in his own
handwriting, the name of the visitor
She arrayed herself for conquest, and
leisurely descended to the parlor.
But she was disappointed. George
Monckton's gaze, which was steady-al
most impertinent-did not denote admi-
ration as she entered; far from it. Nor
did studied words of cajolery and fat
terry salute her ear; nor did George
Monckton break his neck to roll out the
large, velvety easychair for her. He
allowed her to seat herself, and then, in q
most Indifferent manner, began to con
verse on some strange, out of-the-way
topic-a topic of which poor Marguerite,
with all her city seminary learning, knew
not word,a and in her helplessness could
only answer, eyes," and No She bit
her lip until the blood ran down, and
still the uncouth visitor ratified on-still
Marguerite answered, Eyes" No"
But all this terminated very suddenly;
for George Monckton, abruptly drawing
a cigar from his pocket, coolly proceed
ed to light it. To Margarettes utter
amazement, he quietly commenced to
Whit it, and the smoke curled lazily in
the elegantly furnished parlor. But in a
twinllllng he sprang to his feet and said ::
Good day, miss-ah-ahem | forget
Miss BumSLy." and strobe out Of the
room without turning his head.
OF course, Marguerite had not been
pleased with this first visit. She had
cone down to conquer; but she had been
vanquished, and, to make her defeat the
more humiiiating, she had been called
Miss Bumsby"' Oh, horrible! The
fellow was actually so oblivious Of her
as to forget her name! This time the
usual flood of tears relieved her.
But George Monchton continued to
call, and he always asked to see Miss
Burton. He always wore his same stern
exterior, and acted in his same queer, &c
centric manner. One time.when he pre-
sented himself at the mansion, Marga
rette determined that she would not sec
him, and sent word she was not at home
go and tell the young lady" he said
sternly, to the girl, mot to make you lie
needlessly, Tell her / saw her hide be
hind the curtain as l drove up; and that
I'll hammer here all day and all night
untild see her."
So Marguerite had to come down
This time he was triile-just very
small trife, too-gentler than usual but
he astounded the poor girl-terrifed hel
out of her wits-by turning suddenly
and asking her, without preface,to marry
him!
The maiden's angry blood came to her
relief, and gave her speech. Her reply
was an indignant negative.
Y 11,. ,.,.1,, l.