The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1870-09-03

wins my good will, and to whose manhood
l trust my future happiness by plighting
my vows before God. will pass under a
scrutiny entirely unaccustomed in cases of
the kind"
"But, Bell, how are you going to bring
this scrutiny Of yours to bear? and, after
ALL do believe when your heart really be-
comes interested you will, like all the rest,
illustrate the old adage that 'love is
blind."'
"Well, we will see May, as to hoo am
going to bring it all about. 1 cannot now
solved. Perhaps uucle will help me if
ask him; or, when you are married, will
ask Tom to help me-
And there the conversation ended, leav-
ing the question much as they found it as
to the future of hundreds and thousands,
bound by the follies and foibles of Fashionable
life, yet to enter upon life as wives and
mothers. Why do not the daughters of
our land call their fathers or brothers into
counsel as to the characters of the young
men with whom they are called to asso-
ciate? How many fathers think Of the
matter at all? Alas! how often would
merely sordid motives influence the judg-
ment rather than the righteous judgment ?
Indeed, the thoughtful daughters will
have no effectual remedy until both fathers
and mothers awake to duties now, in GER
tain walks of life, almost entirely ignored.
Let us hope for these cousins, that they will
not fail to enter upon life as wives with a
better warrant for faith in their life COM
panions than generally, serve to justify the
momentous question of marriage.
A few evenings after the foregoing con-
versation took place, at an evening enter
tainment given by that leader of fashion,
Mrs. Daphne belmont, and to which a
large portion of the fashion and beauty of
the city of Twas invited, there were
present, and looking their very best, Bell
Ballard, and her cousin, May Darrell, both
in their way, and of course depending upon
whose opinion might be consulted the
belle and beauty of the evening; for ho,o
is it to be decided so that the question
shall not be again mooted, whether the
most beautiful of beauties is blonde or a
brunette? May, tall and graceful, her
dark style of beauty seems perfect to the
partial blue eyes of Tom Morford. While
Bell, not so tall, and of an entirely oppo-
site style, seems to be quite the style to
suit the taste of dark eyed stranger who
has just been introduced to the two cousins.
And now, reader, while a lively chat is
going on in a circle, including the four
personages last noticed, let us take closer
observation of this dark eyed stanger,
noting down as we proceed what we see
worthy of remark. First we see frame
cast in an almost herculean mould, though
from it's symmetry, somewhat Disgusting the
fact; and as we look, we may see betrayed
in the strangers movements an energy,
that with less strength of body, would soon
wear out the frame. We will next note
the dark eyes, largo and full, beaming
with the light of intelligence, and, watch
ing closely, while tie conversation goes on,
| VIC luiy SSS 81 oOuiOWuttO AiiSSulONouS
cleaning out at times. We note the nose
and chin as somewhat prominent, and the
mouth as somewhat large, but with finely
chselled lips, and expressive of firmness
of purpose, blended with good nature; a
somewhat large head, crowned with dark
hair, the least bit inclined to curl; the
whole expression of the whole man being
calculated to please, and we have suff-
GENTLY definite description of John Philips,
| sufficient contrast to most fashionabies,
but specimen of manhood the direct re-
suit of proper training.
| How little any of us are aware at the
time when events are transpiring that are
destined to influence our whole lives?-
| Perhaps the "God of Love" is present
always when two destined to tread the
paths of life together meet for the first
time; but if so, is it as certainly the fact
that those thus brought together are very
| often unconscious of their fate? So Mr..
Philips and Bell Ballard depart their sew
eral ways, all unconscious that in the
future they will walk life's shady lanes, or
sail life's stormy seas together. But it
does not logically follow that neither give
thought to the other. On the contrary,
one at least of the two does think of the
other in the home room at her uncle's,
where her cousin May and herself are sit
ting after breakfast the morning succeed
ing the reunion at Mrs. Delmon'ts. After
the usual discussion of the dress-room, and
who was, and who was not dressed becom-
| ingly, and other matters equally interest
ing to ladies, the conversation turned to
the strangers present there, and the ques-
ton soon was started; May wondering
who was the handsome stranger introduced
to them by Mrs. belmont.
"Did she not,' inquired May, essay his
name was Philips? have never heard of
him before, and when I inquired Of Mrs.
belmont last night, who he was, and
where from, she said he was stranger to
her, then she was called away to attend her
guests, and could get no further infor-
nation"
edo you suppose" said Bell, "that
| there is any myStry ABOUT MN :!
"It would seem so to me-" was the an
swer, "for inquired respecting him of
number and no one seemed to know him.
He looks like a gentleman though, do you
not think SOP
"Take care, May, in your interest for
the stranger-'handsome and gentleman
you do not cause certain young gentle
man we wot Of to fear change in your
feelings toward him." said Bell, thus par
rying the question May seemed to wish an
swered, and avoiding an expression of
opinion.
In western city resides Mr.. Benjamin
Phillips, hale and genial man of middle
age, and though reputed immensely
wealthy, still daily to be seen in his count
ing-reom during the week, and on Sabbath
days devoutly and earnestly engaging in
the services of worship in Gods house;