The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1870-02-10
Seleet Storv.
The Almanac Fortune teller.

Many years ago, before my head was
sllvered over with gray hairs-thosc un.
welcome, yet sacred marks of advancing
age-l had most intimate friend, of
whom still retain many pleasing anI
happy recollections. He is still living.
but the diversity Of our occupations and
interests, has caused our paths to widely
divcrge and many years now measure
the period of our separation.
Joe Monroe (such was my friends
name) and had grown up from boy
hood us isseparable companions. And
at the time OF which | am writing the
stern realities Of early manhood had
greatly strengthened our youthful aifcc
tlons, aud bound US to each other by a
tie almost as strong as lraternal love-
Our joys and sorrows were poured Into
each others ears, and each received in
return congratula,ion or sympathy as
the case demanded. There were no Sc
crets between us, But though we had
many little condolences, which were con-
sldered sacred, there was never anything
SO important as to require special con.
ceolment, until one day Joe confiied to
me the great secret Of his life. lie was
in love. This was charged again and
again never to divulgc to living soul.
Being extremely bashful, he was in
great fear that his passion would become
known, and call forth the ridicule of his
associates for above all things, us he
often assured me, he was certain that
his love was hopeless.
The object Of his love, Lucille Ray
burn, was the youngest daughter Of the
principal merchant of our little inland
town. She was very beautiful. Her
rosy checks, deep blue eyes an | elegant
figure, aud more than all her quiet, un
assuming manner, were enough to iniat
uate a cooler head than that of my
friend; while at the same time her in !.
stinctive modesty was well calculated to
dispel the hopes of SO bashIul lover.
Interest in my friends welfare
prompted inc to do all in my power to
ascertain the true state of the Young
lady's feelings toward him. In this |
was aided by an old acquaintance, Char.
ley Humphrey, who was the betrothed
lover Of Lucilles only sister. From
him, though without betraying the Sc.
cret, soon learned enough to convince
me that my friends love was not so
hopeless as he imagined. But by no
amount of reasoning could | convince
him that such was the case.
1t is no use of your saying any more,
Harry Hayes" he exclaimed, one day,
after | had exhausted every argument
In trying to influence him to urge his
suit. You never can make me believe
that the beautiful Lucille Rayburn is in
love with any such bterly greenhoru
as me; and | am not going to make 4
fool Of myself by making advances
where | know would be repulsed."
"Well, Joe, III tell yo= what to do to
settle the question; get your fortune
told. You know there is a fortune tel.
Ter in the old frame house down by the
graveyard. lie has just lately arrived
In town, and will know nothing about
US, What say your Shall we 90 aud
consult the oracle 2"
Il have no more faith in the fortune.
teller than l have in your arguments I;
neither can you convince me that my
love is returned, Still | have a desire
to hear my fortune told"
"Then let us 20 to,nil, ht at an early
hour. ! am anxious myself to see the
one who, | have heard, reveals some
wonderful secrets"
Accordingly, little after dark, Joe
and | arrived at the threshold of the
old frame house. The trout door open.
ed into a narrow hall, from which a
squeaking pair Of stairs assembled to the
second floor.
On opening the door at the head of
the stairs, we found ourselves in the
apartment Of tho fortune teller. The
iioor and walls OF the room were entirely
bare, aud, with tho exception of large