The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1873-12-18

Mrs. Waring smiled, as she answered :
"People at my age are easily led into
serious thoughts. Indeed, I never con-
template the marriage of young girl
like yourself, without the intrusion of
such thoughts into my mind. have
seen many bright skies bending smil-
ingly over young hearts, on the morn
ing of their married life, that long ere
noon were draped in clouds"
"9on't talk so, dear aunt - said
the fair young girl. 81 know that life,
to all. comes in shadow as well as sun
shine. But, while the sky. is bright,
why dim it's brightness by the thoughts
of the time when it will be overcast.
Is that true philosophy, Aunt Mary ?"
"If such forethought would prevent
the cloud, or provide shelter ere the
storm breaks, it may be called true
philosophy. But forgive me, my dear,
for thus throwing a shadow where no
shadow ought to rest. L will believe
your choice a wise one, and that a
happy future awaits YOU"
"You cannot help believing this,
when you see Edward. He will be here
tonight; then you will be able to esti-
mate him truly"
AS Fanny had said, the young man
called in after tea, when Mrs. Waring
was introduced. Allen responded to
the introduction somewhat coldly. In
fact, he was too much interested in
Fanny herself, to think much, or care
much for the stranger, even though
named as relative. But, though he
noticed but casually, and passed only a
few words with Mrs. Waring, that lady
oh al
every phase of character that was pre-
sented for observation; and, ere he left
her presence, had read him far deeper
than he imagined.
"And now, Aunt Mary, tell me what
you think of Edward, said Fanny Low
ering, as soon as the young man had de-
parted, and she was alone with Mrs.
Waring.
"I must see him two or three times
more, ere can make up my mind in
regard to him." said Mrs. Waring, with
something evasive in her manner.
"First impressions are not always to be
relied upon" she added, smiling.
"Ah [ understand you, Fanny
spoke with a sudden gayety of manner
-"you only wish to tease me little.
Now, confess at once, dear Aunt Mary,
that you are charmad with Edward"
am not much given to quick pre-
possessions" answered Mrs. Waring.
at may be a defect in my character !;
but so it is. Mr.. Allen, no doubt, is a
most excellent young man. You are
sure that you love him, Fanny?"
so Aunt Mary How can you ask
such a question? Are we not soon to
be married p
"True. And this being SO, you GER
tainly should love him. Now, can you
tell me why you love him."
"Why, aunt p
"My question seems, no doubt, a
strange one, Fanny. Yet, strange as it
may appear to you, it is far from being
lightly made. Calm your mind into re-
Election, and ask yourself, firmly and
seriously, why you love Edward Allen.
True love ever has an appreciating re-
gard for moral excellence--and knowl-
edge must precede appreciation. What
do you know of the moral wisdom of
this young man, into whose hands you
are about placing the destinies of your
being for time-it may be for eternity I?
Again let me put the question-why do
you love Edward Allen ?"
Fanny looked bewildered. No search
ing interrogations like these had been
addressed to her, even by her parents I;
and their effect was to throw her whole
mind into painful confusion.
81 love him for his excellent quail