The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1877-10-18
ANDERSON, G. THURSDAY OCTOBER Is, 1877.

Any father,D she coiltinued, looking
otraight at tase young man with that
serenity of manner that was her chief
characteristic, "has asked ME to be his
wife; what answer would you advise me
TO give himr'
"The devilp exclaimed Frederick,
jumping out of his chair with violence
that nearly overturned il.
~ do ippti think 'heMouid pc satisfied
with that reply, friend Frederick; l like
it not myself. replied Rachel, with the
utmoat gravity.
"Pardon me, Rachel spoke from the
impulse Of the moment, aud certainly in
tended no disrespect to him or you. But
has my father really made you matrimo-
nal overtures!' he added, In the tone of
one who doubts the geyideuce of his
"Truly, friend Frederick, he has.
How would theo like me for mother ?"
continued the pretty Quaieress.
Frederick innked at her so intently
that the ffinged lids fell oycr the liquid
eyes la very fnodesty.
"isssa5hei," 10 LID, very soitiy aud
earnestly, imprisching the nnresisting
hand that rested 80 iemptingly on the
table besidel him, in his own, "Rachel
Burns, i: is useless for me to longer wear
the mask of indifference. love you |!
Yes, take pleasure in ccnfeesing to the
simple Quakercss what never whispered
in the ear of o proud beauty, petted
heiress, or a naughty woman Of the
world. Rachel, be my wife7"
"And thy father Z" queried our heroine,
very deDufoly. ii lfi
"Oh, confound-I mean thnt lie won't
mind the exchange. It's all in the fami-
ly, you know. But came near losing
you, didn't /, you modeat little puss ?"
Frederick's face was radiant.
"Thee seems to take everything for
granted; perchance thee won't get me,
after all" said Rachel, with provoking
sedatencss. "TheeI knows, friend, that
am Quakeress thee doesn't like gray
gowns, nor drab bonnets, nor the plain
language. Confess that thee doesn't?"
The young man looked little vexed.
"Whc told you did not like them J"
he asked, quickly.
'Then thee art under some obligations
to one Ann Gordon, who, am told, ex.
pee, to be thy wife. Fie, friend Fred
erick Thou shouldst not make love to
two maidens at the same time" contin-
ueds the Quakeress, in that particular
tone that never failed to touch The young
mans botter nature. s.
Rachel" no replied, slowly and Sc
riously 'let me 81: down beside you and
explain this vexatious affair. The re.
nowned Ann Gordon whom you NELL
toned, Is the daughter of wealthy and
respectable Quaker Of Philadelphia, and,
moreover, highly valued friend of my
fsther1s., Now, these tvo, worthy gentle.
men thought it would be q fhe't6ihg If
Miss Gordon and your humble servant
would rinko upon themselves marriage
-o%s, an. 5rrulie e United ornament TO
the two families they represent. But the
thing hasn't worked just as they expected.
/ have looked upon this marriage with
uversions since vas old enough to reason
upon The subject. Miss Gordon has been
my bsls:oaFt I haven't seen her since
she was ten years old, nor have l the
remotest ideA boy she lopksuyI dore say
she is fright Fam sehsible'tha have
been in fault; I should have written to
the lady's father, telling him my honest
sentiments, and my desire that the tacit
engagement be broken of. ! dare say
this would have ended the matter; but
hayelveakly let year after year slip away,
putting OF the evil day, eolely -. my
fathers account, who IL quite as earnest
for this match now as he was when was
in jackets.
confession CO make. All my life have
entertained an absurd prejudice against
Quekers. defeated their primitive
garb, their precise manners, their pecu-
liar language and .hn= you csa, IA part,
understand my dislike to my bride in
prospective But, Rachel, am thor
Oughly cured, and by you. Ny emsuci-
patton from prejudice commenced on the
morning you so seriously took me to
task FOR laughing at Jessie, when she had
SO absurdly dressed herself in imitation
oflyQu. 81 ! no longer ridicule the gray
dress thees' and 'thous' have peculiar
charm for me-when you utter them.
Rachei-and / can even tolerate that
;arab bonnet, which Jessie sn ridiculously
denomi.s:ed four-scoop, when 1t shades
your fair face"
"Now, my lovely confessor, wsat am
10 do7 It is very evident that cannot
marry both Ann Gordon and Rachel
Burns besides, don't love one, a1o
do love the other. You see the &dvice
will all havs 80 be on your side now
Try and give me q little encouragement
my friend" "a
Rachel was silent moment.
'"Thee must go and see this Ann Cor
don," she replied, presently.
"And leave you, Rachel, when have
just found out how necessary you are to
my happiness !" exclaimed the young
man, disappoinsedly.
"f arm going away for few days, il
thy father will release me, and thee can
visit this maiden in my absence. Ny
mother is i'll, and needs my assistance .
::::But what good viii it do 10 visit her
I don't like her, aud shan't marry any.
body don't like" returned Frederick
rather pettishly. rsl f} Sait
"Thee Is not obliged to marry her un.
Ieas thee choosest; but it 10 right to trea!
the maiden with courtesy. Methinks
| friend Frederick, thou art somewhatirri
table to.night,n said the Quakeress. The
smile that accompanied these words re-
stored the young mans equanimity in 6
moment.
"You are right, Rachel, rs you Away.
are, believe he said frankly. "Bn
your coolness and composure under al
circumstances. is matter CT wonder tt
me Not q .ithe ce excitement. e=cc.=:e:. v:oi5s;
in your maillef, yoppeyeAis calm, you
pulses even, your blood flows ON as quiet
ly as though you slept, your hand lie
passive In niue. You have wonderful
self.contE0I, or else you are as impassabl
as marble. Which is 1t, Rachel~
i "VeriIy. thee must find that out thy
| aeifl' she laughed, striving 10 extricat
her hand.