The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1880-04-03

description of visit to ST. Louis and the up.
per Mississippi, along with a months stay in
| New Orleans in April, 1919
/ As she described the varied scenery of the
upper Mississippi country she became very
animated, but when she CamG to describe New
Orleans,wlth its walks and fountains, It's broad
boulcvardS, and its charming grccnswards and
lovely early spring flowers, she seemed to be
IcOmplclely carried away, her checks glowcd,
her eyes danced, and her gestures were ever
ready to assist in making the scene To me real
and charming.
In the evening her father returned, and we
took our tea together. As Mr.. Ward now en-
gagged me IN conversation found Il charm III
his society that never before experienced IN
the presence of one OF my own sex. AS he
piled me with question upon question, first on
one subject and then another | felt that he
was trying to draw me out for his own salts
faction, and perhaps for the cdihcation OF 9th.
crs As | was in happy mood | exerted
myself to please and entertain. | wanted to
crafty kind Mr.. Ward, and please his lovely
daughter; and as retired that night | felt
that their looks and interest manifested that
had succeeded,
Next day we gentlemen rode IN company
through the fine plantation of one thousand
acres ana noted the fine soil, the high state
of cultivation, the promising crops, ana the
excellent condition of the fences. This graft
fled Mr. Bernard, and to Mr. Ward | spoke in
glowing terms of the beauty OF the forests and
splendor of the climate and cordially of the
people of the blue grass state or tie bloody
ground.
In the afternoon | took ride in company
with Miss julia. | found her splendid
horscTOman, and rs We checked our horses
beneath grand Old leech tree her reserve,
that had been somewhat marked after her faith
er'S return, gave way, and she was the same
genial friend as of old.
As we sat in the cool of the evening on the
great balcony of the Mansion house, two
young gentlemen rode up, and dismounting
came slowly up the gravcled walk. Julia
met them with much cordially, holding out
hand to each The younger one was mere
boy of sixteen but one Of the handsomcst lads
that | had ever met in the east or west His
name was given me as MIR. Ike Bell, and l
learned that he was an expert with the ccle-
brated Kentucky rife, even at his early age.
His companion was Mr. Henry Clay, dis
tant relative of the great Kentucky senator of
that name, then in the zenith of his glory,
celebrated for his omnibus bill, NC. This gen
tleman was the son of neighboring planter,
who owned Il vast domain and many slaves.
lie was handsome, polite and manly, and ap,
parcntly about twenty-three or four years of
age. He talked first with Mr. Bernard, and at
length asked me few questions about Pitts
burgh and vicinity and learning that | had
spent some years in East Virginia, he had
many questions to ask about the society and
scenery Of the Old Dominion.
Meantime Ike Bell had placed himself near
Miss Julia, and they were having ALVEY chat.
Ii was plain to see that the lad was much IN
tcrested, and Julia seemed pleased with his
conversation.
was not jealous, of course of her boy lover,
If he were suCh-but | was not so easy rs
To the other one, as | afterwards asCertained
that he had paid her good deal OF attention,
taking her to the commencement at st. Mary's
college, besides sundry trips about the coun
try He seemed to be very indifferent this
evening; but just before he left he had few
words with her, and thought obey were alto.
cr won fair lady so pluckcd up my cour-
age, and on the very next evening popped the
all Important question as follows:
"Mlss Julia, have Travelled up and down
the world "A good deal, and have never found
young lady that admired as much as your.
self"
She turned scarlet at this, but answered eva
slvcly:
"You and |, Ned, are Old friends"
"Ics, and that is partly what am prc3um-
mr. upon, by this seemingly early declaration.
| do feel tina, we ought to be one / feel Il
rightiuncss aud assurance that IN your com
pany could be happy forever, and would
try my best to make you happy
She bent her head low, and seemed to be
thinking deeply gave her little time, and
then said:
Come, now, what do you say to my practi-
cal, straightforward avowalf'
II hate too much sentiment and flattery,"
she said, and then added, "but my old friend,
what about your old habitsy You know once
you were mite Irregular
YES, | know | was mjghty irregular, and
have got into many scrapcs by 1t. but | have
taken myself up, and do believe that the love
Of pure woman will strengthen me in every
good word and work
"Do you remember poor Dienl and his sweet
wife,"
81 do; he murdered both wife and children
in the city OF Allegheny few years ago.
think have had SO many terrible examples
that | shall never be a drunkard With your
love to strengthen me, think can ride over
the highest pillows"
Maybe DIchl told his wife the same before
he married her"
1T Is possible; but you know the lmpulsivc
nature ct the Germans
ayes; but liquor too much Opportunities
all men impulsvc.'
II know it; but If you say the word will
promise never to touch liquor again"
II do not wish to bind you with promise
which, il ever broken, would render us both
miserable"
I'M tell you what Wi! do, Miss julia; |
will have incorporated in our marriage cere-
mony and certificate, that III case should take
To drinking to excess, you shall be free at any
time, without process of law; that any magls
trate or Judge can on your complaint declare
the marriage null and void, or, at least release
you forever"
That is IA singular idea, Ned and yet like
it; without any spoken promise you will su!l
continually be onyour good behavior. you
will drop tins subject DOW, will consult with