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050ni-dititdf-rrA GIRL THAT WOULD BE MARRIEIA SHORT AND TRflE STORYMr. Watts had by industry and econc my accumulated a large property. H was a man of rather superior mind anlt;acquirements, but unfortunately becam addicted to habits of intemperance. Nat urally fond of company, and possessing superior conversational powers, his com pany was much sought, and he lecami eventuly a sot. His wife was a feebh woman, without much decision of charac ter; but an only child wai the reverse illustrating one of those singular laws o; nature, that the females oftenesi take af ter the father in character and pereona peculiarities, and the males after theii mother.Marv was well aware of the consequences that would invariably follow her father’s course, and had used every exertion of persuasion and reason in her power, to induce him to alter his habits, but without avail; his resolutions and promises could not withstand temptation, and j he pursued his downward course till the ' poor girl despaired of reform, and grevi-ously realized what the end must restlt in.John Dunn was a young man from the east, possessed of good education, as all our New England boys are, and their indomitable industry and pereervance, and was working on the farm of a neighbor by the month.Mary, on going some errand to the next house, met him oil the road with the usual salutation, ‘good morning Mr. Dunn.’ ‘Good morning, Mbs Watts. How is your health?1‘Well, I thank you, but, to tel) you the truth, sick at the heart.'Pray, what is the trouble?* said John. ‘What can effect a cheerful, lively girl like you, possessing every thing that can | make you happy?’I ‘On the contrary,’ replied Mary, everything conupires to make me miserable. I am almost weary of life. But it is u subject I cannot explain to you; and yet I have sometimes thought I might.‘Any thing that 1 can do for you, Miss Watts, you may freely command.*'That is promising more than you may ba willing to perform. But to breuk the ice at once—do you went a wife?’‘A wife! Well, I don’t know. Don’t you want a husband?’‘Indeed I do the worst wav. 1 don’t%know but you may think me boltf, and deficient in that maidenly modesty becoming a young woman; but, if you knew my situation, and the afflictions under which I suffer, I think it would be someexcuse for my course.’Have you thought of the consequences.1’ said John—, my situation—I nm poor— you are rich —1 am a stranger—and1‘Indeed I have, till i am almost crazy.1 Lot me explain—you and every one else knows the unfortunate situation of my father. His habits are fixed beyond amendment and his property is wasting like the dew before the sun. A 6et of harpies are drinking his very heart’s blood, ruin and misery are staring us in the face. We are almost strangers, it is true; we have met in company a few timrs, but I have observed you’ciosely. Your habits, your industry, and the care and prudence with which you manage your employer’s business have always interested me.’‘And yet, my young lady’ What can von know of me to warrant you in taking such an important step?’‘It is enough for me that I am satisfied ( with your character and habits—your per- [ son and manners. I am a woman and have eyes. We ate about the same age; so, if you know and like me well enough to take me, there is my hand'.’‘And, my dear Mary, there’s mine, with all my heart in it. Now, when do you desire it to be settled?’‘Now, this minute, give me your arm, and we will go to squire Benton’s and have the bargain finished at once. 1 don’t want to enter into our house of distress again until I have one on whom I can rely, to control and direct the affairs of my disconsolate home, and to support me in my determination to turn over anew leaf in our domestic affairs.*‘But not with this old bat, and in my shirt sleeves, Mary.’‘Yes—and in my old sun bonnet and dirtv apron. If you are content, let it be done at once. I hope you will think I am not so hard pushed as that comes to; hut I want a master. I am willing to be mistress, but none to be master is more than I am equal to. I will take you home and introduce you as my own dear husband—signed sealed and dlivered.’‘So be it—permit me to say that I have always admired you from the first minute 1 saw you,lor your beauty nnd energy, and industrious, amiable deportment.1‘Now, John, if this is sincere, this is the happiest moment of my life, and I trust our union will be long and happy.! nm the only one my poor father listeuK to; but alas, his resolutions are like ropes of sand • 1 can manage him on all othersubjects, you must take charge of his business, and have sole control; them will be no difficulty—1 am confident of the result.’They were married, and a more happy match never was consuinated.—Every-1 ilung proposed, houses and barns were 1 repaired, fences and gates were regulated, } and the extensive fields smiled and flourished like an Edon. The unfortunate father in a few years sunk into a drunkard’s grave. Mary and John raised a large laini'y. and they still live respected and wealthy—all from an energetic girl’s resolution, forethought and courage.
Newspaper Details
Spencer Republican
Spencer, Indiana, US
Sat, Jul 28, 1849
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Jana B.
IN, USA 17 Nov 2019
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