in a very few words, and you, madam, will have the goodness to stay
at home with your mother; and remember, I am determined to protect
you from the consuming fire that looks so fair to your view.”
Cumming, January 22, 1844.
Sir–In regard to your request, I am as I ever have been, utterly opposed
to your marrying into my family; and if you have any regard for yourself,
or any gentlemanly feeling, I hope you will mention it to me no more;
but seek some other one who is not so far superior to you in standing.
W. W. Valeer.
When Elfonzo read the above letter, he became so much depressed
in spirits that many of his friends thought it advisable to use
other means to bring about the happy union. “Strange,” said he,
“that the contents of this diminutive letter should cause me to have
such depressed feelings; but there is a nobler theme than this. I know
not why my MILITARY TITLE is not as great as that of SQUIRE VALEER.
For my life I cannot see that my ancestors are inferior to those
who are so bitterly opposed to my marriage with Ambulinia. I know
I have seen huge mountains before me, yet, when I think that I know
gentlemen will insult me upon this delicate matter, should I become
angry at fools and babblers, who pride themselves in their impudence
and ignorance? No. My equals! I know not where to find them.
My inferiors! I think it beneath me; and my superiors! I think
it presumption; therefore, if this youthful heart is protected
by any of the divine rights, I never will betray my trust.”
He was aware that Ambulinia had a confidence that was, indeed,
as firm and as resolute as she was beautiful and interesting.
He hastened to the cottage of Louisa, who received him in her usual
mode of pleasantness, and informed him that Ambulinia had just that
moment left. “Is it possible?” said Elfonzo. “Oh, murdered hours!
Why did she not remain and be the guardian of my secrets?
But hasten and tell me how she has stood this trying scene,
and what are her future determinations.” “You know,” said Louisa,
“Major Elfonzo, that you have Ambulinia’s first love, which is
of no small consequence. She came here about twilight, and shed
many precious tears in consequence of her own fate with yours.
We walked silently in yon little valley you see, where we spent
a momentary repose. She seemed to be quite as determined as ever,
and before we left that beautiful spot she offered up a prayer
to Heaven for thee.” “I will see her then,” replied Elfonzo,
“though legions of enemies may oppose. She is mine by foreordination–
she is mine by prophesy–she is mine by her own free will, and I
will rescue her from the hands of her oppressors. Will you not,
Miss Louisa, assist me in my capture?”
“I will certainly, by the aid of Divine Providence,” answered Louisa,
“endeavor to break those slavish chains that bind the richest of prizes;
though allow me, Major, to entreat you to use no harsh means on this
important occasion; take a decided stand, and write freely to Ambulinia
upon this subject, and I will see that no intervening cause hinders
its passage to her. God alone will save a mourning people. Now is
the day and now is the hour to obey a command of such valuable worth.”
The Major felt himself grow stronger after this short interview
with Louisa. He felt as if he could whip his weight in wildcats–
he knew he was master of his own feelings, and could now write
a letter that would bring this litigation to AN ISSUE.
Cumming, January 24, 1844.
Dear Ambulinia–
We have now reached the most trying moment of our lives; we are
pledged not to forsake our trust; we have waited for a favorable hour
to come, thinking your friends would settle the matter agreeably
among themselves, and finally be reconciled to our marriage;
but as I have waited in vain, and looked in vain, I have determined
in my own mind to make a proposition to you, though you may think