k Creek church,
in the territory of Columbia, by the Rev. Mr. Rolf, John
Othard to Marie Othard."

"John Othard and myself were cousins; we had been brought up beneath
the same roof, and been schoolmates and constant companions from
childhood. He was my boyish lover and protector. He had grown to
manhood, I was a few years younger, and we had vowed eternal constancy
to each other. When, however, too late, our parents discovered our
fondness for each other, and knew that we were betrothed, they
interposed objections; and after exhausting all mild means, they
threatened us with their displeasure, said they would disown and
disinherit us; that if we persevered, we must be outcast and
wanderers--go out from under the paternal roof forever; that the union
would be unlawful and wicked. The tie of blood, they said, was too
close, and could be fruitful only of misery and ruin--an unhappy,
sinful match. We had been walking, John and I, and talking as usual
over our doleful fate and prospects, and what seemed to us the absurd
notions of our parents. He had been trying to persuade me to disregard
what he termed the obstinacy of the old folks, and said impatiently:

"'Come, Marie, when will you consent to be mine? We are old enough to
judge of our own affairs. If our families are determined on driving us
out with scorn, let us be equally so to convince them how very
harmlessly it will fall. I can support you; they may keep their money,
and bestow their curses.'

"'No, not yet, John; let this cloud which now hangs over us pass away
first; it may, ere long, be dispelled. They may relent, and then, how
very happy we shall be to know that we did not court the anger of our
relatives. Let us not act hastily.'

"'Ah! my dear Marie, women do not understand these matters quite as
well as men. I really think you share their idle superstitions. Do you
not?'

"'You may call them superstitions if you will, but my sense of
propriety tells me that we should wait. We could not be happy with
their malediction pending over us.'

"'That is prattle. Notwithstanding these fears, we may be as
prosperous and happy as though we had come from the opposite sides of
the earth, and if you consent, they will be compelled to acknowledge
it.

"'Our marriage, when solemnized by the proper authorities, will be as
far above their idle prejudices as the heavens are above us all.'

"'Still, John, we must wait.'

"'Yes, and wait. Who ever taught