Her husband listened with deep interest to this strange narrative, and then,
sighing deeply, said, “My dear Sarah, you will not long have me beside you;
whoever is to be your second husband played last night some evil trick, of which
you have been the victim.”
Shocked as she naturally was by this assertion, she sought to subdue her own
emotion, and to rally her husband’s spirits, hoping that the impression would
pass from his mind as soon as he entered into the every-day work of life.
Months passed away, and both husband and wife had almost forgotten the
Halloween dream, when Mr. M.’s health began to fail, and to fail so rapidly, that
in spite of loving care and the best medical skill, he sank into a premature grave.
His wife mourned him sincerely, but her natural energy and activity prevented
her from yielding to a hopeless sorrow. She continued to farm her husband’s
estate, and in this employment, and in the education of her little girl was able to
divert her thoughts. Not less admired for her conspicuous ability, than beloved
for her benevolence and amiability, she was more than once solicited to lay aside
her widow’s weeds; but she persisted in a calm refusal. Her uncle, a man of
much kindness of heart and clearness of judgment, frequently visited her,
inspected her farm, and gave her advice and assistance. He had a nephew, whom
we will call C., a prudent and energetic young man, in whom he had every
confidence, and whenever they met, he would strongly recommend him to take
to himself a wife, and “settle.” On one occasion C. replied that it was not his
fault he still remained a bachelor, but he had never yet met with any woman
whom he would care to call his wife. “Well, C.,” said his uncle, “you seem
difficult to please, but I think I know a lady who would approve herself even to
your fastidious taste.” After a good-humoured exchange of quip and repartee, the
uncle invited the nephew to ride over with him next day, and be introduced to his
niece, whom C. had never yet seen.
The invitation was accepted; the two friends set out early on the following
morning, and after a pleasant ride drew near their destination. At a short distance
they caught sight of Mrs. M. retiring towards her house after her usual daily
inspection of her farm. Mr. C. started violently, and displayed a considerable
agitation. Pointing towards the lady, he exclaimed, “Uncle, we need go no
further, for if ever I am to be married, yonder goes my wife!” “Well, C.,” replied
his uncle, “that is fortunate, for yonder lady is my niece, to whom I am about to
introduce you. But tell me,” he continued, “is this what you call love at first
sight? Or what do you mean by such a sudden decision in favour of a lady with