Beadle's Dime Novels No. 13 — page 9: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

NO TIME LIKE TNH PRESENT. 11 predict that he would never come to any good. Catherine was slow, however, to credit either the reports of the busy- bodies, or the prophecies of the elder ones, for she had a wom- an’s subtle intuitions, sharpened by a cool, clear judgment, and she was fully conscious of all the lights and shades in Nat’s not well-defined character. That he was one of those who let their good qualities remain latent until called out by some important crisis, she perfectly realized; and she had full faith in the future. The word “wait” had no terrors in it. She therefore resolved to abide by her promise; but, like an up- right, conscientious girl that she was, she also resolved that Nathaniel should know how she felt toward him; if he could satisfy Mrs. Vale, and prove his affection real, and his charac- ter above reproach, she would have no objection to receive him as her accepted lover, and future husband. ' The frugal meal was at last ready: Catherine moved toward the door, but before she reached it, the latch was raised, and a tall, straight, well-featured young man entered. “Sit down, John: Kate was just going to call you to — supper.” “All right, sidtheh I feel hungry enough; and, after awhile, I want to go over to Squire Stoddart’s. _ I will be back early, though. I guess you and Kate will not be afraid to be left alone for a little while.” Mrs. Vale smiled as she answered, “ I think not; but, John, it seems to me that you want to see Squire Stoddart rither often. What has he got that is so attractive? Can’t bi en- lighten us ?” “ Certainly, mother, if you will tell me that you are really ignorant, and ask for the sole purpose of finding out what it is, and not to plague me.” “T can’t say that; so I suppose we will scarcely get the requested information from you. Mary Stoddart is a fine girl, John; and, if the country ever gets settled down, I would have no objection to calling her daughter; but, now-a-days, marrying and giving in marriage, are things which had best be deferred, ny “If we wait till the country gets settled, I am afraid we will all be old and gray-headed. Iam not one of those wha believe in deferring to some future time what can be done comicbooks.com