Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1841-07-10
THE GAME OF DRAUGHTs.

AN AMERICAN TALE-Rr T. s. ARTHUR.
But, my dear sir, you cannot, certainly, be in
arnest =
Yes, but am though ...
'What-gamble your daughter away =
You can call it by what name you choose; it
aatters not TO me. You must beat me at the
anne, or her hand cannot be yours
But that is impossible. You are the best play
rwthin ten miles round, and know little or moth
ng about draughts besides having a distsste for it.
We'll, well, that is your own look out replied
be father, with an air of impotence. If you win
er she is yours; but if you do not, my word for
t, she makes happy the bridal evening Of a smar-
man.
'But-'
Il tell you it is useless to talk, John Graham.
fy word is passed and cannot be moved. If you
omply with terms, well if not, there let the mat.
er end.'
This conversation occurred between a sturdy
lusbandman, whose farm fnged the romantic
banks of the Susquehanna, near the delightful vii.
lage of Marietta, in the interior of PENNSYLVANIA,
md young farmer living near by. The heart of
he latter had been won by Anna, the blooming
laughter of the former, and after many days of
loubt and painful misgvings John Graham, for that
vas his name. made bold to speak forth to the IA
her his desire To possess her hand.
Surprised, mortified, and discouraged at his re-
'eption, the young man left the house without a
parting word with Anna, and returned to his own
nome, gloomy and desponding.
For three days no one saw him beyond the
bounds of his own farm. Anna, who knew, of
course his intention to ask for her hand was deep
y distressed at his sudden departure from the house,
and prolonged absence.
1t was near night-fall of the third day, while sit
ting at the cottage window that opened to the road
winding up towards the house, she startled from a
painful dreamy state, by the sound of footsteps, and
lifting her head, she perceived that her nuan lover
was again returning.
'O' John, why have you stayed so long away
she said earnestly, as she bounded out of the door
to meet him.
'And why should come he replied moodily,
did not my father, She could utter moth
ing further, but colOring deeply, leaned her head
upon his shoulder.
'He refused me your hand, Anna y he said in an
excited tone.
30, no John he did not do that surely J said
the maiden, lifting her head aud looking him, with
pale countensnce, steadily in the face.
1T amounts 10 the same thing, Anna. must
beat him at draughts, or you never can be NINE
John Graham you are sporting with me- and
Anna drew herself up, with her face, from which
the color had SO suddenly departed, was lighted uF
with something of indignation.
'As | 1--we, and as love you, Anna, what say is
true
Then my father but sported with you in mer.
nv mood, and the maiden tried to smile csrelessly
'He was in earnest said the young man, So
lemnly. OBJ.
Then what can he mean = asked Anna, in 8
perPlexed tone.
'Why he means TO deny me your hand. lie hai
no doubt, other views for his daughter.
For momen, Anna stood SILENT and then lean
ing her head on the shoulder of her lover, she sob
bed aloud, overcome by feelings which she IN vail
tried to keep down.