Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1850-07-12

From The Boston journal
The Old Man in the Cloak.
BY KATE TREVOR.


man; he was wealthy, talented, elegant,
and to some altogether, was what maneu-
Venng mammas would call :" a CATCH"
But 1t was to no purpose they showed off
the daughters accomplishments they
angled for him in vain. He would not
snap at the tempting hook, even if it were
balted with golden charms. He had the
reputation of being cold and heartless, but
little cared he for that he was determined
to select for himself, in so important an af-
fair as the choice of wife, and not take
any OF the showily dressed dolls who
were thrust at him upon every occasion.
One evening he attended a ball in
neighboring town, and danced with beau
tful gIrl by the name of Helen Hartley,
who resided In a village some fifteen or
twenty miles from his own house. She
succeeded in completely captivating our
hero, whose dreams all night were teeming
with visions of angels and fairies, and
strange TO say, these angels and fairies had
all the beautiful face and graceful figure of
Helen Hartley.
Ihe next morning he arose but could
settle himself to nothing. In vain he tried
to read law the beaming face of Helen
would completely obliterate the unattrac-
tive page of Blackstone. This state of
things continued for two DAYS he could
not read law, and at length concluded that
he needed a little relaxation, and would
ride down and pass few days in the vii
Iage, where dwelt the fair enchantress.
The stage coach numbering along soon af-
terwards, he sprang into it, and was soon
on his way.
There was but one other inside passen-
ger' Plnched, meagre, little man, appa-
rently of a most vinegar disposition. His
figure was buried in a large cloak of anti
quated pattern; he wore a sIouched hat,
and his face was muffled in a comforter.
In the intervening space was visible pair
OF green goggles; from behind which in
trenchment his eyes seemed to peer ma
llclousiy around in a perpetual sneer at
everything and every body; but Frank
was in peculiarly happy mood that morn
ing at starting. and not disposed to see
anything disagreeable in any person, and
accordingly he commenced a conversation
in the following manner:
- A fine morning this, SIR"
Seen tiner," gruffiy answered the
stranger.
b" Do you travel far 20
" No." snapped out the voice, with
most laconic economy of words. Frank
infinitely amused with his churlishness.
continued TO assaiI him with questions for
his enjoyment
&" How far" persisted he, " do you 60 2"
" 70 Wellburn-''
ITO Welbun, why that is the place |
am bound for" No reply from the stran-
ger.
What is the name of the family you
intend visiting ?"
Harley
Frank started at the name, and could
not help feeling little uncomfortable at
the idea. Did You ever hear" said he, |
" of Miss Helen Hartley 20
Nelly ah yes, frolicsome girl
know her well, and rather like her -
At hearing Miss Hartley spoken of in
this familiar manner, Frank began to feel /
nettled, for he was as | have said, very
lmpetuous youth, but he said to himself, !
he is undoubtedly rich bachelor, who
had made her his pet, and will leave her |
all his property, and suppressing his indig-
nation he remarked, '' j suppose YOU are
a relative of the family
mo, no reIatiUe-but," added he with
an unmusical chuckle, - should not like
10 say how soon | may be-
This lnslnuation was too much for fierv !
Frank, who, laying his hand on the old
mans shoulder, exclaimed" What do /
you mean explain yourself instantly"
Singular conduct, this - said the |
coolly shaking off the hand .' but
as you seem interested in my affairs, I
viii tell you | am not ashamed to con-
fess it, for do not think degrade myself /
in taking pity on Nelly, although she has
not a cent in her own right; rather like
Nelly, and Nelly adOres me, and that be- |
inc the case, what is to prevent we twain
becoming one as soon as possible p
$ don't believe it; at all events | will /
prevent it, roared Frank, now thoroughly I
beside himself with vexation: I" / will 81 |
ence the claims of any such impertlnent !
fellow as yourself" and he made demon
STATIONS of such hostile character, that the |
old gentlemen was actually frightened and
called on the driver for assistance. That /
worthy stopped his horses, and came TO the I
rescue. The stranger implored the knight /
of the Lash to compel Frank to continue
his journey upon the outside of the coach,
as he really considered his life in danger,
if left in the power Of that young tiger.
This arrangement was accordingly eff |
lected to the satisfaction of all parties, and
Frank was at liberty to brood over his
thoughts the remainder of his ride in 81
Ieuee. That Helen, his Helen, more