Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1853-11-18
EBENSBTRG, FRIDiY, N0IEHBER Is, 1853.

Now was his time, he thought, but how was
it TO be done At first, he thought best to open
the subject abruptly, and have it over at once /;
bat Mrs, b. kept on talking and chatting and
his EN- nbarrassment increased as he moment ariy
expected he return of Otis and his sister, which
would oblige him to go home again without set
Ting the question
At lengthhe summoned all the courage of an
ardent lover, and ccmrentod with
My dear madam, forgive me forspeaking nv
mind frankly, when assure you that the happi-
est hours of my life have been spent in your soc-
ety.
g Thank you, sir, for the compliment" said
Mrs. 3. . 1t gives me pleasure 70 see you in so
ciety. lam confident that you viii enjoy life
much better than in the retirement and solitude
which you have SO long suffered. Otis feels a
deep interest in you, and as his friend shall al
ways be pleased to entertain you to the best Of
my abilities.''
g ah hem Thank YOU" blundercd out the
bachelor. g am persuaded that a bachelors
lie is not the happiest in the world, and if it is
not too late, propose to amend on the sys.
tenn"
''Ah-indeed Then you think of taking wife.
I congratula you on he happiness. May ask
who is TO be the honored lady %
.. That is more than ! now know, my dear
madam but allow me 20 say that have never
met with one whose charms inspired ne with
such esteem. such love. such irresistible fascna-
ton as gourselF! All have and am. and ever
hope to be- lay at your feet May I have the
unspcakable felicity Of looking upon you as my
future wife 90
This was Jonas " maiden speech - and he felt
relieved Of ponderous load when he 81 paused fol
4 reply" and wiped the perspira ion from his
forehead Mrs B. looked confoundcd for an I'M
slant, then springing to her feet, she exclaimed;
:. lie your wife Your all at rly feet Mr.
jerks explain yourself"
Mr., Barker, who was Just entering the doo',
overheard only the last exclamation of Mrs. B.
q What is the matter % said he, rushing mo
the room, and gazing alternately at his wife (wlo
leaned against the wall, looking like a maniai)
and at his friend Jones, who sat on the odeeof
his chair, his hands upon his knees and his moth
and eyes as wide open as if he had just been sla-
ken cut of a visit from nightmare
What does this mean ?'' again inquired 1r.
Barker, with earnestness.
-1Cdiis -ictin- SIT i GU KNOW as Wen ~ 4
do" said the astonished bachelor. Your sister
appears 10 have taken sudden fright at some
thng-something IL don't know what!''
MY sister? That is my rJei"
That your wife ~ screamed Jonas. Why
have you deceived me thus 90
. No one has deceived you IF you have de
ceivcd yourself that is not my fault surely
That is my wife 1Ihis IS my sister" pointing
to the lady who had just entered.
Yes, said Mrs. B. q" You have made slight
mistake, that is all. But no matter now, it is
explained in season.
Jonas was struck dumb He rose, seized his
hat, made 4 low bow, and very shortly annihila
ed the space between the Barkers and his bach
,lors hall"
1t was not many moments before he sat b.
blazing fire, built Of dickies, scent bags, white
gloves, gil.-edsed pa,e', curling tongs, tooth
brush, and her sUPertl,c1s articles for a bach
elor's t,i.et, which lay in his way.
OF what he thought, said or did, af er tha.
time, we can give no account for he was the
same old BACHELOR as bef5re-living alone, eating
alone sleeping alone, and keeping all his scores
within his premises: but Mrs. Barker
chanced 10 be his first lore, no doubt she was his
last