The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-01-07
THE DAILY DISPATCH
THE RUNAWAY MATCH.
BY @. p. BURNHAM.

A great many years since, when brighfeyed
and fair-haired lassies were not 80 plenty in
New England as they now are, there d%elt in
the town OF P, a pretty village, distant,
then, some fve-and twenty miles from "Mar.
ket-town," peculiarly comely and graceful
maiden, who had peculiarly ugly and cross
grained but wealthy old father.
Minnie was Danforih's only child, and re-
port said truly that she would be his sole lega-
tee. The old man was sturdy farmer, and
was estimated to be worth full ten thousand
dollars at that period very handsome for.
tune, to be sure.
The sparkling eyes and winning manners OF
Minnie Danforih had stirred up tie finer feel
ings of the whole male portion of the village,
and her sutors were numerous but her father
was particular, and none succeeded in making
headway with him or her.
In the meantime, Minnie had true and 10y
al lover in secret! Who would have sup
posed Tor one moment that such fellow would
care 10 look upon beauty and comparative re-
hnement His name was Walker; or, as he
was generally called, "Joe"-Joe Walker
and ne was simply farmer, employed by old
Danforth, who had entrusted Joe with the
management OF his place for two or three
years. =.
But very excellent farmer, and a righ.
good manager, was this plain. unassumiT;p.
good looking Joe Walker. He was you1e'
too, only twenty three and he actually fell lin
love with the beautiful, pleasant, ioyous Min
ME Danforth, his old employers only daugh-
ter. But the strangest part of the occurrence
was, that Minnie returned his love earnestly.
truly and frankly, and promised to wed him
at the favorable moment.
Things went on merrily for time, but old
Danforth discovered certain glances and al
tentions between them, which excited his envy
and suspicious. Very soon afterwards, Joe
learned the old mans mind, Indirectly, in re-
gard to his future disposal of Minnie's hand,
and he quickly saw that his case was hope
less one, unless he ressrted to stratagem and
so he set his wits at once to work.
By agreement, an apparently settled cold.
ness and distance was observed by the lovers
towards each other for FIVE or six months and
the father saw, las he believedJ with satisfac-
ton, that his previous suspicious and fears had
been all premature. Then, by agreement also
between them, Joe absenled himself at even.
ing aud night after mig hit for full three months
longer, did Joe disappear as soon as his work
was finished, to return home only at bed time.
This was unusual, and old Danforth deter
mined to know the cause of it.
Joe frankly onfessed that he was in love
with mans daughter, who resided less than
three miles distant; but, after faithfal attach
ment between them for several months, the old
m IN had utterly refused to entertain his appli.
cation for the young girls hand.
This was capital. Just what old Danforth
most desired. This satisfied him that he had
made mistake in regard to his own child
and he would help Joe to get married, and
thus stop all further suspicious and trouble at
home. So he said:
"Well, Joe, is she buxom lass u
Yes-yes," said Joe. That is, other
folks say so. I'm not much of judge, my
self"
sand you like her?"
"Yes, sir-yes."
"Then marry her." said old Danforth.
"But can't-the father objects"
I'll" Pooh 7" continued Danforth, "let him do
so; what need you care7 Run away with her."
"Elope?"
ayes. OFF with you at once. If the gal
v i'll join-all right. Marry her, bring her here;
YOU shall have the little cottage at the foot of
The lane I'll furnish it for you; your wages
shall be increased; and the old man may like
it or moi. as he will"
"But me no butts, Joe. Do as I bid; 60
about it at once and"
"You will stand by me I"
"Yes, to the last. l know you, Joe. You're
a good fellow, a good workman, and v ill make
any body good son, or husband.
"The old fellow will be so mad, though"
"Who cares, 1 say? Go on, quickly, but
quietlv.'
"Yes," said Danforth.
an hire Colyer's horse"
"No YOU shan't."
Al saw no. Take my horse-the best one,
young Morgan; he'll take you off in fine style,
in the new phaetOn."
Exactly"
"And as soon asyou're spliced, come right
back here, and ajolly time we'll have OF IT at
the old house." -.
"Bah!" He's an old fool, whoever ne is;
he don't know your good qualities, Joe, as well
as | do. Don't be afraid; faint heart, you
know, never won fair woman"
"rhe old man will be astounded."
"Never mind, go on. Wen turn the laugh
on him. I'll take care of you, and your wife,
.I'il do it," said Joe.
"You SHALL" said Danforth; and they part
ed in the best of spirits.
An hour after dark, on the following evening,
Joe made his appearance, decked IN nice
new black suit, and really looking very come
Iv. The old man hustled out to the barn with
him. helping 10 harness young Morgan TO
his new phaeton; and leading the spunky AMI
NAL himselfiuto the yard, away went happy
Joe Walker in search OF his bride.
A few re ds distant from the house he found
her. as per previous arrangement; and repair
ing TO the next village, the parson very quickiy
made them one in holy wedlock. joe took MS
bride. and soon dashed to the town OF P,
and halted ut old Danforth's house, who was
already looking for him. and be received him
with opel arms.
ais il done7" cried the old man.
"Yes-yes." answered Joe.
"Bring her in, bring her in. continued the
old fellow, in high glee; never mind compli-
ments; no matter about the dark entry; here:
here, Joe, TO the right, in the best parior; we u
have a time now, sure" and the anxious farni.
er rushsd away for lights, returning ai'nos'
Immediately. ,.,r
aand his ismy wife, he added, as ne pass.,
ed nm his beautiful bride--the oeWichins anu
lovely Minnie Dan ORTIZ .,,
!. lkhat,n roared the old ale, ""hat aio you
saw. Joe--you villain, you scamp you o"u''
cious cheat, you-yon-you-
ar Ia fruth, sir; we are lawfully man'eo,
Won ad,;ssd me 10 this course-you assisted
me-you planned the whole affair-you tent
me vour horse--you thought me, last evening,
wor,hv of any nian's child--you encouraged
s,.a-von nrolnised TO stand by me-you offer