Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1856-11-12
TOM HODGKIsS and THE WIDOW.

Not many squares from Toms store on
street, there lives widow lady, who, until
recently has been one of his mos' particu'
Jar friends" This lady had met Tom some.
where, sEd adlnring his principles, and ap.
proving his circumstances, had cone to the
resolution of making him the husband OF
her daughter, very pretty and innocent
girl of about tilteen,. After making Teso'
luton, Mrs. WAS not the woman to hest.
tate in its execution. She manGuvcred to
have him attend her daughter at all the balls
and soirees of The season to which she had
access, and managed to take him to the
theatre in their party on several occasions;
and at Church. on Sunday, our friend was to
be found occupying a place in her pew as
regularly "as one Of the family" And
more than Ills, she even opened an account
al his store, and two OF three times daily, in
fine weather, Miss E was despatched TO
purchase some indispensable nothing that
nobody could select but herself !"
Her plans worked admirably for about
three months. Toms attentions had been
generally remarked, aud the gossips Of his
acquaintance dlong settled itamong them.
ssIvcs that he was sin for ii" aud the good
mother daily expected. and WIS constantly
on the qai eiec for proposal. lhl< was
the posture of affairs, when Tom called one
morning about eleven. lie was shown in
The parlor. and soon Joined by the young
lady. AFTER few moments OF small talk,
hu requested her to he so good us to send
her mother 10 him us he wished to have
few minutes conversation will, her on bust
ness. We acknowledge that there was.a
slight trembling of the hands visible, as Mrs.
l. smoothcd ner hair to obey the summons.
"Shc had been successful! Yes? notwith.
standing the sarcasrns Of the widow M,
and the iruendoes of the Misses T., and
the opposition Of the whole street, she had
triumphcd!' These, and other thoughts Of
like pleasing complexion, caused her checks
to assume an unusual glow, and there was
considerable clation in her step as she enter.
ed the room and aGectionatcly greeted her
future sonin law.
We have intimated that Tom is honest
and straight. forward; and so, without the
least circumlocution or embarrassment, he
at once approached the delicate matter.
'iAs intend" opened our friend, "leay-
ing for the North the latter part af this week,
| thought had better have word with
you, Mrs. l., anu come 10 an understand.
ing about matters"
F., "You are perfectly right" replied the
lady; it is always best to settle such things
as soon as possible. But have you spoken
to my daushter?"
"Really, madam" answered Tom, al
have not. True, Miss E. is principally
concerned in the matter-hut then she is SO
very young, that | thought it would rest
wholly with yoo..' =:
Far from it," exclaimed the cunning
mother. "The matter is left entirely with
her, and whatever she says, | will agree to p
"In TINT case" said Tom, rising and put.
ting his hand to his pocket, :" have only
to leave the bill"
BM!-BlLL! Sir" screeched the widow.
eyes, maan; just S5G,50-for articles
purchased by Miss F.. But why are you
surprised! Z"
Because, sir-because thought .you-I
thought -it-had-been paid sir!' max.
ing an effort, but choking with rage. And
| rising, she made dignil!ed inclination, after
telling him she would send II servant with
the money, 1.-The evening, and swfr, out Of
the room
al wonder" solioquised Tom, on his
return from New York. "wl,at can be the
matter with the is. Miss E--was as cold
as an ccle when called on her the other
evening. and to-day the old lady gave Inc
the cut direct. Somebody must have been
telling lies OH me while L, was gone. I'm
gldd rio she pail her. bAt!" and he resunl.
ed his pen and skIatched away at his books.
ADzAcrLY.--A minister was passing a
field in Starke county a few days ago, in
which Il boy was blowing some rooty ground
at which he swore very wickly every few
PAGES. He remained on his horse nnli! the
nraElne little tcanster calHe MP tu the FENCE
at the end Of his row, WHOM lie aocosted
thim: : Il, ~. IS! "a. 81 So.
My, boy, couldn't you get alone will
your blowing without swearing so wickcIF
/ "Na, darn it, or you either" - =
Att the specialized dignity went, the
team hearing a strange, voice; ..c.ca n.c:ca O.,
rather briskiy, which at every strickng poin
nearly ierkcd him out Of his boots, anc
finally tossing his hat in one {iresrlon ane
Iris sPesks in .;;nnc;1har while hoe !aimed a
every spch trouble, why I.nevpr saw thu