The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-01-04
Uncle Johns Courtship.

"Women are deuccd queer creatures-I
never could understand them, used to be the
constant exclamation ofmy uncle John, in
relation to the fair SEX" said Ellen.
"But really, did the old gentleman never
think of marrying?" inquired James.
"Oh, yes he had sweetheart once; did
he never tell you about it?" and Ellen burst
into merry fit Of laughter.
81 can never help laughing when think
of fUncle Johns courtship," continued she.
"I had a dear friend, Kate Dudley, who you
have heard me mention. She was merry,
roguish creature, as Kates always arc. We
became acquainted at school, and she went
home with me to spend vacation. My
cousin, John Morris, my uncle's namcsake,
had just graduated, and arrived, at about
the same time, to spend few weeks, and get
into his unclc's good graces. Well, as fate
would have it, my uncle John Morris andmy
cousin John Morris, both fell in love with
my sweet friend. Uncle Johns passion was
perfect miracle, for he had always declared
that no woman should ever rule him; and
as for the sentiment of love, think he was
perfectly innocent of ever cherishing it; but
he took wonderful fancy to Kate. She
,rouM talk and laugh with him, and rouid
make him talk and laugh with her; she
would walk and ride with hinf, and admire
his favoritc horse, and praise his taste, in the
house and garden, which no one else could
praise; and with an air Of such perfect art
lessness and good nature, as completely en-
trapped Uncle John, and he declared, before
she had been with us week, that she was
he only woman he ever saw without deceit
he could understand her.
Well, in the meantime, cousin John and
Kate were talking real love to each other,
and they knew that if Uncle John should
suspect it, it would entirely defeat the object
of my cousins visit, which was to induce the
old gentleman to give him funds to establish
himselfin business. Kate was rich in ex-
pedients; she was to carry on the joke with
uncle John, while her lover was in then mean
time, to accomplish his object. Kate acted
her part admirably; the old gentleman was
in ccstacics, and would have been ready to
givo away half his property, and bless at
least half the women. Hc readily settled n
handsome sum upon John; and as he deliv-
cred it to him, signed and scaled, now my
boy said he, l wish you could find as good
girl as Kate Dudley for wife,
Iwish so, too replied John meekly.
well, there amt such another one in the
world, said my uncle, and intend to mar
ry her, if she will have me, and I am sure
she will; she loves mel know she does
she knows how to appreciate me-
Cousin John professed himself much pleas
ed with his unclc's prospects, and wished
him world of happiness with his dear Kate.
'Ishall pop the question this very day,
said uncle John, and we will have we'd
ding, and you must stay, my boy
Il believe I must leave town to-day. ]
am anxious to get settled in business
But you will come to Kate's weddingi
insisted the old gentleman.
YES, certainly, replied John witha scarce
concealed smile. He soon stole an opportu'
nifty to inform Kate Of his good fortune, o.
his uncle's intentions, and to make some ar
nngements for themselves, and then left u,
anxious to appropriate his money as soon a,
possible.
That evening my uncle invited Kate to
walk with him by moonlight; 50 you SCI
the old fellow had spark Of romance after
all. / was sure to be in my room when they
returned, for never could have encountered
them with sober face. soon heard Kat
ascending the stair with very scdate step
but as soon rs she had entered tho room and
closed the door, she burst into an immodcrat,
ct suppressed laughter.