The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1856-09-10
Mr.. Browns Mishans

seem DOfn 10 pass through the world alone
save this popularity, there was nothing to dis
hngulsh Mr.. Brown from the multitude of 9th
er Browns who are born, grow up and die in
this world of ours.
1t CHANGED that Brown had occasion to visi
a town some fifty miles distant on matters o.
business. It was his first visit to the place, and
he proposed stopping for day in order to give
himself an opportunity to look about.
Walking leisurely along the street, he was
all at once accosted by child of five, who ran
up to him exclaiming:
"Father, want you to buy me some candy
'Father!' Was it possible that he, bach
elor, was addressed by that title? He could
not believe it!
"Who are you speaking to, my dear?" he in
quired of the little girl.
Il spoke to you, father" said the little one,
surprised.
"Really," thought Mr. Brown, "this is en-
barrassing." s@~ .. .@ .G
Il am not your father, my dear. What is
your name?'' .a.- .-Er
The child laughed heartily, evidently think
ing it a joke. r". Al. .a..
"What funny father you are," she said
"but you are going to buy me some candy?"
eyes, yes, Ill buy you pound, if you won't
call me father any more" said Mr.. Brown, ner-
vously.
The little girl clapped her hands with de-
light. The promise was all she remembered
= Mr.. Brown proceeded to confectionery store,
and actually bought pound of candy, which
he placed in the hands of the little girl.
In coming out of the store, they encountered
the child's mother.
"Oh, mother" said the little girl, "just see
how much candy father has boug ght me-
"You shouldn't have boHght her SO much at
one time, Mr.. JONES'" said the lady, II am
afraid she will make herself sick. But how did
you happen to get home so quick? did not
expect you till night
"Jones-I-madam," said the embarrassed
Mr.. Brown, "It's all mistake; amt Jones at
all. 1t isn't my name. am Eliphalet Brown,
of W., and this is the first time I ever came
to this city,
"Good heavens! Mr.. Jones, what has put
this silly tale into your head? You have con-
cluded to change your name, have you? Per-
haps 1t is your intention 10 change your wife?''
Mrs Jones' tone was defiant, and this tended
to increase Mr.. Browns embarrassment.
Il haven't any wife, madam; I never had
any. On my word as gentleman, never was
married.
"And do you intend to palm this tale off upon
me?' said Mrs. Jones, with excitement. 'If
you are not married, I'd like to know who ann"
"l have no doubt you are most respectable
lady, said Mr.. Brown, "and | conjecture, from
what you have said, that your name is Jones;
but mine is Brown, madam, and always was -
"Melinda," said her mother. suddenly taking
the child by the arm, and leading her up to MI
Brown, melinda, who is this genteman?'
"Wby, that's father,'' was the child's i'm
mediate reply, as she confdingly placed her
hands in his.
"You hear that, Mr.. Jones, do you? You
hear what that innocent child says, and yet you
have the unblushing impudence to deny that
you are my husband The voice of nature,
speaking through the child, should overwhelm
you. I'd like to know if you are not her father,
why you are buyihg candy for her I would
like to have you answer that. But presume
you never saw her before in your life''
Il never did. On my honor, never did,
| told her would give her the candy if she
wouldn't calh me father any more'
'You did, did you? Bribed your own child
Infamous! Do you intend to desert me, sir, and
| ledFt ulC W tnt COlu CldIlLeS Ol tne WOfIQ, ana
is this your first step?"
Mrs. Jones was SO overcome that without any
warning she fell back upon the side walk in a
fanting fit.
Instantly numberof persons ran to her as
sistance.
'1s your wife subject to fainting in this
way?" asked the first conner of Brown.
Il don't know. She isn't my wife. don't
know anything about herr
''Why, it's Mrs Jones, amt it?''
eyes; but I'm not Jones"
'Sir,' said the first speaker sternly, "this
is no time to jest. I trust that you are not the
cause of the excitement which must have caus-
ed your wfes fainting. You had better call
a coach and carry her home directly"
Poor Brown was confounded.
81 WONDER" thought he, ''whether it's pos
slble that am Mr.. Jones without knowing it.
Perhaps am really Jones, and have gone era
zy, in consequence of which I fancy that my
name is Brown. And yet, don't think I'm
Jones. In spite of all, will insist that my
name is Brown
'Well, sir, what are you waiting for? 1t is
necessary that your wife should be removed at
once. Will you order carriage?''
I1lO"A saw tuGt IL W DIS IO uSG W " 1dCb tllt
discussion by denial. He therefore, without
contestng the point, ordered a hackney coach
to the spot.
Mr.. Brown accordingly lent an arm to Mrs.
Jones, who had somewhat recovered, and was
abou. to close the door upon her.
'What, are you not going YOURSELF"
'Why, no; why should T.
''Your wife should not go alone, she has
barely recovered"
Brown gave despairing glance at the the
crowd around him, and deemed it useless to
make opposition where so many seemed SO tho
roughly convinced that he was Mr. Jones, fol-
lowed the lady in.
"Where shall drive,'' said whip
"I-I-don't know" said Brown. "Where
would you wish to be carried?''
"Home, of course murmured Mrs. Jones.
"Where is that?" asked the driver.
's'I do not know" said Mr.. Brown.
tNo. 19 H street," said the gentleman
already introduced, glancing contemptuously
at Brown.
"Will you help me out, Mr. JONES'" said the
1adv II am not fullv recovered from the faint