The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-07-02

In coming out Of the store, they en-
counlered the child's mother.
% MOTHER" said the little girl, "iest
see how much .eahdy .tatter has bought
me-"
"Yop shouldn't have bough, her so
much at time, Mr.. Jones'" said the ladv,
T." am afraid she will make herself sick.
But how did you happen to get home so
quick did not expect you ill night"
"Jonos-l-madam," said the embar.
rassed Mr.. Brown, "il's all Il mistake;
amt Jones at all. 1t isn't my name. !
am Eliphalet Brown, of W, and this
is the first TING ever came to this city,"
GOOD heavens! Mr.. Jones, what has
put this silly tale into your headl You
have concluded 10 change your name,
have you: Perhaps it is also your in,en.
ton to change your wife?"
Mrs. Jones' tone was defiant, and this
tended TO increase Mr.. Browns embar.
rassment. But he must not leave mat
tiers in this position.
~ haven't any wife, madam | never
bad any. On my word rs gentleman,
l never was marie l."
And do you intend to palm this tale
off upon me Z" said Mrs. Jones, with ex.
element. IF you're not married, I'd
like to know who ann"
81 have no doubt you are most re-
spectacle lady," said Mr.. Brown, land l
conjecture from what you have said, that
your name is Jones; but 1,ine is Brown,
madam, and always WAS"
Melinda" said her mother, suddenly
taking the child by the arm, and leading
her up to Mr.. Brown, melinda, who is
this gentleman 7"
Why that's taihcrr" was the chid's
immediate reply, us she coniidingly placed
her hand in his.
"lou hear what :hat innocent child
says, and yet YOU have the blushing i'm
pudcnce to deny that you are my hus-
band The voice Of nature speaking
through the child, should overwhem YOU.
rd like to know If You are not her father,
why YOU were buying candy for her!
would like TO have you answer that. But
| presume you never saw her before in
your life"
Il never did. On my honor, never
dil. ! told her would give her the can
dy if size wouldn't call me .tather any
more"
"iou did, did YOU! Bribcd your own
child not to call you father! O, Mr.
Jones, this is Infamous Do YOU intend
to desert mo, sir, and leave me TO the cold
charities Of the world and is this your
first stepi"
Mrs. Jones was so overcome that, with
out any warning, she fell back upon the
sidewalk in n faintng fit.
Instantly a number of persons ran to
her assistance.
els your wife subject to f.in,inr in this
way /" asked the fist conner Of Brown.
81 don't know. She isn't my wife.
don't know anything about her"
"Why, its Mrs. Jones, amt h!"
"les, but Pm not Mr.. Jones"
"Sir," said the first speaker, sternly,
"this is no time to jest. / trust you are
not tic cause of the excitement which
must have occasioned your wife's faiuling
hit. You had better call coach and car
ry her home directly"
Poor Brown was dumbfoun1ed.
u wonder." thought he, "whether it's
possible that Pm Mr.. Jones wilhou, know
ing it. Perhaps | am really Jones, and
have gone crazy, in consequence Of which
| 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
II is necessary that Your wife should lie
removed at once. Will you order car
ria. 2"
Brown saw that it was no use to pro
tract the discussion ty a denial. lie,
therefore. without contes,ing the point, or
desed hackney coach TO the spot.
Mr. Brown accordingly lent an arm
to Mrs. Jones, who had somewhat recov.
cred, and was about to close the door up-
ON her,
What, are you not going yourselfl"
"Why, no; why should |? 7"
+" Your wife should not 90 alon. she
has hardly recovered"
Brown gave "A despairing glance ut the
crowd around him, and deeming il useless
10 make opposition where so many seem.
ed thoroughly convinced that he was Mr..
Jones, followed the lady in.
Where shall drive I" said the whip.
VII don't know" said Mr.. Brown.
Z" Where would you wish to he carried :"
" Home, Of course" murmured Mrs.
Jones.
"WheEe is thatl' asked the driver.
do not know" said Mr.. Brown.
"No. 10 Il street." said the gen
tleman already introduced, glancing con-
temptuousIy Mt Brown.
"Will yon help me out, Mr.. Jones I"
said the lady. "I am not fully recovered
from the fainting fit into which your cruel.
" dro,S me-"
Are You quite sure that am Mr..
Jones Z" asked Mr.. Brown with anxiety.
"Of course" said Mrs. Jones.
Then" said he resgnedy, "I sup
pose am. But il YOU will believe me, /
was firmly convinced this morning that
my name was Brown, and to tell the
truth, | haven't any recollection Of this
house."
Brown helped Mrs. Jones into the par