The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1856-07-09
The Runaway Match.

the town OF =, pretty village, distant
then some FIVE and twenty miles from market
town, peculiarly eomely and graceful maiden,
who had a peculiarly ugly and cross-grained,
but wealthy old father. .... -s... .aAy!
Mary was Danforth's only child, and report
said truly she would be his only legatee. The
old man was sturdy farmer and was estima-
ted to be worth full 81 600; at that period,
very handsome fortune, indeed! -tass z,
The sparkling eyes and winning manners of
Mary Danforth had stirred up the finer feelings
of the male portion Of the village, and her suit
ors were numerous, but her father was partic-
ular, and none succeeded in making headway
with him or her. @ - II sas1'ss.. u-..
In the meantime, Mary had true and loyal
lover in secret! Who would have supposed for
one moment that such fellow would dare to
look upon beauty and comparative refinement?
His name was Walker, or as hewas general
ly called, "Joe''-Joe Walker, and he was sim
ply farmer employed by old Danforth, who
had entrusted Joe with the management of his
large estate two or three years.
But very excellent farmer and a right good
manager was this plain and unassuming, but
good looking Joe Walker. Hewas young, too,
only twenty three, and he actually fell in love
with the beautiful, pleasant and joyous Mary
Danforth, his employers only daughter. But
the strangest part Of the occurrence was Mary
returned his love earnestly, truly and frankly,
and promised to wed him at favorable moment
Things went OH merrily for time, but old
Danforth discovered certain glances and atten
tions between them which excited his early
suspicious.
Very soon afterwards Joe learned the old
man S mind, indirectly, in regard to the future
disposal Of .Mary's hand, and he quickly saw
that his case was hopeless one, unless he re-
sorted tosstratagem, and SO he put his wits at
once to work. BY agreement, an apparently
settled coldness and distance was observed by
the lovers toward each other, and the father
saw, as he believed, with satisfaction, that his
previous suspicion and fears had all been pre-
mature.
Then, by agreement also between them, Joe
absented himself from the house at evening,
and night after night for three months did Joe
disappear as soon as his work was finished, to
return home only at late bedtime. This was
something unusual, and old Danforth determin-
ed to know the cause of the change. ~
Joe frankly confessed that he was in love with
mans daughter, who resided less than five
miles distant, but after faithful attachment
between them for several months the old man
had utterly refused to entertain his application
for the young girls hand.
That was capital. Just what the old man
desired. This satisfied him that he had made
mistake in regard to his own child; and he
would have Joe get married, and stop all fur
ther trouble OF suspicion at once. So he SAID:
.'WtlI Joe is she a buXOm jaSS!'
eyes, yes," said Joe, ''1'm not much of a
judge myself"
''And you like her?'
Eyes, sir, yes"
"Then marry her!'' said Danforth.
But | can't, the father OBJ lects.'
"Pooh! what should you care? Runaway
with her.
,"Elope?"
Yes, certainly; off with you at once. Ifthe
gal will 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 raised, and the old man may
like it or not
"But-'
"But no butts. Joe. Do as l bid you; go
about it at once, and"
"You'll stand by me?"
"Yes, to the last know you, Joe; you are
good workman, and will make anybody a
good son or husband.'
"The old fellow will be so mad though"
"Who cares, l say Go quickly but quietly"
"To-morrow night, them" said Joe.
EYES," said Danforth.
'I'll hire Culver's horse.
Il say no. Take my horse, the best one,
young Morgan, he'll take you off in fine style
in the new phaton."
Exactly"
"And as soon as you are sp|iced, come right
back here, and jolly time We'll have of it at
the old house,
"Her father will kill me'
"Bah! he's an old fool, whoever he is; he
don't know your good qualities, Joe, so we'll as
l do; don't be afraid. Faint heart, you know,
never won fair woman
/ "The old man will be astonished."
/ "Never mind; 60 on We will turn the laugh
on him. llltake care of you and your wife at
any rate
T. "Ill do it," said Joe.
| "You shall,' said Danforth, and they part
ed in the best spirits.
| An hour after dark, on the following even
ing Joe made his appearance decked IN nice,
new suit, really looking very come y. The old
man hustled out to the barn with him, helping
to harness young Morgan to the pheton, and
leading the spunky animal himself TO the road,
and away went Joe WaIkerin search ofhis bride.
A few rods distant from the house he found
her as per previous engagement, and repairing
to the next village, the parson very soon made
them one in holy wedlock. Joe took bis bride,
and soon dashed back TO the town of P,
and halted at old Danforths house, who was
already looking for him, and who received him
with open arms.
tIsit done?" cried the old man.
Yes" answered Joe.
Bring her in, bring her in,'' continued the
old fellow, in high glee, "never mind compll-
ments, no matter about the dark entry. Here,
Joe, to the right, in the best parlor; We'll have
a good time now, surer' and the anxious farm
er rushed away for lights, returning almostim
mediately. @H@ @71r s"T- rs- -
Heres the certificate, sir" said Joe. =
"1es, yes - ...-.. ......-. ras- .s... ..5
"And this ismy wife, =" he added, as he pass
ed up his beautiful bride-the bewitching and