Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-11-25
A DAY IN ATS.
BY A MODEST MAN.

"l couldn't think of such a thing 20
"But you must, my happiness depends upon
It. Here, put on the thingumbobs, and the
what's-his name.' And my friend, Bob Styles,
held up before my hesitant gaze suit of FEM
Iuine apparel.
His idea that should personate his lady
love for one day, to prevent any one from sus-
pecting the truth-nameIy, that she had join
ed him in runaway marriage party-until it
should be too late Tor interference; that is, un-
til the minister should have tied the knot be-
tween them, that nothing but special act OF
the Legislature could unite,
This scheme was not actually so absurd as it
appeared at first sight. Maggie Lee was tall
queeniy woman, with almost a masculine air,
and at that time, had a very slight form, al
most effeminate, so that in fact, there was re-
ally little difference on that point. Then
had light hair. tolerably long and a fresh com
plexion. Part my hair in the middle, and put
bonnet on my head, and few ladies would
have suspected but what | was really one of
their sex. These accessories also gave me
quite a decided resemblance to Maggie Lee,
especially when, as in this case the disguise
was her own.
Then the day chosen for a runaway match,
was an auspicous one. Maggies father was to
drive her to D., small village near where
she lived, and there she was to join sailing
party down D. river, to the grove three miles
below, from which the party was to return in
the evening in carriages.
Our plan was, that shonld be in waiting in
the village, and should go on the boat with the
sailing party, while Maggie after leaving her
father, should slip off with Bob Styles, across
the country.
At last got dressed and presented myself
before Maggie Lee, blushing great deal, be-
lieve, feeling very much pinched about the
waist, and with an uncomfortable conscious
ness that my-that my shirt sleeves were too
short, or wanting altogether.
Everything finished in the way of toilet, Bob
STYLES took me into his light wagon, drove me
over to D, by a secluded route, and left me
at the hotel, where the sailing party was TO as
semble. Several of the pick-nickers were al
ready there, and they greeted my cavalier cor
diaiiy, asking if he was going with them. He
told them he was not.
ePressing business engagements, you know,
and all that sort of thing s'Deuced sorry
can't go, though. / had just time to bring
Miss Lee over, and now I'm off. Mr.. Bimby
this is Miss Lee. Miss Withergall, Miss Lee,
and he ratified off a long string OF introdnc-
tions. which convinced me that few of the fc-
males were acquainted with the young lady
whom was thus personating-a very fortunate
thing for the preservation of my disguise.
Mr.. Bimby, tall legal looking man with
hook nose and eye-glass, seemed to be prepos
sesscd with me, and overheard bin whisper
TO Bob Styles, as he went out: ''NInce look
ing gal, that Miss Lee"
GYes,'' answered Bob, with mischieyou'
glance at me, .'she is nice girl. though a lit
tie 90 ahead sometimes. Keep little look
nm, an her. then lowering his voice-ssnot :
had match for you old fellow; she is rich.''
..Is she,'' said Mr.. Bimby, his interest deep
sning.
.sOn nv honor,'' replied Bob. ''Forty thou
,spd dollars In her own right. Day day
and he way gone.
Msrpie. artful creature that she was mac
told her father that the sailing party was - %
senlI,le at another hotel, and thiiher he hau I'd
ken her. Having business in D-,,he lett ne
there, merely saying that he would sehu III
carriage for her at II O'Clock. She, Ike u"
tiful child, kissed him, bid him good pye' an
before he had gone a hundred yards, tooh
seat N Bob Styles light wagon, whlcn ha
driven up to the back door, as old Lees Gu
riage drove away from the front.
As for US OF the pic mic excursion, we had
pleasant sail down to the grove, but somehow
could not enjoy it as much as ought to hay
done. When 1 walked on board the boat,
felt awkward, as If everybody was looking