Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-07-08
Jntrestiup Storg,
FRANCIS ROSCOE
OR,
Love in a Stage Coach.
BY KAwsER MARTINGLE.

~RANCIS Roscoe arrived in Boston,
IA some yeare ago, in the we'll known
S@ ship, Stripes and Stars" from. Cal
cutta. Although hardly twenty-ene
years old, be had acted on the ~homeward
bound passage as chief mate of the ship,
and such was the confidence reposed in
his capacity, energy, and nautical skill,
that the owners of the stripes and
Stars" anxious to secure his services, of
fsred him the command of a fine ship that
was then on the stock, and which they ex-
pected to fit away for Europe, in the
course Of a month or six weeks.
"Go and visit your friends in New
Hampshire, Roscoe said the senior part
ner Of the firm. Keep quiet, and make
yourself comfortable. Before the ship is
ready for sea, you shall hear from u.s.
Fear not that we shall forget you. If
you manage matters with your usual skill
and address, you may be able to pick up
a wife before you will see the blue water
again."
GA wife, indeed!" said young Roscoe
to himself as he passed up the wharf,
" Time enough for that half a dozen years
hence. And yet, if | cou d meet with a
neat little clipper, with a handsome fig
ure head, symmetrical bows, and a clear
run, who would steer a fine course with
out trouble, and work kindly in stays /;
who knows -" His dark eyes kin
died at the idea which his imagination
had wrought, but he did not finish the
sentence.
That same evening Frank Roscoe had
reached his home in the pleasant village
of Tadmor. His presence, his animated
conversation, cheerful spirits, and fatter-
ing prospects, carried JOY to the heart of
his parents, and spread a halo of happi-
ness around their dwelling.
Frank p said Squire Roscoe, to his
son, a few mornings after the young sail
or had reached the home of his youth, and
was accompanying his father to the forest
to aid him in cutting down a load of
wood.
Sir" replied his son, surprised at the
solemn manner which the old gentleman
suddenly assumed.
Frank How would you like to be
married ?"
Married, SIR
Yes married. How would you like to
marry a beautiful, well educated girl, of
an amiable temper, a cheerful, merry dis
position, whose smiles would drive the
cobwebs out of your brain, keep sunshine
in your bosom, and add to the happiness
of others ? Hey?"
Marriage is a subject | have not yet
thought Of" replied Frank. But | can
not see why my marriage, while it might
make me miserable, a add to the happi.
ness of Others"
Don't talk Of misery, you rogue. in
connection with the girl, angel you will
soon call her, whom | have fixed upon as
your partner. The fact is, Frank, my old
friend, Col. Hartwell, who left here for
Concord, about ten years ago, was down
here on j visit a few months since, with
his wife and daughter, an only child
Frank, 4 charming girl only seventeen
summers old, and while talking over do
nestle matters one evening. we came to
a9e conclusion that it would be a capital
laea to bring about a marriage between
Xop children. It would strengthen the
friendship of The parents and secure the
happiness of the children. Indeed it
would baa good thing every way, and
to come 30 the point OF once, we have set
our hearts upon it,
But | have never seer the girl. She
may not suit my fancy, and | will never
marry a woman / cannot love. Although
she appears so lovely to you, she may
seem hideous in my eyes. ] am rather
particular in my taste about such matters,
rig Of a ship, and the qualities of a wife,
and if it is just as agreeable to you sir, |
would prefer to make my own selection
Of a wife,"
" Come. Frank, don't be romantic or
obstinate. / know your taste. She will
suit you to a charm. To fall deeply, des.
perately in love with her, it is only nee
essary to see her. I've arranged the
whole plan. You shall take the stage for
Konigston tomorrow morning, pop in up.
on the family unexpectedly, fall over head
and ears in love with Emily, pop the ques
ton, and the whole thing is settled
That's the way to do business"
Well, sir, as you are SO anxious that
I should make a visit to the home of your
old friend, I offer no objection. But
mark me, ! will not promise to fall in
love with Emily, and surely shall not
marry her without | do"
Certainly not, Frank. | shall be IN
reasonable to expect it. / want you to
ssee her, to talk with her, and listen to hel
laugh. The little witch will do the rest
if you don't strike your colors and CRY
for quarters, before you have been two