The Shasta courier., 1858-01-23
BOB STYLES WEDDING,

couldn't think OF such thing
But you must. My happiness depends on it.
Here put on the thingumbobs, and the what's
its name.'
And my friend Bob Styles, held up before nv
hesitating gaze suit of feminine apparel His
idea was that should personate his lady love
for one day, to prevent anybody from suspecting
the truth-namely, that she had Joined him in
runaway marriage party-until it should be too
late for interference that is until the minister
should have tied knot between them that no
thing but special grant of the Legislature
could unite.
This scheme was not actually as absurd as it
appeared at first sight. Maggie Lee was tall,
qneenly woman, with an almost masculine air !;
and, at that time, had very slight fom-al-
most efeminate, that, in fact, there was really
but little difference in that point. Then had
light hair, t0lerably long and fresh complex
ion. Part my hair in the middle, and put a
bonnet on my head, and few persons would have
suspected but what was one of the softer sex.
These accessories also gave me quite decided
resemblance to Maggie Lee, especially when, in
this case, the disguise was her own.
Then the day chosen for the runaway match
was an auspicious one. Magges father was 10
drive her to D., a 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 [
should be in waiting in the village and should
go ON the boat with the sailngpany, while Mag
gle, after leaving her father should slip off with
Bob Styles across the country
At last got dressed and presented myself be-
fore Maggie Lee, blushing great deal, believe
feeling very much pinchcd about the waist. and
with an uncomfortable consciousness that my
my-shirt sleeves were too short, or wanting al
together. Everything finished in the way of
toilet, Bob Styles took me into the light wagon
and drove me over TO D., by a secluded route
and lett me at the hotel where the sailing party
were to assemble. Several of the picnic ers
were already there, and they greeted my cavalier
cordially, Everybody knew Bob Styles asking
II he was going with them, etc. lie told them
he was not.
Pressing business engagements, you know.
and all that sort of thing Deuced sorry can't
go though had just time to bring Miss Lee
over, and nov I'm off Mr.. Bimby, this is Miss
Lee Miss Withergall, Miss Lee and he ratified
off long string of brief utroductions. which
convinced me but few of the company were ac
quainfed with the young lady whom was thus
perSonating-a very fortunate thing for the pre-
servation of my disguise. Nr. Bmby tall.
legal looking man, with hook nose, and eve
glass and fluffy hair, seemed to be prepossessed
with my Personelle. And | overheard him wbis
per as he went out -
Nice looking girl, that Miss Lee
Yes, answered Bob, with mischierous
glance at me, she is a nice girl, though little
go-ahead sometimes. Keep little look out on
her will you?-then lowering his voice Not
bad match for you, old fellow; she is rich.'
Is she z said Mr.. Bimby, his interest deepen
ing.
On nay honor, replied Bob. Forty thousand
in her own right Day. day. aud he was gone
Maggie Lee, artful creature that she was had
told her father that the sailing party was assem-
bed at another hotel, thither he had taken her.
Having business in D., he had left her there,
merely saying that he would send the carriage
for her at eleven o'clock. She, like dutiful
daughter, kissed him, bade him good bye, and
before he had gone a hundred rods, took seat
in Bob Styles light wagon, which had driven up
to the back door as Mr. Lees drove away from
the 'front.' and the old story of deeds for love and
prejudiced love was enacted over again.
As for the picnic excursion, we had de-
iightful sail down to the grove but somehow, |
could not enjoy it as much as ought to have
done When was walked on board the boat,
felt awkward, as if everybody was looking at
me- found Mr.. Bmby, as had suspected,
young and rising lawyer, mighty in Blackstone
and his own opinion. He insisted on payingfor
my ticket, fthe boat was a regular excursion
packet.) and purchasing enough oranges, pears
and candies. to set up street stand. Four or
FIVE times was on the point of swearing at mis-
impudent oficiorsness, but bit my tongue just in
time TO prevent exposure. But it was not with
him that found my role the hardest to play
No; the young ladies were the difficult ones
to deceive For instance, there was one among
them, beautiful girl of seventeen, just returned
e. t-,- Il
Lee for three years. OF course she was delighted
to see me when she found out was Maggie,
which BY the way, did not occur until we had
started She threw herself into my arms, pulled
my veil aside, and kissed me half dozen times.
in manner that made my finger ends tinge for
half an hour. 1t was all very nice, but if had
been in prcPrsa persona, l would have liked it
better. As it was, felt as if were obtaining