Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-12-30
cfanlilg Glttlf,
FARMER BROWNS
SURPRISE PARTY.
And what kind Of a party is a sur

Brown, as he sat by the kitchen FIRE qui
city smoking his pipe, and listening to
an animated account which his daugh.
ter Mary was giving Of a party she had
attended the previous evening.
Mary drew up, her slight form some
what resentfully, and gave the least pos
sible toss Of her pretty head, as she re-
piled
I. If you would only remember not to
call me Miss Polly father. You know
how much / DISLIKE it.
You were named for your grand
MOTHER and she was never called any
thing but Polly to the day Of her death.
However, we will change it to Molly, il
that suits you any better. So an
swer my question about the surprise par
ty, Molly"
Why, father, | thought every one
knew what they were. They are all the
lashion, assure you. a party Of young
folks, or young and old, as the case NAV
be, unite together in proTsSing music. q
a supper, and everything necessesu f.,
ar evenings entertainment, and agree i
meet at certain time at the house o.
some mutual acquaintance, who is kept ii
Ignorance Of their intentions. They take
possession Of the house-dance, frolic
and enjoy their music and Refreshments
just as if they were invited guests Ehe
family finding there is no helpfor it, take
it all in good part and join in the amuse
ment of the evening. Lastnight the par
ty was at Mr.. Lawtons. | wish VOC
could have seen their look of eonsterna
ton, as one guest after another appeared
until their small rooms were quite crowd
ed. Jane and Margaret made their
escape as soon as possible, and dressed
themselves for the OCCASION
4" More fools they" CALCULATED the far
mer. Better have gone to bed. A
pretty pass things have got to, if mans
own house is no longer to be his castle.
That has been the rule ever since 1 can
remember"
But there is no harm in these parties
father urged Mary. " Everything is
provided sothat the family thus visited
are at no trouble or expense
hat may be, daughter, and yet there
may be thousand reasons why they
would prefer not bavipgNhe company
1t is, in my opinion an vnwarrantable in.
trusion, and should not be countenanced
by sensible people,
/" But you would treat them ciyilly, if
they should ever come here, father"
Mary made this inquiry in rather an
anxious tone, for more than once sae
had heard it limited that Farmer Brown S
old kitchen would be inst the place for a
dance"
" Ciyilly? to be sure" replied the far
mer. 9 Did you ever know me to be
unclvil to any one But should tell
them my mind pretty plainly, am think
So saying the good farmer rose from
his chair, knocked the ashes from his
pipe and carefully replaced it in its
usual place, and then walked briskly
away to the performance Of some of his
outdoor duties.
{ Never mind Mary" and Mrs. Brown
consolingly, as she observed the look of
uneasiness on her daughters countenance.
:" dare say father will not object to
you having a,party ifsyou wish.
" But l DO not wish to give party,
mother. | want to let them come, if
they like, and hud that they cannot take
me by surprise"
I" Well, let them come, then,n returned
the accommodating mother. II warrant
father will be civil. If he does not like
the Jun, he can go to bed" And with
this comforting suggestion, the busy old
lady again turned to her spinning wheel,
the .buzzing Of which put an end to all
further conversation.
Several weeks had passed away, and
the cool breezes of autumn had given
place to the more piercing and decided
blasts. oflearly winter. Once more the
farmer sat at his customary place at the
fireside.a 1t was near the hour when he
usually ret red: but as kind ofprepar-
alton for his nightly slumbers, he was
INDUCING in light doze-or perhaps a
deep revere, in which visions Of his we'll
filled barns and graneries, and the abun.
dance Of the recent haryast aoated before
him in bissful succession.
An attentive observer might have no
ticed that the fire blazed with an uncom,
IMMUNITY SHCOltui llSHG, COublu6ilng JlaL
the old clock had already struck the hour
Of eight, and that the farmer rigidly adj
hered to the maxim Of 9 Early to bed and
early to rise. 8la1
There was an uncommonly careful ar
rangement of every article in the spaci
GUS apartment, aud also an nnwonted
attention to her own toilet, which, added
to certain restlessness in Miss Mary S
demeanor showed with her, at least.
coming events cast their shadows be.
fore" At length came a loud, and it
must be confessed somewhat anxiously
expected rap at the door.
Who is here at this time of night 2n
exclaimed the farmer, as he started from
his chairs rubbed his eyes, and looked at
the clock. IS
Some traveller, I suppose who wants
a nights lodging. Let him in Mary"
But Mary had anticipated the com
mand, and NOW ushered into the room a
worthy farmer and his family, ali in their
best attire, and apparently intending to
make an evening call.
= Glad to see yon, neiglbor Jenkins
Met with any accident on the road ~
was the blunt, but kindly salutation Of
Farmer Brown.
-" None. at all, neighbor Brown. We.
have just dropped in for a little chat.
: Glad to see YOU repeated the far
mer. Thought it rather late, that's all.