The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-11-23
for tie Don,s Girtlt, / r I.':.
IS .ao- From eieas,on's Pictorial Battle Ship
Mr.. Peabody's Firmness.
BY CAROLINE F. PRESTON.

Mr. Jotham Peabodys distinguishing char.
acteristic, he was accustomed to call frmness.
Some of his friends were wont to term it OBJ
sinacy. There will be such little differences
of opinion now and then. I don't pretend to
settle the question as to which of the two
was right, but it was welLknown fact that if
you wanted to induce Mr.. Peabody to go in
one direction, you only had to advise him to
go in the opposite.
Mr.. Peabody, had one child, and that
daughter. Where she got her beauty from
was mystery to all who knew her father who
was stout, red-faced old gentleman, with
turn-up pose, and very irregular features
Bowever, settle that question as we may ,Lu-
cy Peabody was pretty, and there was at least
one person who knew it. if.. a.E'-~s
That one person was Ephraim Robertson,
Mr.. Peabody's confidential clerk. Somehow
he contrived to acquaint Lucy with his pre-
ference, and the young lady, so far from being
displeased, actually allowed him to kiss her
hand, which he did five or six times, probably
to make sure that it was properly done. 7!55i
After Lucy had given her consent, the low
ers began to discuss ways and means. -
| Of course the first thing to be thought of
was how the fathers consent should be obtain
ed to the marriage. If the subject we're
broached. he would be pretty sure to refuse
at once. 1aJ 5s54 stro7 2Hai E.isnl1sGr 10
There is one way said young Robertson,
hesitating. -....-..,-.,i.r- IL, I'D -.
What is it . asked Lucy frightening up.
+ Your father is-youll excuse me for say
ing it-a little fond of opposition 'sa77. SIS
A little + repeated Lucy. ~, i certainly
shouldn't want him any more SO. But this is
just what makes me afraid he won't give his
consent .-5se -at a.s.. s-.--s- .rYr
Suppose said her lover, we should turn
that to our advantage 7i1-7"'F 7.a ~ ta
Il How can wei
We might pretend to dislike each other ,
/ see,' said Lucy, clappiDg her hands s.-
+ It's capital idea s7 s5''f u 'as15
'And might make him think wanted
very much to marry Louisa Loomis.' = -,s
Perhaps you do said Lucy, with little
i. twinge of jealousy. s-,slsF,-} ia. gt 'aa9ss
/ "A very poor taste should have if I did,
said Ephraim, emphaticaIly. 80, ~
Lucy frightened up at this, and her appre-
citation of Ephraim considerably increased.
i Dear reader, if were not a woman wonld
tell you that the best way to win womans
affections is, either to praise her, or speak
4 slightly Of her rival. Il am an exception to
, this remark. . -9=.a7f-
Our next scene opens at the breakfast table.
Lucy had just poured out cup of coffee for
. her father.
How long has Ephraim Robertson been in
your employ, father?' ...... --.
About five years, Lucy. Why do you
ask p H. ..l...-.s..4
II was thinking it was about time to get
somebody ese.' .--s -
why, what are you thinking of Why
should get any one else -..- 80
sSomebody that is more agreeable, father.
y why, what is the matter with him = in
!, quired her father, looking over his spectacles
in surprise. t. eg s...f.,l r-r.
'Oh, l don't know, only don't like him.
'And I tell you it is all silly prejudice
! said Mr.. Peabody, warming a little. There
isn't finer young man in the city than Eph-
g., rain Robertson. And as for changing for an.
, other. you won't catch me very soon doing
any such foolish thing --.-s ......r
Humph said Lucy struggling her shoul'
ders pettishly, I don't admire your TASTE
i papa 7rs 5, -. - r r. saaFsa
Perhaps said her father sarcastically,
. you can mention some one whom you would
have me employ iu his place f5d
. There's Albert Perkins ;--he's a perfect
gentleman o. was 'egr lat.. a.9 1ll
ta..s-...l- ts s..t.ggtrl ..I- ne