The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1859-03-05

from curiosity, and which from every
consideration, he felt must be immedi
ately terminated.
Mrs. Cunningham's appearance was
more pale aud haggard than on the
previous occasion. She was, in fact, a
type Of perfect mental misery, or Of grea,
physical prostration. She again apollo.
gized, by saying that they had wedding
at her house the night before. "My
second daughter" said she, " fourteen
years old, was married last night to a
wealthy southern planter. He is much
older than she, but loves her dearly, and
I hope they will be happy"
The broker soon after entered, and said
lady and gentleman were present who
wanted the parlor. "As we are all pref
ty well acquainted now" she said, ad-
dressing Frank, "perhaps you will have
no objection to going up stairs There
is pleasant room directly above this,
and | have ordered FIRE and lights"
Fitzgerald asccnded the stairs, follow
ed by Cunningham, aud was ushered into
the room described by the broker. There
was bed in one corner and cheerful
FIRE in the CRATE.
is it possible" thought Frank, "that
these people have concocted a scheme to
charm me with this society until late
hour, to rob me of the roll of bills they
think l carry? Is this the Delilah who
is to shear my locks, that somebody may
cut my throat or pick my pockets ?"
The more he thought of it the more
his suspicious were aroused, aud he re-
hected with satisfaction on the means Of
defence he had provided in case Of foul
play. He resolved to learn definitely the
nature of Mrs. Cunninghan's expecta-
tions, and bring his visit to speedy
close. He accordingly seated himself
near front window, at a sufficient dist,
anee to watch her motions, and in po-
sition to observe the door, which he did
closely, and commenced a jovial conver-
sation, as though his spirits were undis-
turbed by any of the apprehensions re-
ferred to. Mrs. Cunningham plainly
intima.ed that set of furs would be very
acceptable, and that seventy-fve or a
hundred dollars would purchase as good
a set as she desired.
Fitzgerald went into a long discourse
on the liability of bachelors to lose shirt
buttons, and have their clothes otherwise
disordered, to all of which Cunningham
assentcd, and professed to be an excellent
hand to look after such matters.
Gradually she threw off the restraint
which she had formerly observed in con-
versation, and finally, when he asked her
directly if she would accompany him
South, she replied in the affirmative with.
out any hesitation aud when he intima-
ted there was possibility Of his going
into business in this city, she urged him
in that case to buy and furnish house
uptown, which she pledged herself to
take care of in the best style, and to look
after his general welfare 10 the most sat
isfac,ory manner as long as he remained
single As slight manifestation of her
interest, she pinned the binding to the
cuff of his overcoat. where it had been
loosened.
You see," said she, IL am good
hand to take care of things. You will
get that house if you come here, will you
not ?"
"I will see," replied Frank, looking
at his watch, 81 will think the matter
over; but | have an engagement at the
La Fargo House at six o'clock this even
ing, and | see it is almost six o'clock
now"
"But you are no. going to leave me
SO soon y''
"Yes, madam, | must go immedi-
ately."
"No, that will not do. You must
spend the evening here with me. There
is good fire, aud you needn't go"
"a very tempting offer, surely" re
piled Frank, but, indeed, it is impossi-
bic to accept your generous invitation
l cannot break my engagement
I" Is it so important that you must leave
me alone here?'
Yes, i. is on business, and impera-
tive Good evening, madam
Fitzgerald took his hat and started for
the door; but Mrs. Cunningham, sud
denly rising, said with a smile:
"No, sir, you cannot go.'
But | must GO
"No, sir, you shall not GO; you shall
stay here with me }" and SO saying she
seized him by the arm, and hurled him
back into the chair. Fitzgerald was as
tonished at her great muscular strength.
"There is power enough" thought he,
"to overcome half the dentists in Bond
street united" She handled him, in
spite of his resistance, as a strong man
would handle child. He again attempt
ed to 90, and again she forciby drew
him back, this time giving him two or
three whirls with one hand, with the ut
most ease.
"Sit down." said she; 81 told you
you could no. 60. You see l am bouad
to have my way
"Indeed, madame, you seem determ-
ined to detan me, but | repeat must go,
aud shall not remain another minute, "
said Frank firmly"
"You will 20 if | choose to let you out
of the door," said Cunningham
"And if you do not choose to let me
out of the door will GO
No; you will spend this evening with
me- We will play cards; you must
deal"
The mention of dealing" reminded
Fitzgerald that present might not be
unacceptable, and he took out his port
monnaie.
"Porhaps you will accept little part
ing present 7"
"Yes, thank you sir" said she, taking
the proffercd bank note. "If you are