Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-10-26

mahy plans TO OrlnG the little beauty to terms,
anG as often abandoned them.
ills mind was busy with such thoughts as
one bright morning in September he walked
| towards Farmer Gray's mansion. He leisure
ly ascended the hill, at the top of which upon
a level table land stood the great old house,
when he was startled by familiar voice call
! ing out:
''Bring the ladder, Dick l want to get
down." And looking up, he beheld Nettie
seated in the vide spreading branches OF a
large apple tree that stood in the field near the
road. Dick, ,perched upon the top-most round
of ladder that leaned against pear tree, was
quietly filing basket with the rich fruit.
"Wait a minute, SIS replied Dick, without
| looking p.;ssssI have got my basket almost
full. T'lfeome IN a Alinute.''
Como now,s Dick I quick quick - again
! called the impatient voicesof his sister.
r. Dick evidently began to think there was
some thing wrong, for, as he turned around,
his eye instantly caught sight of our hero
! coming mp the road, but asfew rods from where
they We're. He instantly descended from the
! tree, but instead of carrying the ladder to as
sist his sister to descend ,Le gave loud shout,
threw his cap into the air, cleared the wall
with one bound aud ran rapidly down the hill,
| shouting at theetep OF his voice, so, Mr..
Grafton, I've freed coonl'' Then placing
his hands upon the ground before him, he
| turned some five six somersaults. picked up
his cap.and ran with all his might to the house.
The little rouge evidently loved mischief as
we'll as did his pretty sister.
Charley's first thought was to go to the as
siStance of Nette, and he leaped the wall and
approached the tree. Taking the ladder from
the pear tree, he was about placing it for her
| TO descend, when sudden thought presented
itself. S'She cannot run away from me now,''
and not stopping to consider the ungallant act,
he grasped lower branch, and with some gay
remark, swung himself lightly up, and took
seat by her side.
Nettie, who was an amiable girl and could
take joke as good naturedly as she could
| give one, only laughed heartily at the trick
her brother played upon her, comp!imented
Charley upon his agility, and invited him to
help himself TO the blushlng fruit that hung
IN such tempting profusion around them. At
ter chatting on variety of themes, he de-
tcrmined tG approach the subject, and, if pos
sible, get an intelligent answer. For some
time he sat in silence, then said
s'Nettie, have something to say to YOU"
s'Ah have you 10 she replied. swell
! Charley. please help me down, and you can
say 1t walk to the house,
Charley the mischief in her eyes, and
| resolved to go on without needing her request,
yet he changed somewhat in his mode of at
tack.
''Nettie, am going to be married"
''Married Charley, married -
Without needing the prayerful glance that
was raised to his face, he went on:
''fes, Nettie, my business is now very
prosperous; L have pretty home, which
needs only the additional charm of pair of
bright eyes. have found a sweet gentle girl,
whom love with all my heart and who is
willing to become my wife, and have resolv
ed to marry. l have tried long time to tell
you, but you would not hear it.''
Ncttie had listened to this speech in utter
amazement. She had long believed that she
was the beloved of Charley Grafton's heart,
and she meant, after she bad teased him to
| her hearts content to listen to his love, and
become his dutiful and loving wife. But her
hopes were now suddenly dashed to atoms.
1t was too much. y giddy taintness came
over her, and, but for the support of Charley;s
arm, she would have fallen to the ground.
Charley noticed her emotion, and feared he
had gone too far. 1t was but for moment.
however. She soon regained her self-posses-
sion, and sat uprightly by his side. Her face
was very pale, but her eyes flashed proudly as
she replied, and there was spice OF bitterness
in her tone:
ssMay ask the name of her who has been
hOnored with the offer of the hand and heart OF
nay npbe friend 70
'sFirst let me describe her. She is beau
tiful girl, and possesses a warm and loving
heart. She has but one fault-it fault it may
be called. She delights to tease those who
love her best, and often has she gwen me
severe heart pang. Yet, Nettie, l love her
deeply and feryently, and 1t shall be the OBJ
ject of my life to guard her from harm to pro-
tect her, as far as l am able from the slightest
breath of sorrow, and | shall be abundantly
rewarded by her love. Nette, have never
offered her my hand, though she has long
possessed my heart. | do it now Nettie.
fDearest, can you ask her name %
Nettie gave long, inquring look as
though she but half comprehended bis words.
ssWill you be my wife, Nettie 20
s'What !'' she replied, half bewilderingly,
fare you not going to be married 2"
eyes, if you will consent to be mine"
She realized what it would be to loose him
her head sank upon his bosom, and bursting
into tears she murmured:
s.Charley, will.''
Soon Master Dick came bounding int the
orchard, one hand filled with huge slice of
bread and butter, while with the other he
tossed his cap into the air, showing that he
fully comprehended the state of affairs, shout
ing at the top of his voice
"Hello, Mr.. Grafton amt you glad freed
her for you ?''
Both greeted this sally with a burst of
laughter, and soon all three were engaged in
wild romp upon the green turf.
We hardly need add that the same autumn
witnessed a right merry wedding at the old
mansion OF farmer Gray.
The ST. Paul Minnesoti1n says that physI-
clan in that place asserts that 5000 babies