Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-04-11
FRIGHTENING A LOVER.
OR THE sTRoNG-NINDED WOMAN.

FRIGHTENING A LOVER.
OR THE STRONG MINDED WOMAN.
"You have heard me speak of Stephen Jer-
kins. Matilda
"Yes, uncle.''
"Well--another cup Of tea if you please-he
is coming here tomorrow on u weeks visit"
"You don't mean SO, uncle," exclaimed
Matilda.
ssAnd why don't I, Miss Matilda There is
nothing to summon such look of consteIna-
tion to your face.''
"Because, if ne shouldn't happen to be a.
greeable-''
"Ot course he is agreeable. At all events
il Is desirable for you to find him so, since he
is your prospective husband.''
"My prospective husband What can you
mean, uncle 20 inquired Matilda, opening her
eyes in amaZement.
s'I thought you understood it. Your es-
tates join, and it is eminently proper, there
fore, that you should unite them by marriage -
ga very good reason, certainly said Ma
tilda, with curl of her lip. SIT makes little
difference, suppose, whether our dispositions
compatible or not"
''Oh, they will easily adjust themselves af-
ter marriage, and then the two will make such
a handsome estate.'
"Suppose shouldn't fancy him we'll enough
to accept his proposals: uncle 70 asked Matil-
aa, demurely.
eff you should dream of such thing as re-
fusal should disinherit you. You aware,
/ suppose, that all your property comes from
me, and that can, at any time, recall it.''
''That would be pity, certainly said Ma
tilda, in lively strain, ssfor should have to
take in washing, something of that kind, to
support myself, and | have such an appetite!''
Mr.. Parker smiled in spite of HIMSELF and
evidently looked upon his niece as one who
would readily yield to his expressed will.
"One question more, uncle. Suppose he
shouldn't happen to fancy your humble niece,
and conclude to pay his addresses elsewhere"
81 would never speak to the puppy again.
.'And you wouldn't disinherit me then, un-
''Of course not you gypsy. 1t wouldn't be
your fault.''
alt would be very mortifying to have him
reject me-" said Matilda, demurely. sis
there anything he particularly dislikes in a
woman, do you know 20
s'I once heard him say he couldn't bear
literary woman." said her uncle, after some
reflection. ssAll sorts of strong minded wo-
men are his aversion. But then you know,
Matte, you are not strong minded %
"Thank you, uncle, very much. That is as
much as to say am weak minded
ssNo such thing, you gipSy.' But there's
one thing more / have to tell you, and that
is, that shall not be here to entertain Mr..
Jenkins. / am called away to New York by
business, which will detan me the length of
his stay. So you will have to entertain him
yourself. Mind and play your cards well, and
shall expect to find the marriage day fixed
when return.''
s'Oh, dear, what shall ever do with the
horrid man for whole week ?''
81 dare say You will be dead in love with
him by the time get back. You may re.
member me to him when he arrives, and tell
him how much regret not being here to vel
come him.
eyes, uncle, I'll remember
That night Matilda kept awake for some
time, concocting plan by which she might
offend the prejudices of the expected visitor,
anu throw the burden of refusal upon him
for she well knew, that if he once proposed,
her nncle would be seriously angry if she re-
jected him, and very possibly would carry out
the threat to which he had given utterance.
1t was about twelve O'Clock the next day
that tall young man, of serious aspect. as
cended Mr.. Parker's front steps and rang the
bell
He was ushered into the drawing room.
where, after waiting about half an hour, he
was joined by Matilda.
The young lady was by no means looking
her best. Her hair was loosely arranged, her
collar was awry, and there was a very percep-
tible stain of ink upon her fingers.
"Mr. Jenkins, presume" she remarked.
The gentleman bowed, and looked curious
ly at his entertainer.
"And, presume, am addressing Miss
Parker"
Our heroine inclined her head in the affirma-
tive.
nope your respected uncle is well,'' said
stephen Jenkins, in the measured tones of
young man Who was old beyond his years.
wouldn't marry such stiff old poke for
tne world" was the not over complimentary
rejection of Matilda.
"My uncle regrets very much not being able
10 meet you,~ she said, in answer to his ques-
ton, "bnt he is called to New York bv bust
ness. trust, however, that shall be able to
entertain you."
ssThat do not doubt" said the visitor.
with a slow attempt at gallantry.
81 am inclined to think he will, before he
goes" thought Matilda
Looking at her fingers she remarked, COM
posedfy, as il she, for the first time, observed
.ne stain OF ink, 81 hope you will excuse the
appearance of my fingers, but have been
writing all the morning, and 1 couldn't remove
all traces of the ink.'' 2
said Stephen.