Juliet signal., 1861-07-02
FRIGHTENING A LOVER,
Or
THE STRONG MINDED WOMAN.
BY CAROLINE F. PORTER.

"You have heard me speak of Stephen
jenkins, Matilda"
"Yes uncle"
"WeIl-another cup of tea, if you please
he is coming here tomorrow, on weeks
visit"
''You don't mean so uncle?" exclaimed
Matilda.
"And why don't I, Miss Matilda? There
is nothing to summon such look Of con-
sternation to your face"
But. il lie shouldn't happen to be agree
able"
"Ofcourse be is agreeable. At all events
it is desirable for you to fnd him so, since
he is your prospective husband"
"My prospective husband! What can
you mean, unele?" inquired Matilda, open
ing her eyes in amazement.
Il thought you understood it, Your es.
tates join, ana it is therefore emInently
proper that you should unite them by mar
riage."
Matilda, with curl Of the lip. 1T makes
dispositions are comparable or not"
80. they will easily adjust themselves
after marriage, and then the two will make
such a handsome estate"
Suppose l shouldn't fancy him we'll
enough to accept his proposals, uncle ~
asked Matilda, demurely.
If you should dream of such thing as
refusal, I should disinherit you. You are
aware, suppose, that all your property
comes from me, and that can at any time
recall it,"
"That would be pity, certainly" said
hok 4
have to take in washing or something of
that kind, to support myself, and l have
such an appetite ~
MIR. Parker smiled ia spite of himself,
and evidently looked upon his niece as one
who would readily yield to his expressed
will
lone question more, uncle. Suppose he
shouldn't happen to fancy your humble
neice, and conclude to pay his addresses
elsewhere ?"
Il would never speak to the puppy
again"
And you wouldn't disinherit me then,
uncle 3''
''of course not, you gypsy. Itwould not
| be your fault"
alt would be very mortifying to have
him reject me-" said Matilda, demurely.-
"Is there anything he particularly dishkes
in a woman, do you know?"
81 once heard him say he could not bear
literary waman," said her uncle, after
come reflection. "All sorts Of strong mind
ed women are his aversion. But then yoU
know, Matte, you are not strong minded.
"That is as much as to say l am veal
minded"
mo such thing, you gipsy. But there
one thing more have to tell you, and tina
is, that shall not be here to entertain Mr.
jenkins. am called away to New Y0rE
by business, which will detain me the ful
length of his stay. So you will have t.
entertain him and be hospitable to hin
yourself Mind and play your cards well
and shall expect to ind the marriage dsy
Fixed when l return"
90 dear, what shall I do with the horrit
man for a whole week ?"
81 dare say you will be dead in low
with him by the time | get back. You
may remember me to him when he arrive
and tell him how much regret not beinI
here to welcome him"
eyes, uncle, I'll remember"
That night Matilda kept awake for som
time connecting plan by which she nigh
offend the prejudices of the expected visi
tor, and throw the burden Of a refusal up
on him. For she well knew that if he ono
} proposed, her uncle would be seriously an
cry if she rejected HIM, and very possibly
! would carry out the threat to which he har
given utterance.
1t was about twelve o'clock the next day
that a tall young man Of serious aspect, as
cended Mr.. Parker's front steps, and ran
the bell.
He was ushered into the drawIng-room
where, after waiting about half an hour b
was Joined by Matilda
The young lady was by TO means look
ing her best He hair was loosely arrang
ed, her collar was awry, and there was
very precepitable stain of ink upon he
fingers.
MIR Jenkins, presume" she remark
ed.
The gentleman bowed, and looked curl
ouslv at his entertainer.
And, / presume, l am addressing Mis-
Parker"
Our heroine inclined her head in the al
frmative.
II hope your respected uncle is well,
said Stephen jenkins, in the measured ton
OF young man who was old beyond hi
years.
81 wouldn't marry such stiff old pok,
for the world" was the not over compli-
mentary reflection Of Matilda.
my uncle regrets very much not beinj